7 Tips for Importing a Motorcycle to the USA

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you might have dreamed of owning a rare or exotic bike from another country. However, importing a motorcycle to the USA is not as simple as buying one online and having it shipped to your door. There are many rules and regulations that you need to follow to ensure that your bike is legal and safe to ride in the US. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process of importing a motorcycle to the USA.

1. Check the eligibility of your bike

Not all motorcycles are allowed to enter the US market, especially if they do not meet the safety and emission standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can check the eligibility of your bike by visiting the websites of these agencies and looking for the list of approved motorcycles or the requirements for importing nonconforming vehicles. You can also contact the manufacturer of your bike and ask for a letter of compliance that certifies that your bike meets the US standards.

2. Hire a registered importer

If your bike is not eligible for importation, you will need to hire a registered importer (RI) who can modify your bike to make it compliant with the US standards. An RI is a business that is authorized by the DOT to import and modify nonconforming vehicles. You can find a list of RIs on the DOT website. The RI will charge you a fee for their services and will also handle the paperwork and inspection of your bike.

3. Pay the duties and taxes

When you import a motorcycle to the USA, you will have to pay customs duties and taxes based on the value of your bike. The duty rate for motorcycles is generally 2.4%, but it may vary depending on the country of origin and the type of bike. You will also have to pay a federal excise tax of 10% if your bike has an engine size of more than 700 cc. Additionally, you may have to pay state and local taxes depending on where you live.

4. Obtain an entry bond

An entry bond is a security deposit that guarantees that you will comply with all the importation requirements and pay all the fees and taxes. The amount of the bond is usually 10% of the value of your bike, but it may vary depending on the type and condition of your bike. You can obtain an entry bond from a customs broker or an insurance company.

5. Submit the required documents

You will need to submit several documents to prove that you are the legal owner of your bike and that it meets all the importation requirements. Some of the documents that you will need are:

A bill of sale or invoice that shows the purchase price and date of your bike
A certificate of title or registration that shows the ownership and origin of your bike
A bill of lading or air waybill that shows the shipment details of your bike
A DOT form HS-7 that declares the compliance status of your bike
An EPA form 3520-1 that declares the emission status of your bike
A letter of compliance from the manufacturer or an RI that certifies that your bike meets the US standards
A copy of your entry bond

6. Clear customs and inspection

Once you have submitted all the required documents, you will need to clear customs and inspection at the port of entry where your bike arrives. You will have to present your documents to a customs officer who will verify them and collect any duties and taxes that you owe. You will also have to present your bike to a DOT inspector who will check if it meets all the safety standards. If everything is in order, you will receive a customs release and a DOT sticker that allows you to register and operate your bike in the US.

7. Register and insure your bike

The final step is to register and insure your bike in your state of residence. You will need to bring your customs release, DOT sticker, title, bill of sale, and any other documents required by your state DMV to register your bike. You will also need to obtain an insurance policy that covers your bike in case of accidents or damages.

Importing a motorcycle to the USA can be a rewarding experience if you follow these tips and prepare well in advance. However, it can also be a costly and time-consuming process, so make sure that you do your research and weigh all the pros and cons before deciding to import a motorcycle to the USA.

Importing Motorcycle to USA: Trends and Opportunities

The motorcycle industry in the United States is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. According to Statista, the revenue of the motorcycle market in the U.S. was estimated at 8.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, and is expected to grow to 9.2 billion by 2027. The U.S. also has the highest number of motorcycle registrations among all countries, with about 8.6 million on-road motorcycles in use as of March 2021. However, not all of these motorcycles are manufactured domestically. Many enthusiasts and collectors choose to import motorcycles from foreign countries for various reasons, such as lower prices, higher quality, or unique models.

How to Import a Motorcycle to the USA

Importing a motorcycle to the USA is not a simple process. It involves complying with various regulations and requirements from different agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These agencies have very detailed and strict standards that must be met before a motorcycle can be legally imported, registered, used, or sold in the U.S.

The first step is to ensure that the motorcycle conforms to the EPA and DOT regulations, which cover emission and safety aspects respectively. The EPA advises importers of motorcycles to obtain a letter or certificate from the manufacturer stating that it conforms to U.S. standards. If the motorcycle does not conform, it must be brought into compliance by modifying or replacing parts before it can clear CBP. The DOT also enforces safety standards for vehicles and their parts, and nonconforming vehicles must be brought into conformance before they are eligible for entry.

The second step is to file an entry with CBP, which involves submitting various forms and documents, such as the EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7, CBP Entry Summary Form 7501, proof of ownership, and proof of payment. The importer will also be required to pay up to 2.4% duty based on the purchase price or blue book value of the motorcycle. The CBP will inspect the motorcycle and verify its compliance with all regulations before releasing it.

The third step is to register the motorcycle in the state where it will be used. This may require additional inspections, fees, taxes, and insurance depending on the state laws. The importer will need to provide all the forms and documents obtained from CBP and other agencies to prove that the motorcycle is legal and safe for use on U.S. roads.

Why Import a Motorcycle to the USA

Despite the complexity and cost of importing a motorcycle to the USA, there are many benefits and opportunities for doing so. One of the main reasons is to access a wider range of models and brands that are not available or rare in the U.S. market. For example, some European or Asian manufacturers may offer motorcycles that have better performance, design, or features than their American counterparts. Some importers may also seek vintage or classic motorcycles that have historical or sentimental value.

Another reason is to save money or make a profit from importing motorcycles. Depending on the exchange rate, import fees, and market demand, some motorcycles may be cheaper or more valuable in foreign countries than in the U.S. For example, some older motorcycles may qualify for a lower VAT rate of 6% if they are imported from certain countries. Some importers may also take advantage of arbitrage opportunities by buying low and selling high in different markets.

A third reason is to enjoy a hobby or passion for motorcycles. Importing motorcycles can be a fun and rewarding experience for enthusiasts who love to explore new cultures, learn new skills, or customize their own vehicles. Importing motorcycles can also create a sense of community and connection among like-minded people who share their interests and experiences.

Importing a motorcycle to the USA is a complex but feasible process that offers many benefits and opportunities for importers. However, it also requires careful planning, research, and compliance with various regulations and requirements from different agencies. Importers should consult with experts and professionals before importing a motorcycle to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

References:

https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/2020pr/ft900_2012.pdf

https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-trade-deficit-likely-widened-in-april-amid-coronavirus-disruptions-11591268401

https://www.statista.com/topics/1305/motorcycles-in-the-us/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1343460/on-road-motorcycle-registrations-by-type-united-states/
https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-297?language=en_US
https://www.marlog-car-handling.com/importing-motorcycles-to-usa/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle

https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car