The recent discussions around Automotive Tariffs have drawn attention to importing vehicles to the USA. Fortunately, the U.S. Administration is keeping the current Duty Rates in place for vehicles over the age of 25 years old, at 2.5% of the vehicle value, so classic car enthusiasts across the USA can continue to enjoy classic Defenders without increased costs.
Choosing to import a Land Rover Defender is the start of a new adventure. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or you’re discovering the Defender for the first time, at TATC, we make the process of getting your dream vehicle to the USA as straightforward as possible. We have been importing these iconic vehicles stateside for many years and can guide you through.
To give you an idea of what’s involved when importing a Defender to the USA, in this post, we have discussed the legal requirements, outlined the process and cleared up some common misconceptions. So, you can invest in a piece of automotive history knowing it won’t be long before you’re driving it down the freeway.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
To legally import a Land Rover Defender into the United States, the vehicle needs to meet a few specific criteria, including:
- The 25-Year Rule
The most important requirement to be aware of is the 25-year import rule. This regulation is enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and allows vehicles that are at least 25 years old to be imported without having to comply with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
- EPA and DOT Forms
While the 25-year rule exempts imported vehicles from some Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards, proper documentation is still required to prove the vehicle’s age and origin. Certain forms need to be submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) form 3520-1 and the Department of Transportation (DOT) form HS-7.
How We Handle Compliance
At TATC, we are established importers and specialize in shipping restored Defenders to the USA. Our team can answer any questions you may have about compliance, from start to finish, and we will handle all documentation on your behalf, so you don’t need to worry. Our classic Land Rovers meet the 25-year rule and are eligible for importation. Every vehicle is thoroughly inspected before departure and again upon arrival, to ensure it passes customs without issue, and will be ready to register and drive as soon as you receive it.
While our artisan automotive engineers are always delighted to create custom Defenders with your specific needs in mind, we also have a selection of classic Defenders that are already restored and residing in Vermont, USA.
Timeline and Shipping Process
Importing a classic Defender isn’t an overnight process, but owning this legendary British vehicle is worth the wait. Here is an overview of the process when you choose TATC to restore a Defender to your bespoke specifications.
- Sourcing the Vehicle – You need to decide which Land Rover Defender model you’re interested in, whether it’s a Defender 90, Defender 110 or Defender 130. We will then help you source the right vehicle for your project.
- Restoration Work – We will restore your Defender to the highest, modern-day standards. From the chassis restoration and fitting of a newly remanufactured engine to detailing work and an extensive list of optional extras, we will ensure the vehicle is perfect for you.
- Preparation and Paperwork – Once restored, the Defender will undergo a full British Government MOT before being prepared for shipment. At this stage, we will prepare all necessary documentation for the U.S. import too.
- Shipping – Your Defender will leave from Liverpool, and depending on whether you’re on the East or West Coast, shipping will take somewhere between 10 – 20 days. Typically, vehicles are sent into Newark, Baltimore, Galveston or Long Beach Ports.
- Delivery – When your Defender arrives in the USA and has cleared customs, we will arrange delivery to your chosen destination. Our team will make sure your vehicle arrives safely and will be happy to answer any questions you have upon delivery.
The timeline from order to shipment is usually 6 – 9 months. During this time, our highly qualified automotive engineers will be ensuring every panel, nut, bolt, and piston is perfect. At TATC, we pride ourselves on the precision, craftsmanship and care we take in every restoration, and we preserve classic Defenders for future generations.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
There’s a lot of misinformation online about importing vehicles to the USA, particularly iconic cars like the Land Rover Defender. Here are some of the most common myths we come across:
You Can Import Any Defender as Long as You Change the VIN
Altering or tampering with a Vehicle Identification Number is a federal offence and will likely result in your Defender being seized by the U.S. Customs. At TATC, we never change VINs and only import eligible vehicles, preventing any legal issues and allowing our customers to drive their dream vehicles on USA roads.
You Can Buy and Ship a Defender Yourself, It’s Cheaper
While you could buy a Defender from an auction or private seller for a more affordable price, it comes with added risk. Incorrect documentation, non-compliance and failing port inspections can result in delays, fines or even vehicle seizure. So, you will need to do extra due diligence, checking the vehicle’s history and the quality of any restoration work. It’s much more straightforward to use a company like TATC when you’re importing a Defender.
You Can Just Say the Defender is For Show or Off-Road Use Only
There are different rules when you’re importing vehicles for show or off-road use only, and it might seem easier to use these methods of importing for your Defender. However, if you plan to drive your classic Defender on the road, then you must import it correctly and abide by all regulations to avoid any problems in the future.
How to Avoid Scams
Due to the unwavering popularity and desirability of heritage-rich vehicles like the Defender, you need to be cautious of scams when importing to the USA. You will likely come across overseas sellers offering “too-good-to-be-true” prices that catch your eye, but without suitable pre-purchase inspections, you can be left disappointed. Some easy ways to protect yourself are:
- Choose a Trusted Seller – Whether you’re interested in a classic Defender, a fully restored Defender or a Defender built to your exact specifications, working with a trusted seller is always the best route. They will ensure the Defender is legal to import and compliant with all regulations. You won’t have to worry about inadequate restorations or falsified paperwork, and you can trust you’re making a wise investment. At TATC, we have helped hundreds of clients bring their dream Defender to the U.S., with full transparency and accountability at every step.
- Don’t Pay in Full Upfront – When a seller asks for payment in full at the start of the process, it can be a red flag, especially if you don’t have a proper contract in place. Always be cautious before handing over any money, no matter how excited you may be to finally get your hands on an old Defender. At TATC, we typically ask for a deposit to secure your vehicle. We will then schedule phased payments at pre-determined points while your Defender is being restored.
- Ask Questions – Any legitimate seller or importer will welcome your questions. They will happily provide you with more information about the restoration process, shipping details or any warranty and post-sale support available. They will also provide testimonials from previous buyers, so you can find out more about other people’s experiences. Our team at TATC are always on hand to answer your questions and offer advice or guidance when trying to find your dream Defender.
Importing a Vehicle FAQs
Can I Import a Defender Newer than 25 Years Old?
Unless the vehicle was originally manufactured to comply with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations, it can’t legally be imported into the U.S. unless NHTSA determines it eligible. Whereas, if a vehicle is at least 25 years old, it can be imported without needing to comply with FMVSS, and most classic Defenders will fall into this category.
Do I Need to Sort the Customs Paperwork Myself?
When you choose TATC for your classic Defender, we will handle all customs paperwork on your behalf.
How Long Does Shipping Usually Take?
The timeline from order to delivery will depend on several factors, including the model of Defender you choose, the restoration work required and where you are located in the USA. Typically, the full timeline will be 6 – 9 months, but once a vehicle has been shipped, it should be with you within 10 – 20 days, ready to drive.
Will My Defender be Delivered to My House?
Our team at TATC will coordinate the delivery of your Defender, and we will be happy to deliver it to your chosen destination.
Can I Drive an Imported Defender as Soon as It Arrives?
Once your Defender has been delivered and you’ve registered it with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you can start driving it.
Do I Have to Pay Import Duty?
There has been a lot of concern surrounding Automotive Tariffs and Duty Rates recently, but fortunately, they aren’t changing for vehicles over the age of 25 years old. The current rate for importing classic Defenders into the U.S. is 2.5% of the vehicle value. This will be included in the overall cost of restoring and shipping your chosen Defender.
Looking to Import a Defender to the USA?
We believe importing a Land Rover Defender should be exciting, not stressful. These vehicles have a long-standing legacy, and the Atlantic Ocean shouldn’t keep you from driving a classic Defender down an American highway or through the rugged terrain of the desert.
When you choose TATC for your Defender, we make importing to the USA as straightforward as possible. Our experts care as much about these legendary 4×4 vehicles as you do, and we will guide you through the entire process. With facilities in the UK, Vermont and South Africa, we offer a truly international service to our clients.
Start your journey today by contacting us. You can complete our online form or email us at hello@tatc.us.com, and we can discuss your Defender import needs in more detail.