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Temporary import in the US - step by step Temporary import in the US - step by step
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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



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  #1  
Old 27 Mar 2012
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Temporary import in the US - step by step
Ok, so I am planning a big trip this summer that would involve shipping the bike from Europe (Romania) to the United States.

Since this is the first time for me doing this, could any of you guys who had the experience before, help me with a step by step walk through of what is the process of clearing customs?

So let's say both me and my bike are in the US airport. I've cleared boarder control for myself. Then what?

- What are the steps, to clear also my motorcycle?
- What documents should I prepare prior to my arrival there and what will I have to prepare there?
- what is a TiB? Is it kind of deposit that I will have to leave until I will exit the country? Is it necessary all the time or there are exceptions?

I am sorry if this is just a basic question, but I've been reading both here on HUBB and on https://help.cbp.gov/ and the process is not clear at all with me

I would like to avoid surprises or even worse, problems...
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  #2  
Old 27 Mar 2012
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I only ever did US on a rental bike.. my holiday was too short to send my own bike. But I did some research about this a couple years ago, and general consensus seemed to be, that while US is do-able too, it'd be less hassle to bring the bike to Canada (dont remember, why exactly). But hopefully you can hear from others, who have 1st hand info.
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  #3  
Old 29 Mar 2012
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The problem is that I do not have Canadian visa yet (yes I am one of the few who still needs one) so I cannot plan my transport in Canada.

I have applied for it but until I will know for sure I have it I must take into consideration only shipping to the US.

That's why I would like to understand the process. I've heard that TiB are a pita and that the easier would be by Carnet. But a Carnet should not be necessary when traveling in the Americas (according to what I've read here on HUBB), right?

Also if anyone knows a good Customs Broker company in the US... I am willing to acquire help at least the first time I am doing this.
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  #4  
Old 7 Apr 2012
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Holywood
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I would sure be interested in the answer to this. I sppoke to a shipper who said to forget it and rent! Not an option.
I was also told to get a carnet as this would mean I could temp import bike without registering, having emmision cert, etc. However, as a Carnet is not needed for USA, the RAC would not supply one!
And, as my bike has no cat now, I doubt if it would pass emission tests.

But, the good news was, after I looked at the USA Gov web site, temp import is possible, as long as you have a bond to cover all the taxes etc. As for financing the bond and the amount..

At this stage, and with itchy feet, I am looking at going around Europe in ever decreasing circles, and then doing Africa from about Oct/Nov on. Then South America.

Nothing like a bit of denial.

Sorry I cannot help much, but at least you know there others in the same boat.

William.
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  #5  
Old 7 Apr 2012
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Location: Back in the Garage..regrouping.
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Fly into Canada and ride over the border - it will save you loads of trouble.
We did that 8 months ago and had no probs at all. The only things we had was the bike title, EPA certs and bike insurance - we were never asked to sho any of them.


Quote:
Originally Posted by AnjinSan View Post
Ok, so I am planning a big trip this summer that would involve shipping the bike from Europe (Romania) to the United States.

Since this is the first time for me doing this, could any of you guys who had the experience before, help me with a step by step walk through of what is the process of clearing customs?

So let's say both me and my bike are in the US airport. I've cleared boarder control for myself. Then what?

- What are the steps, to clear also my motorcycle?
- What documents should I prepare prior to my arrival there and what will I have to prepare there?
- what is a TiB? Is it kind of deposit that I will have to leave until I will exit the country? Is it necessary all the time or there are exceptions?

I am sorry if this is just a basic question, but I've been reading both here on HUBB and on https://help.cbp.gov/ and the process is not clear at all with me

I would like to avoid surprises or even worse, problems...
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  #6  
Old 8 Apr 2012
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Seoul/Yang Pyung
Posts: 545
To Tem Import a Vehicle to USA
Environmental certificate ,, a must or CO2 cert. You must make sure your bike is accepted by the US customs well before you ship.
Find a forwarder before you ship and get this organised.
I've known bikers who were stuck for 8 weeks at the port, before they got their hands on it.
https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=mo...ient=firefox-a

Other than this ,, your title to the bike and proof of US insurance and international motorcycle license is all you need.
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