Independent Commercial Importers (ICIs)

Independent Commercial Importers (ICIs) are entities that have obtained EPA credentials to legally import vehicles into the United States.

• List of ICIs currently registered with EPA (pdf) (EPA-420-F-22-020, May 2022)
  NOTE: EPA provides this list of ICIs as a reference only. EPA DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY ICI ON THIS LIST.
• Certificate Review Sheet for Independent Commercial Importers (ICIs) (pdf) (February 2020, EPA-420-B-20-009)

How to Become an ICI

Any person or business that wants to become an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) should first become knowledgeable about the requirements for ICIs (40 CFR Part 85, Subpart P) and for EPA vehicle and certification (40 CFR Part 86). Prospective ICIs must obtain at least one Certificate of Conformity from EPA in accordance with those regulatory requirements. For more information on how to become an ICI, please refer to the Certification and Guidance page.

The first step in the process is to notify EPA via a letter of intent sent to:

ICI Team Leader
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Compliance Division
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

How to Use an ICI to Import a Vehicle

Individuals who wish to import a vehicle that does not conform to United States emission standards or qualify for an exemption must engage an ICI to modify, test, and certify the vehicle so that it does.

It is important to understand that ICI import authority is generally limited to specific vehicle makes and models. Before making your import arrangements, you should contact your ICI to confirm that it is qualified to import your particular vehicle. Furthermore, ICI designation does not automatically confer approval of the ICI’s treatment of an imported vehicle. EPA will carefully scrutinize the ICI’s test documentation and other information concerning the quality of modifications to a given vehicle to determine whether it meets all the applicable EPA requirements under the imports regulations.