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We are a professional manufacturer of custom food trailers and toilet trailers.

Ultimate Guide on How to Import a Trailer into the US & Get Licenses

If you’re searching for a cost-effective food trailer, partnering with reputable manufacturers in China can be a strategically sound decision. In recent years, China’s food trailer sector has expanded rapidly, mirroring growth in the United States—but with a stronger emphasis on large-scale production efficiency. This is precisely why many U.S. trailer brands collaborate with Chinese OEM manufacturers: China’s mature manufacturing ecosystem, integrated supply chain, and competitive pricing create advantages that are difficult to match domestically.

In fact, depending on the model, a food trailer shipped from China can cost less than half of an equivalent unit sold in the U.S., even after adding logistics fees. This price gap is driven by economies of scale, streamlined manufacturing processes, and China’s dense supplier networks.

Despite this, new buyers often feel hesitant due to negative anecdotes found across online forums—stories about inconsistent quality control, shipping damage, complicated customs procedures, or units that fail to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The process of registering an imported trailer and obtaining operating permits can also seem intimidating for first-time entrants into the mobile food industry.

The truth is that importing a food trailer is far less daunting when you have accurate information and partner with a compliant, responsible manufacturer. The key is to choose a company with proven experience in producing FMVSS-compliant units specifically for the North American market.

Step-by-Step Guides: How to Import Trailers from China to the U.S.

To import a trailer into the U.S., you must first ensure it meets FMVSS and EPA standards, then complete necessary federal paperwork like the DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1. After arrival, you must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by filing entry documents, paying duties, and submitting the required forms. Finally, you can register the trailer with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get plates and a license, a process that varies by state.

Step 1: Ensure Your Food Trailer is Compliant & Standard

Check for safety and emission compliance: The trailer must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and EPA standards. Look for a label indicating it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
If no label: If the trailer is under 25 years old and lacks a label, you may need an OEM Compliance Letter from the manufacturer stating it meets U.S. standards, or you may have to modify it to meet the requirements.
Older trailers: Trailers older than 25 years may not require a DOT sticker.

ETO Device is one of the many listed manufacturers in NHTSA’s Manufacturer’s Information Database. To find us:

1. Go to the NHTSA Manufacturer’s Information Database: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/mid/
2. Enter 23515 in the “Manufacturer ID”.
3. Click on “Search”
4. Click on the Manufacturer Name “HENAN CREATE MACHINERY CO., LTD.” to view more information about us.

NHTSA Manufacturer’s Information Database

WARNING!!!

If you buy a food trailer that does not meet U.S. safety standards, you may encounter the following issues:

Difficulty clearing customs, potentially delaying your delivery.
Higher than normal import bonds that you have to pay.
Potentially several thousand dollars spent on swapping out parts to comply with regulation.
Increasing storage fees when you can’t bring your food trailer home.

To avoid wasting more money and time on a mediocre food trailer that can not be registered in the U.S., it’s best to remove unqualified trailer manufacturers from your list.

Step 2: Gather import documentation

Prepare the following documents to successfully import the trailer:

Bill of Lading (BOL): A document from the shipping company detailing the transportation agreement and trailer details.
Commercial Invoice: This includes the price of the trailer, a description of the item, and other relevant purchase details.
EPA Compliance Certificate: If the trailer is subject to emissions regulations (particularly relevant for trailers with refrigeration units).
Customs Declaration (CBP Form 7501): This document is required to declare the trailer’s arrival in the U.S.
Proof of Ownership: You will need to show proof of ownership, such as a title or a manufacturer’s certificate.
Other documents: The foreign registration and any other documents covering the trailer.

Step 3: Contact Customs

Please contact the carrier or shipper to obtain the arrival date of your trailer at the port and provide advance notice to Customs in order that you can make arrangements to process it through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They will guide you on the next steps.

Step 4:Customs Clearance

Once your trailer arrives in the U.S., you will need to clear it through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This includes paying any applicable duties and taxes, and submitting the required paperwork. The CBP will assess the trailer and ensure it complies with U.S. laws.

Duties and Taxes: The U.S. imposes tariffs on imported trailers. The rate can vary based on the type of trailer and its country of origin.
Inspection: CBP may inspect the trailer for compliance with safety standards, especially if it’s used or doesn’t meet U.S. manufacturing requirements.

Bill of Sale
Bill of lading, issued by the shipper
Any relevant documents pertaining to the trailer
DOT Form HS-7
CBP Form 7501

DOT Form HS-7

CBP Form 7501

Step 5: Pay the Tax on Entry

All vehicles imported to the United States are subject to customs duties, the amount of which is based on the price paid for your food trailer. Generally speaking, customs duty rates are as follows:

Automobiles: 2.5%
Trucks: 25%
Motorcycles: 2.4% or FREE

Step 6: Register Your Food Trailer in the U.S.

How to register a trailer in the U.S.?

First, either you or we, the registered importer (RI), will submit a customs declaration to CBP and a Form HS-7 to DOT.
Next, CBP will provide you or the RI with a CBP Form 7501, which is essential for registering the trailer.
Then, you submit DOT Form HS-7 and CBP Form 7501 to the DMV, and the DMV officer will conduct a safety inspection.
If everything is in order, you will pay the registration fees, and they will give you license plates. Simply adhere the license plate to the designated position on the back of the trailer and you can hit the road.

Trailer registration laws and requirements vary from state to state, so it’s recommended to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in advance and discuss the matter with an agent. To avoid waiting in line, make an appointment with the DMV in advance.

Step 7: Get Permits & Licenses Needed for Your Food Trailer

A registered trailer can be driven on the roads in the United States, but it cannot legally sell food or beverages until it obtains the following permits:

Business License:

Just like any other restaurant, a food trailer needs a business license to prove that your business operation is a lawful one and apply for the mobile food facility permit.

Health Permit:

Issued by your local health department, this document certifies that your food trailer has passed health inspections. Please note that the health inspector will require specific kitchen equipment, such as 3 compartment water sinks, equipment with NSF marks, and concession windows.

Food Handler’s Permit:

If you plan to handle, prepare, and cook food in a food trailer, at least one employee must possess a valid permit during operational hours.

Driver’s License:

In most states across the US, a standard driver’s license suffices for legally towing a food trailer within state lines. However, some states may require the application of a special driver’s license for certain larger food trailers.

Mobile Food Facility Permit:

To operate a food trailer in California or Pennsylvania, you need to obtain a valid permit from the county where your business is located. To get this permit, you need to submit a commissary verification form, complete an application, pay an annual permit fee, and pass an inspection.

Fire Certificates:

In California and other states, mobile food facilities that use oil for cooking inside the trailer must meet local fire codes. A commercial kitchen Type 1 hood, UL300 extinguishing system, and a class K fire extinguisher are required to make food trailers compliant.

Commissary Letter of Agreement:

A commissary letter of agreement is an agreement between yourself and a commissary that confirms your right to access its facilities and services. These services include food processing, cooking, storage of supplies, replacing freshwater, and handling wastewater. The agreement must be completed and submitted for licensing.

Special Event Permit:

The special event application must be submitted to the local government in advance to organize a specific temporary event. You need to apply for this permit if:

Your food trailer plans to provide food and services at large festivals, parties, sports events, or music festivals.
You park your food trailer at parks, streets, residential areas, or other public locations for operation
Your food trailer business is only operating temporarily at a specific location

For a complete guide on importing Food Trailers from China and ensuring full U.S. compliance, check out our detailed resource here.

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Ultimate Guide on How to Import a Trailer into the US & Get Licenses

Step-by-Step Guides: How to Import Trailers from China to the U.S.