US Export Operations - Heavy Equipment to the World

The four ways to ship machinery to United States

Container, flat rack, RoRo and breakbulk, with where each one lands. RoRo availability is by U.S. coast; the other three are booked on the services that run when the cargo is ready.

Import duty on machinery in United States

The most-favoured-nation (MFN) duty applied to each machine class, as a simple average of the national tariff lines under its HS subheading^[1]. Preferential rates under trade agreements can be lower.

The range shows the lowest and highest line within the subheading; a dash means every line has the same rate.

Worked example: a $100,000 excavator

Import duty: 0% of $100,000 CIF is $0 (HS 8429.52, 2023 tariff)^[1].

No VAT or sales tax is levied on import^[3]

Total duty and tax: $0, or 0% of CIF.

• Excise, port charges, broker fees and any registration tax are extra. The final rate depends on the exact tariff line your broker declares.

Vehicles and other taxes

Importing into the US: the base customs duty is 2.5% on passenger cars and 25% on light/cargo trucks. Since April 2025 a Section 232 tariff of 25% applies to passenger vehicles and light trucks from all countries (with additional country-specific surcharges) — these rates have shifted repeatedly, so confirm the current figure. Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago are exempt from the Section 232 tariff (HTS 9903.94.04) and clear at 2.5%.

Source: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) / EPA / NHTSA, checked June 2026.

• Import duty: 2.5% cars / 25% light trucks base; +25% Section 232 since 2025 (confirm current)
• VAT: No federal VAT; state sales/use tax applies on registration
• Other charges: Gas Guzzler Tax on some inefficient passenger cars; reciprocal country surcharges may apply
• Age limits: Vehicles under 25 years old must meet EPA emissions and DOT/FMVSS safety standards (often via a Registered Importer and ICI). Vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from EPA/DOT and clear with DOT Form HS-7 (Box 1) and EPA Form 3520-1 (Code E).

Documents for United States

The papers a machinery shipment to United States usually needs at destination. Your consignee and their customs broker confirm the list for the exact cargo.

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• AES/EEI Filing
• Export License (if required)
• Certificate of Origin
• Equipment Specifications

U.S. export rules

What every shipment from the U.S. has to clear before it sails, whatever the destination.

Electronic Export Information (15 CFR 30)U.S. Census Bureau

Electronic Export Information is filed in AES for each Schedule B number worth more than $2,500 going to one consignee on one conveyance, and for every vehicle whatever its value. For vessel cargo it is due at least 24 hours before loading; the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) goes to the carrier with the booking.^[4][5]

Applies to: Any Schedule B line over $2,500, and every vehicle

Used self-propelled vehicles: 72-hour ruleU.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. regulations count self-propelled construction and agricultural machinery as vehicles. A used one must be filed in AES at least 72 hours before export, whatever its value or destination, and the ITN, the VIN or serial number and the ownership documents go to CBP at the port of export. Filing after departure is not allowed.^[6][7][5]

Applies to: Used machines that drive: excavators, loaders, dozers, tractors, trucks

ISPM 15 wood packagingIPPC, administered in the U.S. by USDA APHIS

Wood packaging and dunnage must be heat-treated to a core temperature of 56 °C for at least 30 minutes, or fumigated, and carry the IPPC mark with the US country code, the facility number and HT or MB. Marked wood can be reused; repaired or remanufactured wood must be treated and marked again.^[8]

Applies to: Crates, skids, blocking and dunnage

Export classification under the EAR (ECCN or EAR99)BIS (U.S. Department of Commerce)

An item subject to the EAR is either listed on the Commerce Control List under an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) or classified EAR99, the basket for items not listed. The ECCN’s reasons for control, read against the Commerce Country Chart, decide whether the destination needs a license. An EAR99 item rarely needs one, but no item, EAR99 included, may go to a person under a denial order or to a prohibited end use or end user without BIS authorization.^[9][10][11]

Applies to: Every export of goods subject to the Export Administration Regulations

Clearance notes for United States

• File EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry; non-conforming vehicles under 25 years need a Registered Importer.
• The 2025 Section 232 auto tariff and country surcharges change frequently — confirm current duty with a customs broker.
• EPA/DOT conformance for sub-25-year vehicles is costly and slow; the 25-year rule is the clean path for classics.
• US auto tariffs shifted repeatedly through 2025–2026 — verify the live rate before shipping.

Questions buyers ask

Export checklist (PDF)

A one-page checklist with the facts on this page for shipping United States: methods, duty, rules and documents. Give it to your customs broker.

Nearby destinations

• Shipping Heavy Equipment to Canada
• Shipping Heavy Equipment to Mexico
• Shipping Heavy Equipment to Brazil
• Shipping Heavy Equipment to Australia

All destinations in North America