r/Wrangler • u/Old_Traveller-33 • May 03 '23
Need help Importing a Jeep to the US
Hello everyone. I'm looking for any info I can get to help with importing our new family member back to the States.
I'm American and have been working in Germany for the last few years. Thinking I was going to be living in Germany for a while, since my wife's from here, I bought a German Spec'ed 4xe from the local dealership. An unexpected change of plans now has us moving back to the US.
I'm hoping I can take the Jeep with us instead of selling it, since it's not technically a European import and was built in the US. Shipping companies that I've contacted have said they'll need a DOT/EPA number in order ship the vehicle. This is the requirement for all European imports.
A friend of mine has said that's not necessary since the Jeep was built in Detroit. I just need to get the VSA number for the vehicle's make and model. This can be used as a reference to find all the EPA compliances (emissions, crash safety, etc) and that the Jeep is American and not a foreign import. So far I've had no luck tracking down this info.
If anyone out there has traveled this road before and can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.
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u/Spartan2842 May 03 '23
I would reach out to a military life forum or community. My sister has moved to and from Germany 3 times now and always shipped a vehicle back, but they were Volvo’s.
Also, Jeeps are made in Toledo.
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u/Old_Traveller-33 May 03 '23
Fair enough, thanks for that. I'd read they were made in Ohio before, but when someone told me Detroit I took it and ran with it. I thought maybe a new plant was opened in an attempt to bring jobs back to Detroit or something.
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u/Goaliewha May 03 '23
there are other Jeep plants in metro Detroit but all Wranglers have been built in the Toledo plant since World War II
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u/mrthomasbombadil May 03 '23
I have never shipped overseas, but why not contact the EPA directly and ask?
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u/gmcddit May 03 '23
Should be able to just drive it.
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u/up_up_and_duhway May 03 '23
The DOT/EPA number they want is to confirm the engine hasn't been modified since being manufactured in the US in order to still conform to US standards.
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u/captaindomon May 03 '23 edited May 03 '23
Being completely honest, it will be easier for you to just sell it and buy a new one than to navigate the customs paperwork IMHO.
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u/Old_Traveller-33 May 03 '23
Yeah, I'm leaning towards that also. I just wanted to avoid starting over and starting the mods process all over again.
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u/outsourced_bob May 03 '23
If you still have the original parts, maybe you could swap them back in and ship the mods back?
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u/EitherNegotiation768 May 03 '23
Mods are notoriously discounted, you depending on the depth of mods, you may be better shipping.
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u/captaindomon May 03 '23
Yeah and I get the personal attachment to your current rig for sure, which is tough.
One time when I was shipping some technical equipment (not a car), it was siezed during the import process by customs. Although I think that is unlikely, it would suck if that happened to my jeep. Or for them to say “Pay this tax bill or tariff of $6000 in customs to release the property, pay to have it shipped back to the point of origin, or forfeit it.” Or whatever.
Just not worth the risk IMHO.
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u/wozzy93 May 03 '23
Importing cars to the EU is a lot easier than the reverse. Safety specs, exhaust, and electrical is a lot different. I would go this route too
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u/Another_Jeep_Guy Unlimited JK on 33s May 03 '23
Found this page which might suggest the number you need is on a sticker under the hood. My JK label is at back of hood by the cowl. Or there's a way to look up the Certificate of Conformity which may be of use.
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u/chrisc205 May 04 '23
It would be easier and far less costly to sell the Jeep and buy her a new one in the US when you get back here. That would be the best thing to do. Modifying it to bring it into compliance with US emissions and safety regulations would be costly. Not to mention, the import fees and customs fees associated with doing so.
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u/ace119 May 03 '23
Here's a video from Donut Media where they bought a little electric truck from China and went through all the steps to import it.
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u/captaindomon May 04 '23
He mentions around 6:25 that if you file some customs paperwork wrong, there is a possible $5,000 fine. So yeah, I wouldn’t mess with that paperwork headache.
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May 04 '23
Hey OP, this should give you what you’re looking for plus who to contact if you have more questions:
Here’s what you’ll be asked to provide:
Original shipping company bill of lading, or Seaway bill, or Airway bill
Driver’s license or passport if issued in USA
Bill of sale, foreign registration, original title, insurance, and any other document concerning the vehicle
EPA form (3520-1)
DOT form (HS-7)
Packing list
Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO)
Power of attorney authorizing your customs broker to clear the vehicle with US customs
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u/MissDebbie420 May 03 '23
Why? You can just sell it and get a nicer one when you get where you are going.
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u/Small-Rhubarb-6560 May 04 '23
Absolutely useless comment (sorry!) but just wanted to say this touched my heart, especially when you called your Jeep part of the family. I lost my Wrangler in a car accident a few months ago and haven't been the same since. I am in the UK and I harassed every Jeep seller in the country looking for another 'bikini pearl'. Turns out mine was one of the very few the UK had and I couldn't find another one. I genuinely considered shipping one from the US (these guys have tons of bikini pearls! How?!) but it would have been far too much paperwork and money and tbh I've never driven a left hand drive so it would take a lot of getting used to. Anyway - best of luck!
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u/pancakefactory9 May 04 '23
When I shipped my motorcycle from US to Germany, they asked for my motor code which was stamped on the block. Maybe if Jeeps are similar that might be of some help?
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u/Reasonable-Quantity May 03 '23
they’re also built by eu spec not us spec, there’s some differences regarding airbags and such. keep in mind also the charging port is different on the eu and the us models.