Can you import European trucks into the USA?

Short answer: yes, you can import European trucks into the USA — but it’s not simple, and for most buyers, the compliance costs and regulatory hurdles make it less attractive than sourcing domestically or through established North American auction markets. If you’re truly trying to stand out and want to attempt at importing a European semi to the US, here’s a breakdown of what the process involves, cost estimates, and when it actually makes sense.

Why would someone import a European truck?

European trucks from manufacturers like Volvo, DAF, MAN, Scania, and Mercedes-Benz are widely respected for build quality, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort. Buyers sometimes look to import them when:

• A specific configuration or spec isn’t available in the North American market
• Pricing appears favourable compared to equivalent US-spec units
• The buyer has cross-border operations and wants consistent fleet standardisation

That said, the gap between a truck’s purchase price and its landed, road-legal cost in the United States is frequently larger than buyers anticipate.

What regulations govern importing trucks into the USA?

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are the primary regulatory barrier. All motor vehicles imported into the US must conform to FMVSS, which are administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). European trucks are built to UN/ECE standards, which differ in meaningful ways from FMVSS — meaning most EU-spec trucks cannot be driven legally on US public roads without modification.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces emissions standards that European trucks must also meet before they can be registered and operated in the US.

The 25-Year rule — does it apply to trucks?

The 25-year exemption that allows non-conforming vehicles to be imported freely applies to cars and light vehicles, not commercial trucks. Heavy trucks are subject to different rules and must meet FMVSS and EPA standards regardless of age in most cases. Don’t assume a vintage European truck skips compliance requirements because it’s old.

What are the steps to import a European truck into the USA?

Importing a non-conforming European truck involves six core steps:

1. Confirm eligibility — Determine whether your specific truck can be modified to meet FMVSS and EPA standards. Not all vehicles can be brought into compliance economically.
2. Hire a Registered Importer (RI) — NHTSA requires that non-conforming vehicles be imported through an RI, a company certified to perform and certify the necessary modifications.
3. File the entry with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — A formal entry is required. You’ll need the bill of sale, title, and other documentation.
4. Pay import duties — The standard duty rate on imported trucks is 25% under the so-called “Chicken Tax.” This applies to pickup trucks and many commercial trucks. Confirm the applicable tariff classification for your specific unit.
5. Complete FMVSS and EPA modifications — The RI performs required modifications, which can include lighting, reflectors, bumper standards, brake lighting, and emissions system upgrades.
6. Receive NHTSA bond release — A conformance bond is held until modifications are certified. Once released, the truck can be titled and registered in your state.

Important: If you’re set on importing a EU semi truck to the USA, it’s important you verify all legal requirements through the necessary body as this article only services as a general guide. Please look to the NHSTA (for compliance rules), the EPA (emissions compliance), US Customs & Border Protection (necessary paper work for vehicle import), and any local state/municipal DMV laws for one of the last steps in insuring and titling.

How long soes the import process take?

The timeline varies, but budget 3 to 6 months minimum from the point of purchase to having a road-legal truck. Delays in parts sourcing for modifications, NHTSA processing times, and customs holds can extend that timeline significantly.

What does it cost to import a European truck?

The total landed cost of a European truck imported into the US typically runs 40–60% above the purchase price when you account for all fees and modifications. Here’s a what a very estimated breakdown:

Cost Item	Estimated Range
Import duty (Chicken Tax)	25% of declared value
Shipping (RoRo or container)	$1,500–$4,500+
Customs brokerage fees	$500–$1,500
Registered Importer fees	$2,000–$8,000+
FMVSS modification work	$3,000–$20,000+
EPA compliance work	$1,000–$10,000+
Bond, titling, registration	$500–$2,000

For a €60,000 European truck, you could easily spend an additional $30,000–$50,000 USD before the truck turns a wheel on a US road. If that truck has a North American equivalent available at auction for $55,000–$70,000, the economics rarely favour importing.

Are there any exemptions or shortcuts?

Can you import a European truck for off-road use only?

Some buyers import non-conforming trucks strictly for off-road or private land use — mining sites, quarries, agriculture, or industrial yards. In this case, FMVSS road-use compliance may not apply, though EPA emissions rules can still be relevant depending on usage and jurisdiction. This is a narrower use case but can make sense for specific applications.

What about Canadian-spec European trucks?

Canada has a separate regulatory framework (Transport Canada / CMVSS), and some European trucks have been imported and certified for Canadian use. A Canadian-registered truck still cannot simply cross the border for US road use without meeting FMVSS — Canada and US standards are similar but not identical.

Is importing a European truck worth it?

For most US buyers, importing a European truck is not worth the cost and complexity. The 25% import duty alone is a steep barrier, and FMVSS modification costs can rival or exceed the savings on the purchase price. The exceptions tend to be:

• Highly specialised truck configurations not manufactured for the North American market
• Fleet operators with established compliance teams and import experience
• Off-road or private-land applications where road certification isn’t required

For the vast majority of fleet buyers and owner-operators, a better strategy is sourcing quality used trucks through North American auction markets — where units are already compliant, titled, and ready to work.

If you’re looking at specialised trucks — winch trucks, vacuum excavator trucks, or tow trucks — you’ll often find North American-spec units with full service histories available at auction for comparable or lower all-in pricing than an imported European equivalent.

What to do instead: Sourcing trucks through North American auctions

Ritchie Bros. regularly offers a wide range of commercial trucks across North America — units that are already street-legal, EPA-compliant, and ready for immediate use. Buyers can inspect equipment in person or online, review condition reports, and bid with confidence.

For buyers looking at heavy equipment and truck auctions, Ritchie Bros. holds over 400 events each year that regularly include commercial trucks across a wide range of specs and configurations.

Key takeaways

• Yes, you can import European trucks into the US, but most require FMVSS and EPA compliance modifications through a NHTSA Registered Importer.
• The 25% Chicken Tax import duty applies to most trucks and adds significantly to total cost.
• Expect the full landed cost to be 40–60% above the purchase price once shipping, duties, and compliance work are factored in.
• Off-road or private-land use cases have more flexibility, but road use requires full compliance.
• For most buyers, sourcing a North American-spec used truck through auction delivers better value with none of the regulatory complexity.

See also

A farmer’s checklist for preparing equipment for resale