Importing UAZ 469 from Russia

[rongaudier]

I just got back from Russia and found a pretty nice UAZ 469 in St. Petersburg. The dealer has all documentation for the vehicle, but there is no VIN# or ID plate. Dealer says this is normal for cars of this vintage (1980). Question is, will customs have an issue with it. And will it be an issue with EPA/DOT and proving the 25 year rule.

I have contacted a shipping company in St Petersburg that says they can ship it to Houston for $2100. They say they have done this before and not had issues. Does anyone here have experience with this and can give some pointers?
Thanks.

 

[pontiac62]

Ya it has to be 25 years or older to use on the road. Other wise it had to meet the laws that apply to it. I’m no expert but that’s what I found out when I looked into it awhile back.


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Man of few words

M1081 LVAD

 

[mkcoen]

Ya it has to be 25 years or older to use on the road. Other wise it had to meet the laws that apply to it. I’m no expert but that’s what I found out when I looked into it awhile back.

His issue is whether it can be imported. In TX if he registers it as a Former Military Vehicle (FMV) EPA/DOT rules don't matter. The state will register ANY former military vehicle regardless of age, weight, country of origin, etc and the 25 year rule doesn't matter.

 

[rongaudier]

Well it is over 25 year, a 1981. My concern is with the lack of a VIN or data plate. All I have is the paperwork as proof of how old it is. I'm hoping that's enough.

 

[pontiac62]

I would definitely be calling customs on that issue and ask for the rules or laws pertaining to the vehicle has no vin or data. If that would cause a problem importing it. Better safe than sorry.


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Man of few words

M1081 LVAD

 

[98G]

My guess says it'll be luck of the draw depending in which customs officer looks at it at arrival in Houston.

Anything from no problem, to impounded with storage fees in th hundreds of dollars per day.

Talking to customs beforehand is like talking to DMV prior - the answers you receive today may or may not reflect what actually happens. Roll of the dice....

Edit- I guess that's not very helpful. Talk to teletech, he recently imported some goodies...

 

[NV555]

I drove one in 1993 in Moscow. The guy wanted to sell it right off the base for $400.00 Fun 4x4 for sure. Good luck on the import.

 

[rongaudier]

Well I've decided that that particular one is a no go because of NO serial number. Strange. but it exists nowhere on car and even the "technical passport" says "absent" for serial number. Apparently this is an issue with these. Especially the ex-military ones. Here's a video I did of it.
https://youtu.be/NB35y26R28g