The following sets forth procedures for the lawful exportation of used self-propelled vehicles, vessels and aircraft, and the penalties and liabilities incurred for failure to comply. The actual regulations governing this subject are found in 19 C.F.R. 192.
Contents:
Definitions
| Export: Refers to the transportation of merchandise out of the U.S. for the purpose of being entered into the commerce of a foreign country. |
| Self-propelled vehicle: Includes any automobile, truck, tractor, bus, motorcycle, motor home, self-propelled agricultural machinery, self-propelled construction equipment, self-propelled special use equipment, and any other self-propelled vehicle used or designed for running on land but not on rail. |
| Ultimate purchaser: Refers to the first person, other than a dealer purchasing in his capacity as a dealer, who in good faith purchases a self-propelled vehicle for purposes other than resale. |
| User: Refers to any self-propelled vehicle the equitable or legal title to which has been transferred by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to an ultimate purchaser. |
Requirements for Exportation
| (a) Basic Requirements - A person attempting to export a used self-propelled vehicle shall present to Customs, at the port of exportation, both the vehicle and a document describing the vehicle, which includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or, if the vehicle does not have a VIN, the product identification number. The VIN is the metal plate located on the driver.s side of the dash or driver.s side of the windshield in the vehicle. The product identification number is found on vehicles such as agricultural machinery. Exportation of a vehicle will be permitted only upon compliance with these requirements, unless the vehicle was entered into the United States under an in-bond procedure, or under a carnet or Temporary Importation Bond; a vehicle entered under one of these procedures is exempt from these requirements. The person attempting to export the vehicle may employ an agent for the exportation of the vehicle. |
| (b) Documentation Required - In the case of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and buses, original or certified copies of Certificate of Title (or other document if a Certificate of Title is not available as a result of state statutory requirements), and two (2) facsimiles of the original or certified copy, shall be presented. In other cases, a certificate of title, memorandum of ownership, or right of possession, or any other document sufficient to prove lawful ownership, such as a bill of sale or a sales invoice, or a certified copy of any of these documents, as well as two (2) facsimiles of the original or certified copy, shall be presented. |
| (c) When Presented - If the vehicle is to be transported by vessel or aircraft, the documentation and vehicle must be presented at least three (3) days prior to lading. If the vehicle is to be transported by rail, highway, or under its own power, the documentation must be presented three (3) days prior to exportation of the vehicle, and the vehicle must be presented on the day of exportation. |
| (d) Authentication of Documentation - Customs will authenticate both facsimile documents, one of which shall remain in the possession of the exporter and one of which shall be collected by Customs. Authentication will include the stamping of the facsimile documents with the date of presentation of the documents. The authenticated facsimile document will be the only acceptable evidence from the exporter of compliance with the requirements of this section. |
Penalties
| (a) A $500 penalty shall be assessed against an exporter attempting to export a vehicle without complying with the requirements set forth in this part of the regulations. |
| (b) A $500 penalty shall be assessed against an exporter who has exported a vehicle without complying with the requirements set forth in this part of the regulations. |
| (c) A penalty not to exceed $10,000 may be assessed against an importer or exporter who knowingly imports, exports or attempts to import or export:
| 1) Any stolen self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft or part of a self-propelled vehicle, vessel or aircraft; | | 2) Any self-propelled vehicle or part of a self-propelled vehicle from which the identification number as been removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered. |
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| (d) Any stolen self-propelled vehicle, vessel or aircraft or part thereof or any self-propelled vehicle or part of a self-propelled vehicle from which the identification number has been removed, obliterated, tampered with or altered may be subject to seizure and forfeiture. |
Liability of Carriers
| The vessel master is charged with the responsibility for presenting a true manifest. If used vehicles are not included on the manifest or are inaccurately described thereon, a liability of not more than $1000 and not less than $500 will be incurred. |
Note: For information pertaining to the regulations and procedures of importing vehicles into foreign countries, contact the embassy of the country in which the vehicle will be imported.