Import Guide

Start with your destination

Tell us the car you want, your delivery country and your city or nearest port. We can discuss available shipping routes, export documents, costs and the support you need at arrival.

Import eligibility, taxes and registration requirements depend on the destination and the individual vehicle. Confirm these with your local customs broker or relevant authority before buying.

U.S. import requirements

For imports to the United States, there are three separate checks: federal safety rules, EPA emissions rules and your state’s registration rules.

The 25-year rule

A car that is at least 25 years old at import can enter without meeting federal vehicle safety standards. Age runs from the manufacture date, not just the advertised model year.

For example, a car built in October 2001 reaches 25 years in October 2026. Keep proof of its build date and confirm the entry date before shipping.

This exemption does not remove EPA requirements, customs charges or state registration rules.

EPA emissions: a separate rule

A car at least 21 years old may qualify for the age exemption when it is in its original, unmodified configuration. EPA counts age using the import year minus the production year.

An engine swap can affect eligibility. EPA says an equivalent replacement must match the original engine’s model and configuration. Ask EPA to confirm before buying a modified car.

A car that meets the EPA age rule still needs a valid NHTSA import route. For newer nonconforming cars, an EPA-approved Independent Commercial Importer may be needed.

Show or Display

This is a special route for cars with unusual historical or technical importance. It is not available just because a car is rare or expensive.

• Get NHTSA permission before import. Check the exact model and year. An eligible model still requires permission for your vehicle.
• If the model has not been approved, it needs an eligibility decision first. NHTSA generally considers production of 500 or fewer, among other factors.
• Approved on-road use is limited to 2,500 miles in a 12-month period, with any additional conditions in the approval.
• EPA rules still apply. Show or Display does not give an emissions exemption.
• Check your state’s registration rules and insurance before purchase.

What about newer cars?

A car originally built and labeled to U.S. standards may qualify as a conforming import. The same model being sold in America does not prove a Japanese-market car meets those standards.

A nonconforming car under 25 may need a NHTSA eligibility decision, a Registered Importer, modifications and a bond. EPA approval is separate. Confirm both routes before purchase.

Temporary, nonresident and race-use imports have separate restrictions. They are not a general route to keep and register a newer road car in the U.S.

Documents and shipping

Confirm the document list with your customs broker before the car leaves Japan. It normally includes:

• Purchase invoice or bill of sale, with the chassis number.
• Japanese registration/export documents and any required translation.
• Bill of lading from the shipping company.
• Proof of age and any import approval letters.
• DOT Form HS-7, EPA Form 3520-1 and customs entry documents, including CBP Form 7501.

Have the car cleaned underneath and remove foreign soil. Ask your broker about any required Importer Security Filing and bond before loading.

Duties, tariffs and other costs

Budget for the car, Japan fees, freight, insurance, customs clearance, port fees and U.S. delivery. State sales or use tax and registration can add more.

CBP lists base duty of 2.5% for passenger cars and 25% for trucks. These are not guaranteed total rates. Additional tariffs or exceptions can depend on origin, vehicle type and entry date. A car shipped from Japan was not necessarily made in Japan.

Ask a licensed customs broker for the total applicable rate and customs value. Use those figures in the calculator.

State registration is a separate step

Federal import clearance does not guarantee a state title or permission to drive. Check your DMV’s ownership, inspection, insurance, tax and emissions requirements for the exact car.

California has separate rules for directly imported cars. Do not assume the federal 25-year rule makes a car California-registerable.

Three common import questions

Send these details with your enquiry

• The listing or auction reference and full chassis number, if available.
• Manufacture-date evidence, registration year and original market specification.
• Engine and emissions modifications, including any replacement engine.
• Your country, destination state or region, and delivery city or ZIP code.
• Your complete purchase and import budget, with the intended timing.