Importation Rules Changed ?????

[nate6472]

I just spoke with us customs Brunswick. I have a D90 coming in May 6. She said "oh, no" when I said Land Rover. She said they are really cracking down on Land Rovers coming in and seizing if anything is not original. I expressed concern since I have 1 coming in and I followed the rules as posted on US Customs website. She said if the seat belts, wheels, etc are not original then it is not allowed in. I asked how they can do that when we follow the rules they posted. She said I need to speak to top person at that office. I have no idea if mine is 100% original, I just made sure the engine is, as the CBP site says. I have call into a broker but this is pretty scary !!! Any input would be appreciated.

[RNZack]

Best to inquire with people like Doug C or Derek C, rather than absorb speculation from a forum like this. You will often get answers from people that lack the experience or even correct information. Best of luck!

[derekchace]

I also hope it hasthe original chassis, engine type, is the right body type when chassis number is decoded and does not have any newer puma, wolf, td5 body panels. Of those are all met it should me good.

Easy rules older then 88, no galvi chassi, no tdi engine and looks original.

[o2batsea]

In a nutshell, if it is all original and more than 25 years old ur good. Modifications such as newer engine, chassis swap, will draw attention.

[Contractor]

I just recently imported........nerve racking yes, but as long as it's 25 years old and has the original motor and chasis and does not look severly molested you should be good.

Mine cleared customs in two days.

[l.a. rover]

can a 1987 rover be brought in since it is now 26yr old?

[derekchace]

Yes

[bsjbrown]

Derek C.

So qualification is chassis, engine and mechanical components. Having a face lift like paint, seats, new carpet, tires etc. would not be an issue. Reason I ask is because mine is arriving this Sunday. Right now according to my stateside broker no holds are being placed so it should clear and I can pick it up on Tuesday. I have received the official Certificate from Land Rover of Date of Manufacture 12/16/1987 and the VIN's all match - engine, chassis etc.

Only change is new paint, seats and repair work done overseas. Obviously if I have to export or it be destroyed the outfit I purchased from is reputable. They would not even add AC to the Landy because that modification may have caused it to be not allowed for importation to US - hence my AC kit is sitting in a box in the back of the Landy.

Before pictures and after pictures attached. Thoughts?

[derekchace]

Should be ok but customs has been doing some odd **** lately so you neve know

[nate6472]

I have imported 5 without an issue. Just spoke with a broker (never used one before) and all this comes from ports letting engine converts in when that is a strict no no. Customs is upset with land rovers because DOT is making them spend more time checking them out. They are short staffed and sometimes easier to just seize. Does anyone heave UK land rover number so I can call to verify my VIN and engine numbers? Thanks

[bsjbrown]

Should be ok but customs has been doing some odd **** lately so you neve know

Not sure if this is vote of confidence or not. Well I will soon find out. I have the evidence to prove it is 25 years of age. Photographic and Certificate of Manufacture from Land Rover including UK V5C forms (all original). So I guess if a CBP agent wants to get chippy with me I will slap him silly with a lawsuit. That I can do rather easy and with the documentation I have I will get the car released to me eventually.

Frankly I am sick of the "Big Brother" BS we have to put up with. We have a govt. that can't balance a checkbook and obviously they purport to know what is best for all of us. Not wanting to get on a rant here but I really am sick of what we have allowed our Government to become - bloated, ineffective, and incompetent - led by professional politicians - so ends the rant.

[bsjbrown]

I have imported 5 without an issue. Just spoke with a broker (never used one before) and all this comes from ports letting engine converts in when that is a strict no no. Customs is upset with land rovers because DOT is making them spend more time checking them out. They are short staffed and sometimes easier to just seize. Does anyone heave UK land rover number so I can call to verify my VIN and engine numbers? Thanks

My Certificate which is the Confirmation of Date of Manufacture Came from the following (on Land Rover Letterhead by the way)

Land Rover
Abbey Road, Whitley
Coventry CV3 4LF, UK
T +44 (0)870 5000 500
F +44 (0)1926 691 938

The problem I believe you may have is that they have to physically inspect the vehicle. Not sure but that is about as much as I can give you from my end.

Good luck.

[derekchace]

Good luck beating CBP in a legal battle.......

[bsjbrown]

Good luck beating CBP in a legal battle.......

Thanks - as an attorney I have a few tricks up my sleeve. The CBP and the US government is not immune in the court system especially when they are wrong. Not saying it is going to come to that eventuality as I am confident of the vehicle's authenticity (although I have not seen it other than photos) but the reputation of the outfit I purchased from does have merit and is without blemish.

Just received word the only Hold right now is the standard X-Ray of the container. Will find out tomorrow about an examination. If that happens, I am still not worried as the paperwork is in their hands. It is just frustrating that what I am doing is above board and legal by the letter of the law (and spirit) yet the immense resources and manpower being used to catch those who do not is mind numbing.

To be completely honest the importation rules as set forth by the DOT and the EPA are draconian and outdated. They are not intended for any other purpose than to protect the business marketplace. Look into the history of the implementation of those regulations. You will be somewhat surprised at what you find.

[derekchace]

I import them for a living I know