Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Cancer
    • Chemicals, Toxics, and Pesticide
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Radon
    • Research
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • Our Mission and What We Do
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Labs and Research Centers
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Organization Chart
    • EPA History

Importing Vehicles and Engines into the United States

  • Importing Vehicles and Engines

    Publications and Forms for Importing Vehicles and Engines.

  • Certification Guidance

    Guidance for manufacturers, Independent Commercial Importers, and alternative fuel converters.

  • Imports Declarations Forms

    See the forms needed for the importation of vehicles and engines.

Related Information
  • Procedures for importing
  • Certification guidance for manufacturers, ICIs, and alternative fuel converters
  • Import declaration forms: including 3520-1, 3520-21.
 

This site describes EPA emission regulations and requirements for importing into the United States:

  • motor vehicles
  • motor vehicle engines
  • heavy-duty on-highway engines
  • recreational vehicles (dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, offroad utility vehicles, and snowmobiles)
  • nonroad engines (generators, watercraft, and lawn and garden equipment)

The following links provide detailed information on EPA’s importation regulations and requirements:

  • Learn About Importing Vehicles and Engines
  • Publications and Forms
  • Importing Canadian Vehicles
  • Marine Engine and Vessel Program Applicability
  • Information for Independent Commercial Importers (ICIs)
  • Certification Guidance
  • Exporting United States Vehicles and Engines

     
Additional Information

In addition to EPA requirements, importers must also consider the requirements and regulations of these other agencies:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- U.S. residents
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection -- trade and security requirements

Short-term travelers to the U.S. from Canada or Mexico:

  • May operate their own personal vehicles in the U.S. during their visit.
  • Such vehicles are not subject to EPA emission standards and other requirements. Residents of Canada or Mexico or any other country who wish to bring their vehicles into the U.S. for extended periods of time should refer to Section 2.2.5 -- Temporary Vehicle Imports for Nonresidents found in Procedures for Importing Vehicles and Engines into the United States (pdf) (EPA-420-B-10-027, July 2010, (68 pp, 32MB)).
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 10, 2025
  • Assistance
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (simplified)
  • Chinese (traditional)
  • French
  • Haitian Creole
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Tagalog
  • Vietnamese
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions
  • Site Feedback

Follow.