EPA. DOT. CBP. We Handle All Three.
BorderTek coordinates the full US vehicle import compliance process — EPA Form 3520-1, DOT HS-7, 25-year rule assessment, recall checks, bonding, and CBP entry — so your vehicle clears without surprises.
Classic JDM, Canadian-spec, EU grey market, right-hand drive — we know the compliance path for each one.
Coordinated by BorderTek · Partner Agency on File
Every Vehicle Class, Covered
From classic JDM iron to modern Canadian-spec trucks — each vehicle type has its own compliance path. We know all of them.
Passenger Vehicles
Cars, sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes — from daily drivers to collectibles entering the US market.
Trucks & SUVs
Full-size trucks, pickup conversions, and SUVs — including grey market models not sold in the US.
Motorcycles
Street bikes, ADV motorcycles, and sidecars — EPA/DOT compliance coordinated for all engine classes.
Classic & Antique
Pre-1968 vehicles and 25-year-rule eligible models — streamlined entry with simplified EPA/DOT requirements.
Right-Hand Drive
JDM, UK, and Australian spec vehicles — admissibility assessed, DOT/EPA coordination handled.
Commercial Vehicles
Vans, light commercial, and specialty work vehicles — entry, bonding, and recall clearance coordinated.
Three Routes Into the US
Age, origin, and intended use all determine which compliance path applies. We assess the right route before you ship so there are no surprises at the port.
25-Year Rule
Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago are exempt from EPA emissions standards and DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Entry is significantly simpler — no ICI/RI involvement, no conformance bonds.
- ▸EPA 3520-1 filed as exempt
- ▸HS-7 filed as pre-safety standard
- ▸No conformance modifications required
- ▸Eligible for immediate US title
Manufacturer's Letter of Conformity
If the manufacturer certifies the vehicle meets US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, a personal-use importer can bring the vehicle in without age restrictions and without going through a Registered Importer (RI) or ICI.
- ▸No 25-year age requirement
- ▸No RI or ICI involvement
- ▸Manufacturer certifies US FMVSS & EPA compliance
- ▸Available for personal use only
- ▸Common with Canadian-spec vehicles
Non-Conforming Vehicle
Vehicles under 25 years old that do not meet US EPA or DOT standards must be imported through a Registered Importer (RI) and brought into conformance. This involves a conformance bond and modification timeline.
- ▸Registered Importer (RI) required
- ▸Conformance bond posted with CBP
- ▸EPA/DOT modifications completed
- ▸Bond released after certification
Three Paths In.
We Know All of Them.
Vehicle imports involve more agencies than any other customs category — CBP, EPA, DOT, and NHTSA all have a hand in the process. Missing one form, checking the wrong box, or missing a recall hold can delay your vehicle for weeks.
BorderTek coordinates every compliance requirement before your vehicle ships — so you're not discovering problems at the port.
Get a Vehicle Import QuoteAssessment to Title Transfer
Documentation Prep
Foreign title, EPA Form 3520-1, HS-7 declaration, recall check, and bond coordination — all prepared before arrival at the US port.
CBP Entry & Release
Entry filed, CBP review completed, duties paid. For non-conforming vehicles, the RI process and conformance bond are coordinated through our partner network.
Title Transfer
Customs release letter, odometer disclosure, and import documentation packaged for clean US title transfer at your state DMV.
Common Questions
Import Your Vehicle Without the Compliance Stress
BorderTek coordinates EPA, DOT, and CBP compliance from pre-shipment assessment to title transfer — so your vehicle arrives ready to register.