Shipping a Car from Africa

> International Car Shipping > Africa > Shipping a Car from Africa

Meeting Emissions Standards

When shipping a car from Africa, your first concern really should be about emissions standards. All cars that are shipped into the U.S. are subject to emissions testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or one of its agents. When you car arrives at a US port, it will be subject to a series of tests that can last for up to 14 hours. The cost of such testing is $1,000, which the importer will be expected to pay when they ship a car from Africa.

Complying with NHTSA Safety Requirements

In addition, when you import a car from Africa, it will be subject to a safety inspection by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The US allows you to import a car for personal use if it is 25 years old or less. However, the vehicle manufacturer will have to certify that your specific meets all federal vehicle safety requirements for restraints, bumpers, headlights and other safety features.

Rules for Non-Conforming Vehicles

If you car does not meet these requirements, you will still be allowed to import it as a non-conforming vehicle. However, you will be required to pay a bond amount totaling 150 percent of the value of the vehicle. This bond is in addition to the customs duties you will pay. You will then need to work with a Registered Importer (RI) to bring your car into compliance with US safety standards. If you don’t do it by a deadline, you forfeit your bond.

Import Duties

In general, when you ship a car from Africa, you can expect to pay an import duty of 2.5 percent of the value of the vehicle. This tariff applies regardless of whether you car is new or used, or if it is meant for personal or commercial use.

Other Items to Consider

Here are a few other items you need to keep in mind when shipping a car from Africa.

• The cost of bringing you car into compliance with U.S safety and emissions standards can be very high, so make sure that the car is truly worth importing.
• You will have to clear your car through US customs. Make sure to have the shipper’s bill of lading, foreign registration, title and original bill of sale. Ask your shipping company to let you know when your car will arrive at its destination so you can be prepared.
• You can use an Independent Commercial Importer to legally bring your car to the US. They will take care of all the customs formalities, as well as safety and emissions requirements. However, such services can be extremely expensive to use.

Importing a car from Africa can be a confusing, complicated and costly process, so carefully evaluate any decision to import a car and decide if it really is worth the effort.