Many things can get the human heart pounding with joy, and sitting behind the wheel of your first car is up there with bungee jumping, swimming with the great white sharks in South Africa, or any other adrenaline-inducing adventures. Finding the right car and closing a favorable deal can put the biggest smile on your face, but driving away is only the easy part. The car-buying process can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you head into it unprepared.

If certain about the car you desire and have the money on you, you can walk into a dealership in the morning and drive the car home the same day. After paying up and sorting your insurance and other paperwork, you are good to go. But sometimes, you may eye a car brand from a foreign market, maybe in search of a safer, higher quality car with better fuel efficiency, or just something unique and iconic. In this case, you will need to import, which is a complex process. Here are things you need to know about importing a car to the States.

10 The Car Has To Conform To EPA Emission Standards

pagani-huayra-lultimo
via prestige imports miami

The Environmental Protection Association requires all cars under twenty-five years old to meet US emission standards. The Clean Air Act of 1970 created comprehensive federal and state regulations which set limits of allowed emissions from moving and industrial machinery.

The Act has tightened pollution standards for vehicle emissions and allows the EPA to determine the conformity of every car imported into the States. Suppose the car was built to meet US emission standards. In that case, you can verify that by locating the Vehicle Emissions Label, which comes in the form of a sticker by the driver's door, a second sticker under the hood, and on the frame of a motorcycle.

RELATED: 8 Awesome And Affordable European Cars You Can Now Import To The States

9 Temporary Importation Exceptions

Imported JDM MK IV Toyota Supra, black, front quarter view outside
Via: YouTube via TJ Hunt

The US government has temporary importation exemptions where you can be allowed to bring a vehicle for a term of no longer than the one-year maximum. If you want to ship your vehicle to the States, you can drive it with your foreign plates, using your license without registering or getting a title in any US state.

It is designed for motorists visiting the States as tourists, as long as their countries of origin have ratified the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949. Although the process is straightforward, you have to get approval from Customs and Border Protection, EPA, and the US Department of Transport.

8 The Car Must Meet Safety Standards

A JDM Import
Via: JDMBuySell

Besides the stringent emission regulations, cars must meet safety standards to be allowed into the USA. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards specify all vehicles' design, construction, performance, and durability standards. The NHTSA issues these standards to prevent and reduce vehicle crashes.

All imported cars must comply with all applicable standards and must file form HS-7 when importing to declare whether the vehicle under 25 years old complies with DOT requirements.

7 Cars Imported Outside Canada May Require Modification

1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R for sale
Toprank Importers

Importing cars from Canada is much easier than anywhere else, and you will be exempted from duty thanks to the United States Mexico Canada Agreement. But the car will still have to meet EPA and import standards; if not, you will have to make expensive modifications.

When bringing a car from outside Canada, you will have to modify it unless the car was produced for import to the USA in compliance with all specifications. If it doesn't meet standards, you need certificates to prove necessary mods were implemented.

RELATED: 10 Cool And Affordable JDM Cars You Can Now Import To The States

6 Cars Over 25 Years Are Exempted From Restrictions

JDM Car Dealership
Via: JDMSportClassics

Whenever a car attains its 25th birthday, it gets a tad easier to bring it States-side. Legally, it can pass through customs with no restrictions, except if you live in the states of Hawaii or California, where older cars made after 1975 have to meet stricter emission requirements.

Many iconic JDM and European cars that weren't sold in the USA while new have exploited this loophole and became legal to import to the States in their 25th year. Notable mentions include the Nissan GTR R33, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, and the Series 1 Lotus Elise.

5 Documentation Required At Port Of Entry

1994 Subaru Impreza WRX
Via JapStar Imports

The Customs and Borders Protection Department will require several documents to clear a car import into the States. You will have to present the shipper's or carrier's original bill of landing, bill of sale, foreign registration, insurance, and any extra documents covering the vehicle.

Also, you must complete an EPA form 3520-1 for declaring emission provisions and DOT form HS-7 for the safety standards of the vehicle being imported. If a vehicle doesn't have manufacturer's labels indicating it meets all US emissions requirements, CBP inspectors will require proof of eligibility for exemptions.

4 Using Independent Commercial Importers

2001 Nissan Skyline GT
Toprank Importers

When importing a car that doesn't meet regulations, you must do the modifications and obtain the necessary certification. This can be a tedious, expensive, and frustrating exercise if you choose to do it yourself. Thankfully some independent commercial importers offer these services.

Using an independent commercial importer can be costly, but they offer the simplest way to make your car eligible. Also, unless you are buying a car directly from a manufacturer, you can't fully trust sellers who are thousands of miles away to be completely upfront about claims of making the required modifications. Contracting a certified independent commercial importer offers peace of mind since they inspect the car, and you will be certain to pass through customs.

RELATED: Importing A Car From Japan? Here's What To Look Out For

3 The Car Needs To Be Cleaned Thoroughly Before Shipping

Rare JDM - Toyota Supra TRD 3000 GT
Via: JM-Imports.co.uk

Even after meeting all requirements, you must ensure the car is properly cleaned before shipping. The CBP takes this seriously and might block your car from entry if it carries soils that could harbor foreign pests.

The Department of Agriculture must check the car's wheels and undercarriage for soil traces to safeguard against dangerous pests. Thus, ensure your car is steam-sprayed before shipping to avoid giving customs officials any reason to black-flag your car on customs inspection day.

2 The Fees Involved

Pagani Huayra L'Ultimo
Via Prestige Imports Miami

Cars imported outside Canada will attract a duty fee calculated based on the price you paid for the car at the point of origin. For cars, it is capped at 2.5% and 2.4% for motorcycles, while trucks attract a hefty 24%. Also, you must pay federal fees for any car import with a fuel economy rating lower than 22.5 miles per gallon.

But returning US residents don't have to pay duty as long as they are permanent US residents. Also, you can apply for an $800 CBP exemption if you are returning with a car from another country besides Canada and importing for personal use only.

RELATED: 10 Wild Classic Cars You Can Finally Import In 2022

1 Taking Advantage Of Show And Display Rule

Lamborghini Veneno Supercar
Source: Youtube @ Mike Supercars TopSpeed

In 1999, Bill Gates, Ralph Lauren, and other ultra-wealthy Americans lobbied and passed a law allowing them to drive select European car imports in the US legally. The Show and Display rule exempts some cars from regulations as long as they are bought specifically for show and display. But the list of eligible cars is narrowed o a few exotic cars, and they shouldn't be replicas of still in production. Notable mentions include the Aston Martin One-77, McLaren F1, and Porsche 959, among other rare collectibles.

Also, with prior written approval from the EPA, nonresidents can import an automobile or motorcycle free of duty for racing, testing, or display purposes.