What Compliance Means When Importing a Car Into the USA

A vehicle is considered compliant with U.S. standards if it has both:

• EPA Emissions Label – usually found under the hood or on the engine block
• DOT Safety Label – typically on the driver-side door jamb

These labels confirm that the vehicle met U.S. standards when it was manufactured. Many Canadian-market vehicles display a Transport Canada maple leaf label, which proves compliance with Canadian regulations. However, this alone is not always enough for U.S. import approval.

If the labels are missing or unclear, the importer may need additional documentation.

What You Need to Know About Missing U.S. Compliance Labels

Many vehicles manufactured for Canada still meet all U.S. requirements — they simply don’t carry the U.S. labels. When this happens, importers traditionally requested a Letter of Compliance from the manufacturer.

This letter verifies that the vehicle, at the time of manufacture, met:

• U.S. emissions standards
• U.S. bumper and safety standards
• Anti-theft requirements

Once verified, the importer could select Box 2B on DOT Form HS-7, allowing the vehicle to enter the country.

In 2025, however, the situation has changed.

Toyota & Kia No Longer Issue Letters of Compliance (2025 Update)

Over the years, each manufacturer has handled Letters of Compliance differently.
As of 2025:

• Toyota – NO longer issues Letters of Compliance
• Kia – NO longer issues Letters of Compliance
• Hyundai – Previously did not issue them, but now issues them again
• Others – Some manufacturers may charge a fee or impose strict requirements

This shift has made importing Toyota and Kia vehicles more challenging, but not impossible.

If you cannot obtain a Letter of Compliance, you still have options.

Using a Registered Importer When Compliance Cannot Be Verified

If the manufacturer refuses to issue a Letter of Compliance, you can use a Registered Importer (RI) approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

An RI can:

• Inspect the vehicle
• Verify compliance
• Perform necessary modifications (if required)
• Prepare the compliance file for the DOT
• Hold the vehicle for the mandatory 30-day period
• Submit documentation for import approval

This option is more expensive but is often the only path when a Toyota or Kia does not have the correct labels.

For an overview of how importing works, you can also review our guide to importing a car into the USA.

Who Makes the Final Import Decision?

Ultimately, the final decision rests with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who handles your vehicle when it arrives at the border.

Most officers accept:

• Valid U.S. compliance labels
• A manufacturer-issued Letter of Compliance
• A full compliance file from a Registered Importer

However, some officers apply stricter interpretations of the rules. If documentation is incomplete, your vehicle may be refused entry and sent back to Canada.

Working with an experienced transport company minimizes this risk.

How US Canada Auto Transport Helps (2025 Process)

US Canada Auto Transport has been handling cross-border vehicle imports since 1985. Even with recent manufacturer changes, we simplify the entire process for you.

Here is how the 2025 compliance process works:

Step 1: Verify Vehicle Eligibility

We check your vehicle’s year, make, and model against the NHTSA Inadmissible Vehicle List to ensure it qualifies for import. If needed, we direct you to additional resources such as our article on vehicle compliance requirements for U.S. Customs.

Step 2: Connect You With a Registered Importer (If Needed)

If your Toyota or Kia lacks proper labels or if no Letter of Compliance is available, we coordinate with a Registered Importer who can inspect the vehicle and prepare the necessary compliance file.

Step 3: Transport to the Registered Importer Facility

We load your vehicle in Canada and transport it directly to the Registered Importer’s location to begin the compliance process.

Step 4: 30-Day Holding Period

The Registered Importer prepares your DOT file and holds the vehicle for the mandatory 30-day period required for all compliance modifications and paperwork.

Step 5: Final Transport to Your U.S. Destination

Once DOT approval is granted, we load and deliver your vehicle to your final destination anywhere in the United States.

Top Benefits of Importing Your Car Instead of Buying a New One

1. Save Thousands on Buying a New Vehicle

You avoid large car payments and dealership markups. Importing your current vehicle remains one of the most cost-effective options.

2. Lower Auto Insurance Costs

Many insurance providers allow liability-only coverage on a paid-off vehicle.
(Always confirm with a reputable insurance company.)

Need Help Importing Your Toyota or Kia?

We’ve assisted thousands of customers importing vehicles between Canada and the USA.
If you need help with compliance, Registered Importers, or transport, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Fill out the form below and we’ll help you determine compliance and show you the exact transport cost.