How to Import a Race Car into the U.S.
Last Updated: Aug. 10, 2026
Importing a race car into the U.S. requires compliance with federal requirements from several agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The requirements depend on whether the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle or was manufactured for road use and is being imported temporarily for competitive racing. NHTSA’s current guidance on importing vehicles for racing explains the applicable options.
Importation Requirements
The first step is to determine how the vehicle was originally manufactured.
A vehicle originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can generally be permanently imported under Box 8 of the HS-7 Declaration form. NHTSA requires a letter from the vehicle’s original manufacturer confirming that it was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle. A copy of the letter should accompany the HS-7 submitted to Customs.
A vehicle that was not originally manufactured as a racing vehicle may qualify for temporary importation for competitive racing under Box 7 of the HS-7. NHTSA permission is required for this type of importation.
Vehicle importation regulations for racing vehicles
Three federal agencies generally have a role in the importation process:
- NHTSA, which administers federal motor vehicle safety requirements
- EPA, which administers federal vehicle emissions requirements
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which handles the customs entry process and enforces applicable import requirements
NHTSA provides the current HS-7 Declaration form and racing vehicle guidance, while EPA provides requirements for importing vehicles and engines that fall under its jurisdiction.
Importers should gather the vehicle’s specifications and supporting documentation before shipping it to the United States. A customs broker can also help coordinate the customs entry and documentation requirements.
Importing a race car into the U.S. on a permanent basis
If the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle, NHTSA states that it can be permanently imported under Box 8 of the HS-7 Declaration. The importer must obtain a letter from the original manufacturer confirming that the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle.
The importer should:
- Obtain the manufacturer’s letter confirming the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle.
- Complete Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration submitted to CBP.
- Attach a copy of the manufacturer’s letter to the HS-7 Declaration.
NHTSA approval is not required for a vehicle that qualifies for permanent importation under Box 8.
Importing a race car into the U.S. on a temporary basis
A vehicle that was not originally manufactured as a racing vehicle may qualify for temporary importation for competitive racing.
NHTSA grants permission in annual increments for up to three years if duty is not paid or up to five years if duty is paid. The vehicle must be exported or destroyed when the authorized importation period expires.
The importer should:
- Apply to NHTSA for permission to temporarily import the vehicle for competitive racing.
- Complete Box 7 on the HS-7 Declaration.
- Attach the NHTSA permission letter to the HS-7 Declaration.
If the vehicle was originally manufactured for on-road use, NHTSA states that it must be in full race configuration at the time of importation and lack equipment and features needed for on-road use.
EPA requirements
NHTSA requirements do not replace EPA requirements. The Clean Air Act generally prohibits importing motor vehicles that do not conform to applicable EPA emissions requirements unless an applicable exemption or other import pathway applies.
EPA specifically recognizes competition/racing as a potential basis for an exemption for nonconforming vehicles. EPA states that importers must obtain pre-approval before shipping a nonconforming vehicle to the United States when relying on an exemption.
For racing vehicles, EPA requires written approval before Customs clearance. EPA’s current guidance identifies racing vehicles as an exclusion when the vehicle clearly serves racing/competition purposes and cannot be safely and practically used on public streets or highways.
The EPA approval should accompany EPA Form 3520-1, using the applicable racing vehicle declaration code. EPA currently provides the Form 3520-1 and related import forms.
Importers should obtain EPA approval before the vehicle arrives for clearance rather than assuming the racing designation will automatically qualify the vehicle for an exemption.
Restrictions
A racing vehicle imported under the applicable EPA racing vehicle exclusion cannot be registered or licensed for use on, or operated on, public roads or highways. EPA’s Form 3520-1 identifies this restriction for vehicles declared under the racing vehicle code.
NHTSA requirements also depend on the basis for importation. A vehicle temporarily imported for competitive racing must leave the United States or otherwise comply with the conditions of the authorization when the approved period ends.
Converting a racing vehicle into a road vehicle can create additional federal requirements. Importers should consult NHTSA and EPA before making modifications that could change the vehicle’s regulatory status.
Conclusion
Importing a race car into the U.S. requires careful coordination of NHTSA, EPA, and CBP requirements. The process differs depending on whether the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle or whether it qualifies for temporary importation for competitive racing.
Before shipping the vehicle, confirm its NHTSA status, determine whether EPA approval or another emissions pathway applies, and prepare the required documentation for CBP.
Importing racing vehicles with GHY
At GHY, we help hundreds of importers bring vehicles into the United States every year without hassle. From checking your vehicle’s admissibility to preparing and filing your documentation, we’ll take the work off your shoulders. Book a meeting with one of our GHY team members, and we’ll take it from there.
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