Prohibited and Restricted Items to Bring Into The U.S.
Absinthe (Alcohol) - The importation of Absinthe and any other liquors or liqueurs that contain Artemisia absinthium is prohibited.
Automobiles - Automobiles imported into the United States must meet the fuel-emission requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the safety, bumper, and theft-prevention standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Trying to import a car that doesn't meet all the requirements can be a frustrating experience.
Almost all cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and so on that are bought in foreign countries must be modified to meet American standards. Passenger vehicles that are imported on the condition that they be modified must be exported or destroyed if they are not modified acceptably. Also under these circumstances, the vehicle could require a bond upon entry until the conditions for admission have been met.
And even if the car does meet all federal standards, it might be subject to additional EPA requirements, depending on what countries it was driven in. You are strongly encouraged to contact EPA and DOT before importing a car.
Information on importing vehicles can be obtained from visiting the Environmental Protection Agency web site at www.epa.gov ( Environmental Protection Agency ) , or by writing to Attn.: 6405J, Washington, DC 20460, or by telephone at (202) 564-9240 for EPA forms (202) 564-9660. You may also contact the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NEF 32) NHTSA, Washington, DC 20590, by telephone at (800) 424-9393, or by visiting the DOT web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov ( NHTSA ).
Copies of the brochure Importing or Exporting a Car can be obtained by writing to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, DC 20044; or visiting the CBP web site at www.cbp.gov. The EPA Automotive Imports Fact Manual can be obtained by writing to the Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460; or by visiting www.epa.gov ( Environmental Protection Agency ).
Cars being brought into the United States temporarily (for less than one year) are exempt from these restrictions. It is illegal to bring a vehicle into the United States and sell it if it was not formally entered on a CBP Form 7501.
Biologicals - You may need a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit to import biological specimens including bacterial cultures, culture medium, excretions, fungi, arthropods, mollusks, tissues of livestock, birds, plants, viruses, vectors for research, biological or pharmaceutical use. Permit requirements are located under Permits on the USDA Website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. For some permits you may have to contact the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov
Ceramic Tableware - Although ceramic tableware is not prohibited or restricted, you should know that such tableware made in foreign countries may contain dangerous levels of lead in the glaze, which can seep into foods and beverages. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that if you buy ceramic tableware abroad, especially in Mexico, China, Hong Kong, or India you have it tested for lead release when you return, or use it for decorative purposes only.
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