ABOUT REGISTERED IMPORTERS
ALSO KNOWN AS RI
Just what is a Registered Importer? A registered importer is also known as an RI. Unless you have delved into vehicle imports you probably don't know much about RIs. Registered Importers (R.I.’s) are garages and mechanical shops that are licensed by DOT to perform conversions on foreign cars to US standards. Typical conversion work includes headlamps, side markers, door beams, bumpers speedometer and fuel line. The car is bonded to an R.I. on entry and taken to the shop. After conversion, the shop submits a report on the conversion to DOT to get the bond released.
We have heard, so many times that people haven given up trying to import their private vehicle after calling dozens of Registered Importers who either declined the job, said it was not possible or quoted an astonishing high price. DON'T GIVE UP... Call us. We can help. Not all personal cars are required to be imported by an RI. One more time...
NOT ALL PERSONAL CARS ARE REQUIRED TO BE IMPORTED BY AN R.I.
The R.I. program was created in 1990 when these garages were converting fleets of cars being imported for re-sale. Because re-sale fleets aren’t being imported much anymore, many R.I.’s on the DOT list are not currently active and often will decline to handle a single personal vehicle. What is a registered importer? It is something you may or may not need. We can help you figure that out. CONTACT US.
Further, if for whatever reason DOT does not approve the conversion, the car must be exported and you must still pay the shop for the work that was done. However, not all personal cars are required to be imported by an RI. Requirements can vary depending on make, model, year, country of export, reasons for importing the car, etc.R.I. Import Services can advise you on the exact regulations that apply to your specific situation.
Please, do yourself a favor and contact us...
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