Import of GT

[charger440]

I bought my GT new in 2006 and had it titled here in the US. I later sold it to a guy in Europe. I recently bought the car back from him, and the car is now on its way home to the US.

As a standard procedure US Customs will charge me 2.5% import duty on the current value of the car when it arrives at the port. This should not be applicable on this US made car. However Customs requires documentation that no Manufacturer's drawback was claimed by Ford when exported. This was of course not claimed by Ford, as this was a domestic sale car, and I later exported the car as a private individual.

The only way of getting around this with US Customs is for Ford to sign a "U.S. Manufacturer's Affidavit", where they state that the car was made in the US and that no draw back was claimed by them as a manufacturer. (You can not argue with this government entity, they need their form, or you have to pay).

I have the required form and I have contacted both Ford Customer Service and the GT office, but no one can help me. They are reluctant to sign anything. The Ford export people are probably the only ones that are familiar with such issues, but I am not able to reach them. Does anyone know anybody at Ford who I could contact in this matter?

(My freight forwarder has informed me that in this case no import duties are applicable, but without the signed form from Ford I would still have to pay the duties based on the invoice and current car value).

 

[fjpikul]

So who knows who signs it? Scribble any name you like on it. Who's gonna know or go into any depth to find out? Why not the original selling dealer? Was it titled in USA first? Have the home state do it.

 

[Gierkink]

I imported my car, ten years ago, from the UK where I purchased it. I just looked through my paperwork and this specific issue was not something I had to deal with. I wish I could be of more help.

 

[charger440]

Thanks for your responses.

I cannot fill in the form myself, as US Customs require that the form is sent directly to them from the manufacturer (Ford) on their stationary and from their e mail account. Probably for this very reason of someone otherwise making it up. The car was titled in the US first, so I am all good. But this is a technicality, Customs need the form and it has to come from the manufacturer, not the selling dealer or the state.

10 years ago it was simpler. At that time Customs just checked the VIN to see in which country the car was manufactured. But no so these days.

 

[ROCK]

Go pick it up yourself (the owner).
Bring an original Title of the car. It could be perforated as the do when it's exported.
Copy of Bill of landing (when the vehicle left).
Original import BL with your mane as consignee.
Original invoice (The one you just recently got), even if it is from a private party.
Your DL (has to be the same name as on the invoice and B/L).
I think you have to show insurance. Not sure...

 

[charger440]

Thanks for your input. I will be picking the car up at the port myself in a week from now. I have provided my freight forwarder and Customs with copies of all the paperwork that you mentioned, plus the new car purchase contract. I have also informed them that I will bring the original documents when coming to the port.

Unfortunately this is not good enough for them. They need the "US Manufacturer's Affidavit" from Ford. That is their rule and there is no way around this. Believe me, I have tried to apply logic and explained, but the bureaucrats make the rules and go by them.

Ford Customer Service Division says that they do not know who to talk to within Ford about this. Although I suggested export sales, logistics etc, but to no avail. I have spent an hour on the phone with 4 different representatives and written several letters, including copies of all the relevant documents.

The GT office at Ford has so far not been able to help either, after several phone calls and letters.

The dealer where I bought the GT new contacted their contacts at Ford. The message back was that they could not sign an Affidavit because they could not know whether the car has been modified or changed while in Europe, affecting its value. (I have offered to sign a notarized document verifying that no modifications have been done to the car, and that I assume full personal responsibility should anyone ever have any issues with this re import and the Affidavit.)

The bottom line is that my car was made in the US, exported by myself, and that no draw back was claimed by Ford as Manufacturer when exported, and I have informed them that the car has remained in 100% stock condition. There is no logical, financial or legal reasons that Ford could not sign the Affidavit.

All I need is a contact at Ford who has the guts to sign the obvious, and I am good.

If not it looks like I have to pay about $ 5,000 in import duties based on the invoice value when I repurchased the car. It is irritating having to pay import duties on my own car, made in the US, just because Ford cannot sign the Affidavit.

If anyone has a contact at Ford Motor Company that can comprehend this situation, apply logic and sign the Affidavit, I will be happy to provide him/her with all the information and documents related to the export and re import of this GT. All the facts are documented, and all I need is a signature. Thanks.

 

[junior]

Reduce and show the invoice value when re-purchased. (hope no one at customs has a F-GT or a forum member).

 

[charger440]

Today I finally got hold of a nice lady at Ford's GT office, and she got the affidavit signed for me, and problem solved!

Thanks for forum members' inputs.

 

[Xcentric]

Today I finally got hold of a nice lady at Ford's GT office, and she got the affidavit signed for me, and problem solved!

Thanks for forum members' inputs.

Ford's GT office??? :lol

 

[twobjshelbys]

Don't you have the original purchase paperwork to show it was bought in the us? Oasis contains some of the info like purchase date and selling dealer but I don't think first owner names

 

[RALPHIE]

Today I finally got hold of a nice lady at Ford's GT office, and she got the affidavit signed for me, and problem solved!

Thanks for forum members' inputs.

I'm glad everything worked out for you.