TEMPORARY IMPORTATIONS
11-99

As a general rule all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with the FMVSS by a Registered Importer. The following temporary importations are exempt from this requirement and do not have to be modified to conform to the FMVSS. A form HS-7 (available at ports of entry) must be completed.

NONRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

A vehicle registered in another country may be imported for personal use for a period not to exceed one year. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported within one year from the date of entry. Your passport number and country of issue are required on the HS-7 form. Use Box 5 on HS-7 form.

DIPLOMAT OR MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION DESIGNATED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IMMUNITIES ACT

A vehicle may be imported for personal use during your tour of duty. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported at the end of the tour of duty. The vehicle must be registered through the State Department. A copy of your orders must be attached to the HS-7 form. Use Box 6 on HS-7 form.

MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY

A vehicle may be imported for personal use during your tour of duty. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported at the end of the tour of duty. A copy of your orders must be attached to the HS-7 form. Use Box 12 on HS-7 form.

RESEARCH, INVESTIGATION, DEMONSTRATION, TRAINING, OR RACING

A vehicle may be imported for research, investigation, demonstration, or racing. Unless the importer is a manufacturer which certifies vehicles in the U.S., the importer must obtain prior approval from NHTSA. Contact Mr. George Entwistle at 202-366-5306 for details.

Attach a copy of the NHTSA permission letter and the importer's substantiating statement to the HS-7 form. Use Box 7 on HS-7 form.

INTENDED FOR EXPORT

Vehicles or regulated equipment intended solely for export must be labeled or tagged on the outside of the container or vehicle that they are for export. This type of entry may used to temporarily import a vehicle for repair. Use Box 4 on the HS-7 form.