Import Vehicle Into USA From Iceland
Importing Vehicles Into the USA From Iceland
Are you planning to import a vehicle from Iceland into the USA? One of the international car shipping services we offer is hauling from Iceland to the USA. The process involves preparing the proper paperwork and dealing with customs regulations in both countries. We are an experienced international shipper because we know how to deal with the legal and logistical challenges involved.
Cost & Time Examples for Import a Car from Iceland
| From/To | Ocean | Ground | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík to (New York port) to New York, NY | $2600 | $275 | 15+5 days |
| Reykjavík to (California port) to Los Angeles | $4800 | $350 | 30+5 days |
| Reykjavík to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $2600 | $400 | 15+5 days |
| Reykjavík to (California port) to Las Vegas, NV | $4800 | $450 | 30+5 days |
| Reykjavík to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $4800 | $550 | 30+6 days |
| Reykjavík to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $2600 | $575 | 15+6 days |
| Reykjavík to (New York port) to Chicago, IL | $2600 | $675 | 15+6 days |
| Reykjavík to (California port) to Denver, CO | $4800 | $775 | 30+7 days |
| Reykjavík to (New York port) to Memphis, TN | $2600 | $800 | 15+6 days |
| Reykjavík to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $4800 | $1,025 | 30+7 days |
- *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
- *Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
- *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
- *Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
- *The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Common reasons to import a vehicle into the USA
You could import a vehicle into the USA from Iceland for different reasons:
- You live there and bought a nice car you do not want to leave behind.
- You were visiting Iceland and bought a duty-free car.
- You are returning to the USA with a car you migrated to Iceland with.
Whatever your reason, there are various factors you should consider before deciding to import the motorcar into the USA. First, the automobile has to comply with USA safety and emission standards as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transport (DoT). Such are vehicles that are manufactured in the USA. So, when purchasing a motorcar in Iceland and you plan to import it into the US someday, check with the seller or manufacturer to ensure it matches US standards. Here are the EPA import requirements for automobiles.
Find An International Shipping Company
After confirming that your vehicle meets US standards, the next step is to find an international shipping company. There are two options here. You can find an Icelandic international shipper who ships to the US or a US-based shipper who ships to and from Iceland. People find the second option to work best.
American companies are generally more reliable and experienced, arguably so. Also, they are licensed to transport motorcars within the US. So, after the automobile is cleared from customs, they will deliver the vehicle to your doorstep or to a warehouse near you. When finding a shipper, your priorities should be professionalism, reliability, and experience in moving from Iceland to the USA.
Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Shipper
A professional international vehicle carrier is essential for safely importing an automobile from Iceland into the United States. There is little room for error at customs, but many factors can jeopardize your car's security during transit.
Here are the benefits of hiring a professional motorcar shipping company:
- It has the right hauling equipment and trained employees to handle your car.
- Such a company is familiar with the import and export policies of the US and Iceland.
- Such a company has marine cargo insurance to protect your shipment in case of any accident or damage.
- Such a company will likely have pocket-friendly moving rates due to economies of scale.
Documents needed
The whole process of overseas shipping is complicated because of the paperwork involved. Before exporting from Iceland, ensure you have all the documents needed at the port. The customs offices require that the vehicle's owner be present to clear the car. However, you can hire a customs broker too. The documents needed at the port are the automobile purchase invoice, the motorcar registration certificates, and your passport. The customs office will also inspect the contents of the automobile. It is always advisable to remove all personal content from the motorcar.
After Iceland Customs Offices clear the vehicle, inquire from your auto transporter when it will arrive in the US. Make sure to alert the US customs office of the arrival date. The US customs office will not clear the vehicle unless it conforms to the standards mentioned earlier. Also, they check the shipper’s bill of lading, the contents of the car, the Icelandic automobile registration documents, and the motorcar bill of purchase.
Remember, customs duty charges are involved at both the exit and entry ports and these taxes are subject to change. Therefore, before you start making arrangements to ship your car, contact customs authorities in both countries to find out the amount of customs duty fee you are expected to pay and if you qualify for any exemptions.
Cost of shipping
The cost of shipping a car from Iceland varies from company to company. These companies have different pricing plans. You have to get quotes from different hauling companies to clearly understand the amount it will cost to ship the vehicle. Please note that the moving company's quote does not include the customs duties or freight charges involved in overseas shipping. Also, the quote is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extended storage time.
We, A-1 Auto Transport, are an expert international automobile shipper. We are the right pick if you need to import a vehicle into the USA from Iceland. We have established routes between major Icelandic cities such as Reykjavik, Akranes, Selfoss, and Keflavik, as well as all other major cities in the fifty states in the US. Contact us today for a quote or more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I import a car from Iceland to the USA?
To import a car from Iceland to the USA, the vehicle must meet U.S. safety and emissions rules enforced by the EPA and NHTSA. Most shipments travel by ocean freight from Reykjavik to major ports like New York or Baltimore. The vehicle must pass customs clearance and include documents such as the original title, bill of sale, and import declaration forms. Shipping typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on vessel schedules. Learn more about the process through international car shipping services.
Are there age restrictions when importing a car from Iceland into the United States?
Yes. Vehicles 25 years old or older qualify for an exemption from many U.S. safety and emissions regulations under federal import rules. This exemption allows classic or collector vehicles to enter the country more easily. Vehicles newer than 25 years must meet EPA emissions standards and NHTSA safety regulations, which may require modifications or approval through a registered importer before entry into the United States.
How much does it cost to import a car from Iceland to the United States?
Importing a vehicle from Iceland to the U.S. usually costs $1,800–$4,500 depending on vehicle size, shipping method, port distance, and customs fees. Roll-on/roll-off shipping is generally cheaper, while container shipping adds protection but increases cost. Import duties may apply, typically 2.5% of the vehicle’s value for passenger cars. Additional charges can include port handling, documentation, and inland transport. You can estimate pricing using an international car shipping cost calculator.
What documents are required to import a vehicle from Iceland to the USA?
Importing a vehicle requires documentation for U.S. Customs clearance. The most common include the original vehicle title, bill of sale, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7, passport copy, and shipping bill of lading. These documents confirm ownership and verify the vehicle meets U.S. safety and environmental standards. Customs officials review paperwork before releasing the vehicle at the port. Working with experienced providers of international vehicle transport services can help ensure paperwork and logistics are handled correctly.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iceland to the United States?
Shipping a vehicle from Iceland to the U.S. generally takes 2–6 weeks depending on shipping method, port schedules, customs inspections, and inland transport distance. Ocean transit from Reykjavik to East Coast ports typically takes 10–20 days, but customs clearance and port handling can add several additional days. Weather patterns in the North Atlantic and seasonal shipping demand may also influence final delivery timelines.
What shipping methods are available for importing a vehicle from Iceland?
The two primary shipping methods are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo allows vehicles to be driven onto a specialized cargo vessel and secured for transit, making it the most economical option for standard vehicles. Container shipping places the vehicle inside a sealed container, offering greater protection and security, especially for high-value or classic cars. You can review details about this option at roll-on/roll-off car shipping.
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