How to Import a Toyota Hilux Diesel Pickup to North America

Ordering a Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup from the manufacturer with United States specifications is the best way to import it to North America. As of September 2010, Toyota Hilux's are not on the "List Of Non-Conforming Vehicles That Are Eligible for Importation." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that you obtain a letter from the manufacturer's U.S. representative stating the Toyota Hilux is in compliance with EPA regulations. A list of representatives is available on the EPA website.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Bill of sale
• Bill of landing
• Manufacturer's U.S. representative letter

1. • 1

     Choose a Customs port of entry that will be convenient for you to pick up the Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup. A list of ports by state is available on the U.S Customs and Border Protection website.

   • 2

     Make arrangements with the shipper or carrier to send the Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup to the USA port you chose. You will have to pick up the vehicle in person. The vehicle cannot be imported for resale.

   • 3

     Present to Customs the sales receipt and vehicle registration papers.

   • 4

     Provide Customs the original bill of landing from the shipper or carrier you used. The shipper or carrier you use should already be aware of Customs requirements. If this is a temporary import, it must be sent to the U.S. through a Registered Importer. A list of Registered Importers is available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

   • 5

     Complete the Environmental Protection Agency form 3520-1. This form will be given to you by a Customs official. If you ordered the Toyota Hilux with U.S. specifications, you must use declaring code "EE" on the form and attach the letter from the Manufacture's U.S. Representative.

   • 6

     Complete the Department of Transportation form HS-7. This form is required by the NHTSA. Customs will provide you with this form as well.

   • 7

     Pay duty and taxes to the Customs cashier. The duty and tax amount will be determined by the price you paid for the vehicle. For a Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup, duty is 25 percent of the purchase price. You can pay duty by cash (U.S. currency only), personal check drawn on a U.S. bank, travelers check, government check, or money order. Some locations will accept credit cards but those locations are not listed. So you will have to ask Customs in advance, at the location of your trucks arrival, if they accept credit cards.

   • 8

     Pick up your Toyota Hilux from the inspection area. You will be given a clearance form from Customs for the release of your vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• It would be helpful to hire the services of a commercial customs broker in your state.

• You can import a Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup temporarily into the U.S. that does not conform to U.S. specifications if you are a Diplomat, Military Personnel, conducting demonstrations or providing training.

• Read the detailed import vehicle instructions and regulations from the EPA, CBP and NHTSA websites, before attempting to import a Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup.

• You risk the chance of the Toyota Hilux Diesel pickup being destroyed or exported, if it does not meet EPA and DOT requirements.