Need U.S. Customs Help; Importing a Cobra

[victord]

I live in South Florida and the two ports of entry are Miami and Port Everglades. I need a customs agent or ICI to help me with all the paperwork and to advise me. I don't even know if it is possible. The car was manufactured and is coming from Venezuela South America. It's a turn-key complete Cobra replica built in 2000.

Or if anyone has information or advice on importation of a kit-car please let me know.

Regards,
Victor D.

[mrmustang]

Start by reading the following web page HERE

Then the official US government MS Word document HERE

[STG]

It may be a whole lot easier if you left the engine and transmission in South America.

[427 S/O]

You need to contact a local customs broker, customs agents or now known as, border protection agents are not in the business of importing, their business is inspecting your imports. mmrmustang is right, importing a shell might be easier, a local broker will explain all the details.

[jaminFE]

Victor,

427 S/O is correct ... finding a local broker is the best course of action. You should be able to find out some information at the following url:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Scroll down on the left side menu and choose "International Activities". Here you should find information that will explain the importation process and provide a list of importers.

The DOT can be contacted at the following telephone number: (202) 366-0123, the EPA at (202) 564-9660. They can assist you with identifying an importer near the port where you intend to bring the vehicle into the United States.

According to U.S. Customs, EPA, and DOT regulations, a possible non-conforming vehicle must be imported through a certified independent Commercial Importer (ICI), responsible for the emission compliance, and a Registered Importer (RI), responsible for the safety compliance of the vehicle. The ICI and RI should be able to answer your questions with regard to the necessary process for importation. Additionally, if your state has a vehicle registration inspection, some modifications may be required to pass the inspection. Note, most vehicles 25 years or older are usually not subject to importation restrictions.

Hope this is helpful ...
John

Please note: I'm recently a new member to CC ... but have been reading and following posts for the past year. Will be moving back to the US within the next year or so and then start the ball rolling on my Cobra build. This will be an ERA 427 S/C ... Aluminum FE

This is an Excellent Site!!!

[427 S/O]

I might add, I'm a customs broker for menlo worldwide trade services in Atlanta. We have an office in Miami and they will be glad to answer any question you have. Should you decide to contact menlo tell them we communicated on this.

Perry Henry

[Alex Donghi]

Victor
From the link on Mrmustangs post you need to ship as a part aka like a superformance no engine or trans. You could probably ship that separatly later.
Hope it was a GOOD deal

[victord]

I didn't buy the Cobra. I had a reserved flight to see it, and I didn't even go. Having to remove the transmission and engine defeats the advantage of getting a great price. Incidentally, the customs website talks about fining people that intentionally remove the engine and transmission to ship separately and reinstall. It is a crime according to them. The price for the car is phenomenal, $5000 plus $1000 to ship it, but it'll cost additional to remove the powertrain, ship it, and reinstall it. Now I'm probably up around $10000. Still a good deal but not worth the risk anymore.

Thanks to all for their input.

Victor