Gift Icon
Get a 20% discount from our partners! Discount code will get added automatically when you submit the form.
Auto Transport Truck on Highway
4.7 Star Rating4.7 (67,926 reviews)
96.3% positive
No Surprises, Just Savings: Verified Carriers, Instant Quotes, and Best Price Guarantee!
You save 20% compared to other companies
Get quotes from trusted carriers, thoroughly vetted and fully insured. Enjoy trackable deliveries, fair pricing, and hassle-free transport from start to finish. Transport any type of vehicle and drive away worry-free.
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs
Customer Ratings By Feature
Value for Money ★★★★★ 4.9
Vehicle Care ★★★★★ 4.9
Fast Delivery ★★★★★ 4.9
Friendly Staff ★★★★★ 4.9
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article— USA Today

The Countries You Can't Ship Your Car to From USA

Published by Tamar Hela.

What's in this article?
  1. Explanation of International Car Shipping and Its Importance
  2. How to Ship A Car Overseas
  3. A Brief Overview of the Restrictions on Car Shipping to Certain Countries
  4. Countries With Restrictions on Importing Vehicles From the USA
  5. Why These Countries Have Imposed Restrictions
  6. To Wrap Things Up
The Countries You Can't Ship Your Car to From USA

Not all countries allow vehicles manufactured in the US into their country or even accept shipments from the country. This can be for various reasons and cause headaches for many car enthusiasts looking to move abroad.

We'll look at a list of destination countries where you cannot ship your car from the USA, but before doing that, let's first understand the importance of auto transport companies.

Whether for relocation purposes or selling cars abroad, international car shipping has become common in today's globalized world.

Although a common trade industry, certain countries have restrictions on importing vehicles from the USA due to various reasons such as environmental concerns or protection of their local automotive sector.

So what countries are off-limits when shipping your vehicle overseas from the US? Let's dive into the world of an international car shipper.

the-countries-you-cant-ship-your-car-to-from-usa.jpg

Explanation of International Car Shipping and Its Importance

Simply put, international car shipping involves transporting vehicles from one country to another.

Overseas shipping provides an opportunity for car dealerships to expand their business by selling cars abroad. It's essential to choose reputable and experienced auto shippers that can handle all the necessary paperwork, customs clearance, and transportation logistics.

With international car shipping, individuals and businesses can save money on buying new cars in foreign countries and have the convenience of driving their own vehicles in a new location.

Overall, international car shipping is vital in facilitating global trade and mobility while providing convenience and cost-saving benefits for individuals and businesses alike.

With the right overseas shipper by your side, you can enjoy a seamless import process across borders. Speaking of borders, let's look at the restrictions on car shipping to certain countries.

How to Ship A Car Overseas

Exporting motor vehicles from country to country can be complicated, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be reasonably straightforward - at least with my shipping experience.

The first step is to select an international auto transport firm with the knowledge and expertise to meet your specific requirements.

When choosing who to trust with your prized car, it's a brilliant idea to inquire about their experience, pricing, and any additional services they may offer.

It's super important to make sure that your car is eligible to enter the country to which it is heading. You want to leave its intended port of entry in a timely manner.

To seamlessly pass through customs, ensure you have all the essential paperwork for your destination country and that your vehicle has been shown some love.

That means making sure any required inspections or maintenance is up to date and your car is in tip-top shape.

Next up is choosing how your vehicle is going to be transported. Roll-on/Roll-off shipping (also known as Ro-Ro shipping) and container shipping are the two primary methods.

The Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping method is the most affordable choice.

However, RoRo comes with a few constraints, such as size restrictions and the fact that you won't be able to carry anything else, such as personal items, in your automobile like you can with the container shipping method.

how-to-prepare-your-car-for-roro-shipping-03.jpg

A Brief Overview of the Restrictions on Car Shipping to Certain Countries

Although international car shipping companies have made lots of brands of cars accessible all over the world, there are still countries that don't accept imports of foreign vehicles.

These restrictions can be for a bunch of different factors, such as the age of the vehicle, emissions standards, and safety regulations.

Some countries also have political tensions or trade embargoes that limit imports from the country of origin.

For example, North Korea prohibits all imports of foreign cars, while other countries like Brazil and China have regulations on emissions standards that make it challenging to import older vehicles and an expensive option.

Researching the restrictions and requirements for importing a vehicle to a specific country is essential before attempting to ship it overseas.

A reputable international car shipping company should also be able to provide guidance on these regulations to ensure compliance with local laws and provide shipping insurance.

By understanding the restrictions on the shipping process to certain countries, individuals and businesses can avoid potential legal issues and save time and lower the overall average cost in the long run.

Do your research beforehand to avoid your prized car being locked up abroad or stuck in a shipping container in a foreign port. And speaking of research, let's take a look at some destination countries where you can't ship your car from the USA.

Countries With Restrictions on Importing Vehicles From the USA

Some countries have restrictions on importing vehicles from the USA, such as Egypt, which requires a special permit and taxes for imported cars.

In India, only left-hand drive vehicles are allowed to be imported. Malaysia has high import taxes on foreign cars, making it one of the more expensive countries for overall vehicle shipping costs.

Similarly, Russia also imposes high customs duties and taxes on imported cars, making it difficult and expensive to ship your vehicle there.

South Korea also has legal requirements in place that make it difficult to import foreign cars. To be legally driven in the country, each vehicle must conform to emission and safety regulations.

Now let's explore why some countries have imposed such strict restrictions on importing vehicles from the USA.

the-countries-you-cant-ship-your-car-to-from-usa2.jpg

Why These Countries Have Imposed Restrictions

There are various reasons why some countries impose strict restrictions on importing vehicles from the USA. One primary reason is protecting their local automotive industry.

For instance, Brazil and Argentina have higher destination charges than others.

These South American countries add additional costs through import taxes and import duties on foreign vehicles to encourage domestic production and protect local jobs.

Another reason is related to environmental concerns. A lot of countries impose stringent emissions standards to avoid older vehicles being imported, such as China.

These standards are often different than the domestic ones set by US Customs and Border Protection, making it harder to import pre-owned or older models of vehicles.

Political tensions or trade embargoes can also limit imports from certain nations. North Korea prohibits imports of foreign cars entirely due to their political ideologies, while other countries like Russia, Iran, and Syria face trade sanctions restricting all kinds of imports.

Previously Cuba also prohibited the import of all foreign cars, but tensions have eased in the passing years, and you can now export your vehicle to the island.

Understanding these restrictions is vital for anyone looking to ship a car overseas, as non-compliance can lead to legal issues and financial losses.

To Wrap Things Up

In conclusion, knowing which countries you can't ship your car to is crucial for international travel or relocation. Understanding the logistical hurdles and legal ramifications can save a lot of stress and financial woes.

You must do your research thoroughly ahead of time and know precisely what the country you intend to ship to requires. Your journey will thank you for it!

A1-Auto Transport makes the transport of cars accessible. We offer an instant quote to compare rates and pick a specific service that fits your budget.

Get your transportation journey underway today.

Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link

Tamar Hela is one of our featured writers at A-1 Auto Transport, researching everything from AI auto shipments out of China to what paperwork is required to move long distance. We can safely say she's become well versed in all things shipping and logistics while making the information easy to digest and understandable. 

Tamar has been a copywriter for over 16 years and was trained in the 7-Figure Copywriting Accelerator course through American Writers & Artists, Inc. (AWAI). She's also an incredibly seasoned copyeditor, having previously been the Chief Editor and Publishing Director for Cosby Media Productions, based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Email Me


Testimonial
Mylene Rutllant
It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
★★★★★

...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.

Testimonial
Luis Rodriguez
You have my full support and recommendation!
★★★★★

A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!

Testimonial by Cristine Benoit
Cristine Benoit
I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
★★★★★

There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.

Testimonial
David Osallo
We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!
★★★★★

We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Get an instant free Quote Now

Or Call Us Today and Speak Directly to Our Sales Team:

Call Us 1-888-230-9116

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2024, A-1 Auto Transport - All Rights Reserved.