International Auto Transport Laws and Regulations

Avert a headache by familiarizing yourself with international car transport rules

There are many laws and regulations associated with international vehicle shipping, also known as international auto shipping or international auto transport. Each country's customs department dictates specific rules around how a car can leave and enter a specific country.

When it comes to international car transport via roads or international car shipping via the open seas, your vehicle will be subject to specific rules and regulations concerning everything from the condition of the car when it leaves the country to the condition of the car when it arrives at a country. Additionally, there is specific paperwork required by international auto shippers to transport your car abroad. It is important that any international car transport companies you work with be familiar with the following where international auto transport laws and regulations are concerned:

1. International vehicle shipping paperwork required by U.S. Customs;

2. Any vehicle condition regulations required for international auto shipping;

3. Destination country specifics in order for an internationally shipped car to be accepted by the foreign country.

 

Ensure all international vehicle shipping paperwork is in order

U.S. Customs is very strict when it comes to the paperwork that accompanies any vehicle coming or going from the country. Make sure that any international auto transport services you hire has all the paperwork in order prior to loading your car onto a truck into a container for shipment abroad.
Try: Scroll down to "Avoiding Common Mistakes" on the Amid Logistics page to get general Customs requirements for shipping vehicles overseas. All American Auto Transport's article about overseas auto shipping service discusses the required paperwork involved in RORO (Roll On, Roll Off) service, a viable option for shipping your car abroad.

Be aware of all vehicle condition regulations required for international auto shipping

There are very strict regulations regarding the condition of a car prior to its being secured into a container or onto a transport track. Any company specializing in international vehicle transport must be familiar with all these details, which include everything from how much gasoline is in the tank to what is in the trunk.
Try: The first paragraph of ABC Article's Directory article about shipping cars internationally discusses the required condition of any vehicle prior to being placed on a container for shipping. Scroll down to "prepare your vehicle" on the Tropical Shipping and Construction website to find out the steps required by the U.S. government for a car to be secured for shipment abroad.

Ask about country specific regulations when questioning international car shipping firms

Regulations about the condition of a car and any additional required paperwork are dependant on the country to which the vehicle is being shipped. Be sure to ask about any country specific laws or regulations and make sure the firm you pick is familiar with them.
Try: Over's International details in its second to last paragraph the requirements that a car being shipped to Australia must meet before being allowed into the country. The Horizon Services Group website contains information about regulations when moving vehicles between Canada and the U.S. and Mexico and the U.S.

 

• For as many international auto transport laws and regulations that exist there are probably nearly as many laws and regulations just within each U.S. state. If you are shipping a car from abroad to the U.S., it is important to be familiar with the regulations of the state where your vehicle will reside. Each state has specific weight, size and emissions requirements for vehicles to be allowed to be driven on its roads. This information can be obtained from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

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