🇺🇸 Importing a Japanese car to United States

Vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago are exempt from FMVSS and EPA conformity. That single rule is why JDM legends cost more here than in Japan.

25-Year Rule

In 2026, vehicles built before 2001 qualify outright. Vehicles built in 2001 only qualify once their exact build month is 25 years back — we don't have the build month on file for every listing, so those are marked "build month verification needed" instead of eligible. The line moves forward every month, not just every January.

Duty: Passenger cars 2.5%, pickup trucks 25% (the “chicken tax”) — ten times the rate.

Duty origin follows where the car was built, not where it was bought. A German car purchased in Japan is still EU-origin.

How it goes

1. Confirm the build date — the month matters, not just the year.
2. Arrange ocean freight (RoRo or container) to a US port.
3. File EPA Form 3520-1 (code E) and DOT Form HS-7 (box 1) at entry.
4. Clear customs, pay 2.5% duty on the vehicle value plus MPF/HMF.
5. Title and register in your state — requirements vary by state.

Prices are the Japanese domestic asking price. Shipping, duty and compliance are extra — ask us for a landed quote and we will put the whole number in one place.

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