Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Temp import to USA - EPA approval letter Temp import to USA - EPA approval letter
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 15 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Germany
Posts: 29
To whom it may concern - all details are still valid!
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 16 May 2016
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by garrydymond View Post
I wonder how this applies to ...Canadian registered vehicles.
If the vehicle in question was originally sold in Canada (in other words, if it complies with Canadian emission standards), then it is exempt from this US EPA requirement.

On the EPA form (the 3520-1 form), there are boxes to check at the bottom of the form if it is a Canadian vehicle that complies with Canadian safety and emission standards.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 4 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Posts: 21
EPA approval obligations- departing USA overland
We are about to fly our bikes from Bogota to Miami. From there, we will ride around the US/Alaska and Canada, until it gets too cold, before going south to Mexico and Central America.

We applied for our EPA clearance letter 2 weeks ago - not yet received. One of the EPA conditions on entry to the US is that "the Vehicle must be exported after one year, or upon the nonresident departing the U.S., whichever comes first." Sanction for non-compliance is a fine of up to $45k and/or confiscation. We may need to fly briefly to Europe for family reasons are keen to remove this sanction possibility for obvious reasons.

Does anyone know whether by riding across the Canadian border, we are treated as "departing the US" for EPA purposes? The reason I ask is that, if you enter the US under an ESTA giving you 90 days, US Immigration doesn't stop the 90 day clock if you cross into Canada/Mexico. Prevents visa runs I guess.

Sorry - convoluted question.
Thanks for reading.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 4 Jun 2017
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
No, they don't count that. They like you to leave the continent.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 4 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 31
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceP View Post
No, they don't count that. They like you to leave the continent.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Not the continent, just North America. A run to Belize would reset the clock for example.
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 4 Jun 2017
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
For the visa, yes, but not the EPA. They like to see proof of exit. In 2011 I sent them the ferry receipt from France to England. That seemed to satisfy them :-)

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 4 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 31
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceP View Post
For the visa, yes, but not the EPA. They like to see proof of exit. In 2011 I sent them the ferry receipt from France to England. That seemed to satisfy them :-)
Fair enough.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 5 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Posts: 21
EPA approval obligations - departing USA overland
Thanks for the replies - much appreciated.

I am aware of the immigration rules around ESTA's and contiguous countries. We have B1-B2 visas so not concerned about either my wife or I from an immigration perspective.

My question is about the bikes not the riders. What do we need to do with them to satisfy the EPA requirement for them "to leave the USA"? Will Canada/Mexico suffice or do we need to go to Belize/Guatemala? If it's the latter, we would not fly to the US. We would ride from Panama and enter the US overland from Mexico (when illogically the same EPA rules are not applied).

Our plan is to go to Canada/Alaska from Miami. At worst interpretation, the EPA rules could effectively "imprison" us in North America until we reach Guatamala/Belize. Not an attractive proposition if you need to fly home unexpectedly!
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 23 Jan 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Changes
Hi!

This is Rossi from Germany.

Are there any changes depending on this EPA forms.

We will cross the border from Mexiko to USA on our own bikes next year and I`m not shure if we have to apply this forms before we start our journey...

Best, Rossi
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 24 Jan 2019
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
It's EXTREMELY UNLIKELY you will be asked for the EPA permit coming from Mexico - BUT I would go ahead and get it anyway as it's FREE and COULD save a lot of hassle if you get a border control guy on a bad day.
Better safe and well documented than sorry.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 25 Jan 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Thanks
Thanks a lot for this information Grant Johnson - So I will try to fill in the form ;-)

Best, Rossi
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 28 Jan 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cologne / Germany
Posts: 9
Today I heard from the EPA Exemption, are there any forms online? I haven't found any on the EPA Site or should I just write a brief letter with my project to imports@epa.gov. They probably have a lot to do now after the Shutdown. Have 5 months to have everything together. I've also read something about the 7500 miles on the ODOmeter, you do not need this EPA exemption, or is it just for US citizens?
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 28 Jan 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 3
On the following page you can find some informations in german language and how to get in contact with EPA

https://www.aroundpanamericana.de/motorrad/dokumente/

Best & Grüße,

Rossi
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 28 Jan 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cologne / Germany
Posts: 9
Outstanding!!!

Thx a lot Rossi, already wrote a mail to the EPA yesterday, perfect.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 6 Aug 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 50
I just entered the USA from Mexico, didn’t need the EPA (although I had it).

the EPA exemption is basically just for the TIP (temporary import paper).
But you only need the TIP when shipping/flying the bike to the USA, but not when coming in on the landborder.

I just learned this, as they didn’t give me a TIP at the border. so I went to the customs office in San Diego and they confirmed, it’s only needed when shipping.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/trip-paperwork/temp-import-usa-epa-approval-51514
Posted By For Type Date
Das Motorradreiseforum • Thema anzeigen - Transport in die USA This thread Refback 12 Sep 2013 22:57
Commuter, Adventurer... Racer? - Page 15 - .: XT660.com - The #1 XT660 Resource :. This thread Refback 16 Jun 2013 14:34
Untitled document This thread Refback 1 Feb 2012 08:13
Possibility of importing an Elise into the USA. - LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community This thread Pingback 20 Dec 2011 22:31

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
expired temp import kito South America 4 21 Sep 2010 23:11
Temp Import Brazil Air/Sea ? timoto South America 6 17 Oct 2008 02:05
Going to Mexico. Do I need temp. import? strsout Trip Paperwork 40 22 Nov 2007 01:53
LA airport temp import simmo Trip Paperwork 2 1 May 2005 08:46

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top