Vehicle import · Japan
Import a car from Japan
Most Japanese cars come in under the 25-year rule. Allied, a licensed customs broker, files the CBP entry, the DOT HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 for your car.
Duty in 2026
What duty does a vehicle from Japan pay?
| Vehicle | Total duty | Chapter 99 heading |
|---|---|---|
| Car made in 2001 or earlier (8703) | 12.5% | 9903.94.04 (no Section 232), 9903.05.49 (Section 301) |
| Car made in 2002 or later (8703) | 15% | 9903.94.41 |
| Kei car of 1,000 cc or less (8703.21), any age | 15% | 9903.82.10 (steel derivative) |
| Kei truck, pickup or light truck (8704) | 25% | Base rate. 9903.94.40 adds nothing. |
For entries in 2026, Section 232 counts calendar years: a car made in 2001 or earlier has no Section 232 duty. Since July 24, 2026, it pays the Section 301 forced labor duty instead, which brings a product of Japan to 12.5% in total (U.S. note 52). The DOT 25-year rule is separate and counts from the date of manufacture.
CBP also charges the merchandise processing fee: 0.3464%, with a minimum and a maximum. An ocean shipment also pays the harbor maintenance fee of 0.125%. All rates and a worked example.
Leaving the country
Which export document do I need from Japan?
Export certificate (輸出抹消仮登録証明書)
For a registered car. The owner applies for temporary deregistration for export and receives this certificate. Sellers and auction houses call it the export certificate.
Export notice certificate (輸出予定届出証明書)
For a car that was already taken off the road (一時抹消登録). The owner files an export notice, returns the deregistration certificate and receives this certificate instead.
Timing
Either certificate can be issued up to 6 months before the planned export date. The exporter presents it with the Japanese export declaration.
English translation
Send us a copy with an English translation. It shows who owned the car and when it left the Japanese register.
Arrival
Where does a vehicle from Japan arrive, and does the steering side matter?
Ports of entry
Most ocean shipments from Japan cross the Pacific to West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Port Hueneme and Tacoma. Allied files at any U.S. port, so the entry follows the shipper's route.
Right-hand drive
Japan drives on the left, and most Japanese-market cars are right-hand drive. Federal import rules do not ban right-hand drive. A car 25 years or older does not need to meet the safety standards. Your state titles and registers the car, so check its rules.
Common imports
Which vehicles do people import from Japan?
Skyline GT-R, Supra and other sports cars
Each car becomes eligible 25 years after its own date of manufacture. Two cars of the same model year can reach 25 years months apart.Kei cars
The Honda Beat, Suzuki Cappuccino and other 660 cc cars. The base rate is 2.5%, but the steel derivative duty brings the total to 15% at any age.Kei trucks and vans
A kei truck is a goods vehicle at 25%. As a road vehicle it follows the 25-year and 21-year rules. Check your state's road rules for mini trucks.Land Cruiser, Delica and other 4x4s
Passenger models pay 12.5% in total when made in 2001 or earlier. A model designed to carry goods can be a truck at 25%. We classify from the specifications.
Kei cars pay 15% at any age
Cars of 1,000 cc or less are outside the Section 232 automobile duty. Since April 6, 2026 they are on the Section 232 steel derivative list, which has no age exception. Since June 8, 2026 the total is 15%. CBP message on the June 2026 metals changes.
No date label? Other proof works
If no label shows the date of manufacture, other proof works. NHTSA names the first sales invoice or a registration from at least 25 years ago. A statement from a recognized vehicle historical society is the last option.
Our service
How does Allied handle a vehicle from Japan?
Before you buy: send the listing, a photo of the labels and the export document. We confirm the HS-7 box, the EPA code, the country of origin and the duty.
Before arrival: we file the CBP entry and transmit the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 in ACE. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.
After release: we send you the released entry papers for your state title. See the full import process.
Request: Vehicle import entry (CBP entry, DOT HS-7, EPA 3520-1)
Quote on request
Questions
Importing a vehicle from Japan: common questions
When can I import a JDM car?
When it is 25 years old, counted from its date of manufacture. A car built in June 2001 is eligible from June 2026. A younger Japanese-market car can enter only through a Registered Importer, and only if NHTSA lists the model.
Do I pay the 15% Japan rate on a 25-year-old car?
No, but it pays 12.5% in total. For an entry in 2026, a car made in 2001 or earlier pays no Section 232 duty (9903.94.04). Since July 24, 2026, the Section 301 forced labor duty brings a product of Japan to 12.5% in total (9903.05.49). A kei car of 1,000 cc or less pays 15% at any age under the steel derivative duty.
Do I need the Japanese export certificate?
Yes. Japan Customs requires it to export a registered car, and it is your proof of ownership for the U.S. entry and your state title. Ask the seller for the original and a copy before the car ships.
Can I import a kei truck for road use?
Yes, if it is at least 25 years old from its date of manufacture. The duty is 25%. EPA has a separate policy for mini trucks imported as nonroad vehicles. Check your state's rules for mini trucks on public roads first.
Buying a vehicle from Japan? Check it first.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.