Does anyone have experience of temporary import of a race vehicle into USA?
I have a streamliner project that may be ready to run at Bonneville within 2 years.
With the rain-offs the last 2 years and the expenses disasters for overseas competitors, particularly for the bunch of Brits, I have had a brief look at the prospects of greater flexibility of temporary import. This appears to be possible for up to 3 years, renewable annually, without import duty or 5 years with duty which looks like a few percent of vehicle value. Or you could do 'permanent' import which presumably might allow transit to/from country of origin without further duties?
I figured temporary import before Speed Week shakedown. Mods and changes in USA, prospect of other meets and if proved capable enter the Shootout for an FIA record.
Depending how that goes the vehicle could return to UK or stay in the USA with some kindly person! And so on.......
How would the carnet system connect with this - or would it be unnecessary?
What about spares such as engine, transmission, tools, tow dolly, trailer or a self-owned container? Can same apply to the whole shebang?
Can a special dispensation be obtained that is very flexible?
Do you know a good contact to get the right answers?
Here are a web ref. and three extracts I found on the internet. These are only relevant to 'racing vehicles' that were never based on a road legal vehicle:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/Racing/Racing.htmlThe following sets forth the requirements for a vehicle to be imported as a racing vehicle. A vehicle that was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can be declared as an off-road vehicle under Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration form that is to be furnished to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Customs) at time of importation. Such a vehicle can be permanently imported into the United States. A motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can only be imported on a temporary basis under Box 7 on the HS-7 Declaration form. The importer must obtain a letter of permission from NHTSA to import a vehicle on that basis. To obtain such a letter, the vehicle must be in full racing configuration at the time of importation and lack features associated with safe and practical public road use. Determinations are based on the capability of the vehicle to be used on public roads, not its intended use. Permission to import a motor vehicle temporarily is granted in annual increments for up to three years if duty is not paid, or for up to five years if duty is paid. No later than 30 days after the expiration of the period for which permission is granted, the vehicle must be either exported from the United States or destroyed.
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RESTRICTION FOR REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
A racing vehicle may not be registered or licensed for on-road use. A vehicle allowed entry for racing purposes cannot subsequently be converted for use on public roads.
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Cars Imported for Other Purposes
Nonresidents may import an automobile or motorcycle and its usual equipment free of duty for a temporary stay to take part in races or other specific purposes. However, prior written approval from the EPA is required and such approval is granted only to those racing vehicles that EPA deems not capable of safe or practical use on streets and highways. If the contests are for other than money purposes, the vehicle may be admitted for 90 days without formal entry or bond if the CBP officer is satisfied as to the importer's identify and good faith. The vehicle becomes subject to forfeiture if it is not exported or if a bond is not given within 90 days of its importation. Prior written approval must be obtained from DOT. A vehicle may be temporarily imported for testing, demonstration, or racing purposes. A vehicle may be permanently imported for show or display. Written approval from DOT is required and should be obtained before the vehicle is exported from the foreign country to the U.S. Information on how to import a vehicle under show or display is available at DOT's NHTSA Vehicle Importation Regulations website. A vehicle permanently imported for show and display must comply with all U.S. emission requirements as well, and in general must be imported through an EPA-authorized ICI for modification and testing. EPA will not allow the vehicle to be released to its owner until ICI work is complete.
Any comments, advice and contacts welcomed.
Richard
