For retired Service Members & U.S. Government Contractors
If you’re ending a contract overseas or returning from service not on PCS orders, you may still have a path to bring your owned vehicle back to the U.S. without paying import duty—even with today’s headlines about elevated tariffs. We’ve helped many customers navigate this successfully on a case‑by‑case basis with written guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the planned port of entry.
Yes, There’s Hope: The “Personal Effects” Path
While standard rules say a foreign‑built vehicle is typically dutiable, some ports will allow a returning resident after deployment (or contractor finishing an overseas assignment) to import a long‑owned, owned vehicle as household/personal effects when certain conditions are met. In our customers’ experiences, the most important keys have been:
- Ownership & Use: You’ve owned the vehicle for 12+ months overseas and used it for personal, non‑commercial purposes.
- Returning to the U.S.: You’re moving back after retirement or end of tour, or contract completion (not on PCS orders).
- Written Port Guidance: You contact CBP at the planned port of entry, explain your circumstances, and obtain written confirmation allowing entry as personal effects.
With that written approval, we can prepare your customs entry accordingly. This has been a game‑changer for many customers who thought tariffs made shipping impossible.
Service Members Returning on PCS Orders
For active duty U.S. military service members returning to the United States on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, your Vehicle import is automatically duty‑free as long as you can provide a copy of your valid PCS orders. This is a well‑established exemption and does not require the personal‑effects path described above.
What About Today’s Tariffs?
There’s a lot of news about tariff increases and trade measures. In general terms:
- Normal MFN Duty Rates: Passenger cars are often ~2.5% duty; light trucks can be higher (e.g., 25%). These are baseline duty rates, separate from any special tariffs.
- Country‑ or Product‑Specific Tariffs: Some vehicles—especially certain categories from specific origins (e.g., Section 301 measures)—may face additional tariffs. These have changed over time and can be substantial for select vehicle types.
- Your Case May Be Different: When CBP permits entry as personal effects, it can change how your shipment is treated. Outcomes are port‑specific and fact‑specific, which is why we help you approach the port proactively to seek written guidance.
Bottom line: Don’t self‑disqualify because of scary tariff headlines. If you’ve owned the vehicle for 12+ months and used it personally, you may have a viable, duty‑free path—with the right documentation from the port.
How We Help — Step by Step
- Quick Fit Check (Free): We review your situation and vehicle details to assess eligibility. No obligation.
- Prepare Your Packet: We help you assemble proof of ownership (12+ months), personal use evidence, ID, orders/contract completion letters, and any export paperwork.
- Coordinate with the Port: We guide you in contacting CBP at the planned port of entry with a clear, respectful request for written guidance allowing personal‑effects entry.
- Customs Entry & Compliance: If approved, we handle the duty‑free entry as personal effects. Either way, we manage EPA/DOT, ISF, etc., so you’re covered.
- Door‑to‑Door Logistics: Ocean booking, stateside handling, and domestic trucking—coordinated end‑to‑end.
Common Questions:
Does this waive safety/emissions rules?
No. EPA/DOT compliance still applies. We’ll help you determine the right pathway (e.g., conforming vehicle, eligible exemptions, or Registered Importer process where applicable).
Is approval guaranteed?
No—it’s case‑by‑case and port‑specific. That’s why getting written guidance from CBP at your intended port of entry is essential. Our team will help you prepare and present the request properly.
What if my car is U.S.‑made?
Vehicles originally manufactured in the U.S. and returned may qualify for special treatment under “returned goods” provisions. We’ll verify the VIN build origin and pursue the most favorable path for you.
Can this help with special tariffs?
It can change how your entry is treated. Some customers have avoided normal duties under the personal‑effects path with written port approval. The specifics depend on origin, vehicle type, and port guidance.
What To Do Next?
- Click below to get a free shipping quote and further information.
Don’t have everything? That’s OK—we’ll help you build a solid packet.