Importing Your Car from Dubai to the USA? Importing a Car from Dubai to USA starts at a cost of $2,750 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20 – 35 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in Dubai, and whether the destination in the USA is on the east or west coast. Below, our 2024 guide will explore everything you need to know about importing a car from Dubai to the USA.
Dubai to US Vehicle Import Checklist
Determining Vehicle Eligibility for Import to the USA
Conforming vs. Nonconforming Vehicles
Dubai to US Car Import Costs & Time Frame
Dubai to US Vehicle Import Options
Additional Services
Ports Served in the US and Dubai
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage
Driving Your Vehicle in the United States
Other Dubai/US Shipping Options
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Want more information on car import services to the USA from Dubai?
Read on below for our Dubai to US Vehicle Import Checklist, Determining Vehicle Eligibility for Import to the USA, Dubai to US Car Import Costs & Time Frame, Dubai to US Vehicle Import Options, Ports Served in the US & Dubai, and other details on how to Import Car from Dubai to USA.
Dubai to US Vehicle Import Checklist
Here’s a rough breakdown of the process you’ll need to go through to import your vehicle to the United States.
More information on the process of importing a vehicle to the United States can be found here.
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Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
Determining the Eligibility of Your Vehicle for Import to the United States
As you engage in the vehicle import process, some of the most important questions to consider include:
These questions and more will determine the costs to import the vehicle to the US, whether your car is eligible for import to the United States, and finally, whether you will need to go through additional steps to make your vehicle eligible for import. In some cases, such as temporary import for racing or other purposes, the usual standards may not apply. CFR Classic can help you through the process of determining what will be required to import your vehicle.
Conforming vs. Nonconforming Vehicles
Generally, if a vehicle already meets the requirements for import to the United States, it is because that model was originally designed for export and sale in the United States, or was manufactured in the United States for domestic sale. As such, nonconforming vehicles are required to be modified to meet all applicable FMVSS and EPA emissions standards.
Things to Consider
If your vehicle conforms to these standards, it will bear a manufacturer’s label on the engine compartment attesting to its compliance to emissions standards in English, as well as a certification label near the driver’s side door confirming that it complies to safety, bumper and theft prevention standards. You will need to complete EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 attesting to your vehicle’s compliance. Additionally, you will need the shipper’s or carrier’s original bill of lading, bill of sale, foreign registration, and other documents covering the vehicle, to be provided to your Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) inspector.
If your vehicle is nonconforming, it may still be eligible for import with modifications by a DOT-registered importer, who modifies the vehicle and certifies that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS and emissions standards. Additionally, the importer must post a bond equivalent to one and a half times the dutiable value of the vehicle (in addition to the normal CBP entry bond). A copy of the bond must be provided with the HS-7 form. The same is applicable for EPA, the list is here: EPA Independent Commercial Importers.
A nonconforming car may be shipped from Dubai to the United States under certain conditions, such as re-importing a previously exported vehicle, shipping a vehicle for personal use not exceeding one year, shipping a vehicle as a member of foreign armed forces, diplomatic personnel, or other exceptions authorized by the US State Department, bringing a vehicle into the country for testing, demonstration, or competition, or other special circumstances. CFR Classic can help you identify if your vehicle falls into one of these categories to Import Car from Dubai to USA.
Dubai to US Car Import Costs & Time Frame
Using a baseline of a compact car being imported using the roll-on/roll-off method from the Port of Dubai to the Port of Los Angeles, our estimate to Import Car from Dubai to USA starts at a cost of $2,750 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20 – 35 days.
However, the cost to import a car to United States can vary according to factors such as the model and make of your vehicle, your current location, the nearest departure port in Dubai, your shipping method of choice, availability of your chosen services and your final destination. Additionally, you’ll need to consider costs such as storage, cleaning, other vendor fees, and American taxes & duties.
Duties are levied by Customs and Border Patrol before your vehicle is delivered; if you are staying in United States and the vehicle is imported concurrently with your arrival in the country, you are permitted to import a car for up to 12 months without having to pay duties.
Taxes & Duties for Importing Cars to the United States
Generally, foreign-made vehicles imported for personal use or sale are dutiable at the following rates:
Duty rates are based on price paid or payable, and most Canadian-manufactured vehicles are duty-free. If you are a resident of the United States returning to the country from travel, work, or study abroad, you may apply your $800 CBP exemption, and those of accompanying family members, towards the value of the vehicle under the following circumstances:
To obtain an estimate of the cost to import a car to the United States, fill out our free quick quote form. We guarantee a response within 24 hours.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.
Dubai to US Vehicle Import Options
Import Car from Dubai to USA can be performed using a shared container, a sole container or a roll-on/roll-off service.
Roll-On/Roll-Off – Best for working vehicles, since your vehicle is driven onto the shipping vessel and secured in a large cargo area. Our most budget-friendly option, as the only added fees are customs clearance charges.
Shared Container Service – Multiple vehicles are loaded together in a single 40ft. container, using our industry-leading steel loading system. While there are additional fees like terminal handling, as well as trucking and unloading charges, you’ll share the additional fees with other vehicle owners.
*Although you’ll have the added security of a fully enclosed container, you might experience a longer wait before shipping since the container must reach capacity before being shipped out.
Full Container Load – Similar to our shared container service, your vehicle is shipped in a fully enclosed and secure 20 ft container, dedicated solely to your vehicle. You won’t have to wait for the container to reach capacity before shipping but won’t be able to share the added costs of terminal handling and unloading charges.
However, enclosed container shipping offers and added level of security and protection, and your investment is protected from the weather and any other damaging elements throughout its journey to Dubai. When we receive your vehicle, our expert agents will document your vehicle’s condition – including the loading process – with photo documentation that will be available online for your convenience. Once your vehicle arrives in Dubai, our agent will access the container and once again document the vehicle’s condition and unloading process.
In comparison to our Roll-On/Roll-Off Service, container shipping will be faster, thanks to our frequent weekly departures.
We utilize an eco-friendly steel loading system for added security against damage, unlike other companies who use outdated wood ramps.
Additional Services
Sourcing Vehicles – For a nominal fee, we can assist overseas clients purchasing vehicles thanks to our extensive network of car buyers developed in our nearly thirty years of experience in the car industry.
Other services – Some of the auto transport services we offer in overseas territories include domestic pickup, vehicle import assistance, tracking of your shipment, customs clearance in the USA and a full vehicle inspection report.
Ports Served in the US and Dubai
Departure Ports – Dubai
The location your vehicle will depart from depends on the method of car shipping to the United States, where your vehicle is located, your budget and which services the nearest port offers. Here are the Dubai ports we can import your vehicle from:
Destination Ports – United States
We are able to import into any port in the USA, with CFR facilities in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, Oakland, and Charleston.
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Undercarriage
Before importing your vehicle to the United States, the undercarriage must be cleaned and free of foreign soil to prevent the introduction of invasive plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. This can be accomplished through steam cleaning or other thorough cleaning methods.
CFR Classic can assist with finding an appropriate cleaner to help ensure you comply with this requirement.
We do not recommend washing the interior of the vehicle as it can cause mold during transport. Vacuuming the interior is usually more than sufficient.
Driving Your Vehicle in the United States
Before driving your vehicle in the United States, ensure that both you and your vehicle comply with US licensing and registration laws.
Requirements differ based on your citizenship status and the length of your stay in the United States. Your imported vehicle should bear the International Registration Marker, and you may wish to consider acquiring an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are a foreign national. Dubai is a party to the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949, meaning that UAE citizens can acquire an IDP and use their driver’s license in the United States.
Other Dubai/US Shipping Options
This information was updated in January 2024. All information, time frames, pricing, and regulations are subject to change. Please contact a sales representative for the most current rates and information.
Online Quotes - Guaranteed Response within 24 Hours!
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle shipping services. Depend on us for reliable and expedited vehicle relocation services - Our dedicated team of shipping specialists are always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.