Read and translate the text. Pre-reading exercise

Pre-reading exercise

Unit 1

CHAPTER V Importing a vehicle

1. What do you think safety standards are?

2. Do you think the vehicles obtained abroad usually meet all these standards?

3. Where can one obtain essential information for importing a vehicle into the country?

If vehicles manufactured abroad conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards, it is because these vehicles are exported for sale in the Unites States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. You’d better be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance.

Vehicles entering the United States that do not conform with U.S. safety standards must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed.

Essential information for U.S. residents, military or civilian government employees, and foreign nationals who are importing a vehicle into the United States can be obtained from the nearest Customs offices, as well as from American embassies and consulates abroad. One can get there some leaflets and pamphlets, such as of popular series Know Before You Go (Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents) that contain general information, U.S. Customs requirements and those of other agencies whose regulations they enforce.

You can also communicate by phone or fax with The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has a detailed automotive facts manual describing emission requirements for imported vehicles.

You should keep in mind that importations from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, and Sudan or that involve the governments of those countries, are generally prohibited pursuant to regulations issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Before attempting to make such an importation, information concerning the prohibitions and licensing policy should be obtained by contacting the Director of the Office.

The owner must make arrangements for shipping a vehicle. Have your shipper or carrier notify you of the vehicle’s arrival date so that the Customs can clear it. Shipments are cleared at the first port of entry unless you arrange for freight forwarder abroad to have the vehicle sent in bond to a Customs port more convenient for you.

Customs officers are prohibited by law from acting as agents or making entries for an importer. However, you may employ a commercial customs broker to handle your entry.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-29