Looking to import a car from Japan to the USA?
Whether you want a Nissan Skyline R34, a Mazda RX-7, or a practical Kei truck, TokyoCarZ can help you access Japanese auctions and car dealerships in Japan to offer a seamless import process.
This step-by-step guide to importing a car from Japan to the USA covers the 25-year import rule, costs, shipping options, and how to avoid scams.
For a broader overview, check out our step-by-step import guide .
Why Import Cars from Japan to the USA
Japanese vehicles are known for low mileage, excellent maintenance, and rust-free chassis.
American buyers love JDM imports because unique models are rarely sold in the US. The best JDM cars legal in the USA are becoming available as the 2001 model year vehicles hit the 25-year mark.
For a deeper understanding, read our guide on how Japanese auctions work.
Import Regulations – The 25-Year Rule
The 25-year import rule USA is the most important regulation for JDM imports. Vehicles 25 years or older from their manufacture month are exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions (21+ years) .
Key points:
The clock counts from the manufacture date – not the model year. A vehicle made in December 2001 is not eligible until December 2026
25-year vehicles pay 2.5% duty (passenger cars)
Under 25 years: requires compliance modification by a Registered Importer (RI) , which is costly and time-consuming
2026 eligibility highlights:
| Month | Models available (25 yr Rule ) |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII |
| July 2026 | Honda Integra Type R DC5 |
| August 2026 | Mazda RX-7 FD Bathurst |
| December 2026 | Honda NSX (facelift), Honda Civic Type R EP3 |
For more details, read our 25-year rule explained guide.
Shipping from Japan to USA – RoRo vs Container
TokyoCarZ can arrange shipping from Japan to Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, Baltimore, or Tacoma .
| Method | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo | $2,500–3,500 | Budget buyers, standard cars |
| Container | $3,500–6,000 | Luxury, classic, or non-running cars |
Shipping timeline: 3–5 weeks from Yokohama or Nagoya to US ports .
Shipping car Japan to USA costs depend on vehicle size and destination. The cheapest option is RoRo to West Coast ports.
Popular JDM Cars for USA in 2026
| Category | Top Models |
|---|---|
| Most anticipated | Nissan Skyline R34, Evo VII, DC5 Integra Type R |
| Sports cars | Mazda RX-7 FD, Nissan Silvia S15, Toyota Supra A80 |
| Kei trucks & vans | Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar (up 140% in 30 days) |
| Family-friendly | Toyota Chaser, Nissan Stagea, Honda Civic Type R EP3 |
Best JDM cars legal in USA under $20,000: Toyota Chaser, Nissan Stagea, Kei vehicles.
For a complete list of models becoming eligible, see our list of JDM cars eligible in 2026 .
Cost to Import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII from Japan to the USA in 2026 – Full Cost Breakdown
| Vehicle detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Model | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII GSR |
| Year | 2001 (H13) |
| Mileage | 156,000 km |
| Repair History | None |
| Modifications | Aftermarket muffler, alloy wheels |
| Location | Aomori Prefecture, Japan |
| Cost Component | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Price (FOB) | ~$16,900 |
| Japan Domestic Fees | ~$900 |
| Ocean Freight (Ro-Ro) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Marine Insurance | $200 – $300 |
| CIF Value | ~$20,500 – $21,600 |
| Import Duty (2.5%) | ~$513 – $540 |
| Customs Broker Fees | $300 – $600 |
| Port & Merchandise Processing Fees | $400 – $800 |
| Total Estimated Landed Cost | ~$21,700 – $23,500 |
Note: The Evo VII is eligible for import under the 25-year rule in 2026, meaning it is exempt from FMVSS safety standards. Vehicles manufactured in 2001 become eligible month-by-month – a January 2001 car is eligible in January 2026, and so on.
Importing Cars from Japan vs Canada
Canada has a 15-year import rule. Some buyers import to Canada first, then sell to US buyers after 25 years. However, direct US import is simpler and avoids cross-border shipping. Importing cars from Japan vs Canada – Japan is the source market for most JDM vehicles.
Kei Trucks – Legal in USA?
Yes – when 25 years or older. Kei trucks like Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, and Subaru Sambar are increasingly popular. Demand for the Subaru Sambar has jumped 140% in 30 days. They are affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient – perfect for farms, ranches, or city deliveries.
How to Buy – Step by Step
Tell us your budget and desired car (e.g., Skyline R34, RX-7, Kei truck)
Browse auctions or stock – Access live Japanese auctions or choose from our One Price inventory
Verify auction sheet – Use auction sheet verification guides
Confirm complete landed-cost calculators for accurate budget
Make payment – Secure through JUMVEA Safe Trade (JUST) protection
We arrange shipping, US customs clearance, and delivery
Contact TokyoCarZ to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the USA?
Total landed cost ranges from $8,600 – $26,500 USD depending on the car, shipping method, and taxes. RoRo is the cheapest shipping option.
2: What is the 25-year import rule in the USA?
Vehicles 25 years or older from their manufacture month are exempt from FMVSS safety standards. The clock counts by month/year – not model year.
3: Is it legal to import Japanese cars into the USA?
Yes, provided they are 25+ years old. Under 25 years require compliance modifications by a Registered Importer.
4: How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to the USA?
Approximately 3–5 weeks shipping time, plus 1–2 weeks for customs clearance.
5: Can I import a Nissan Skyline R34 into the USA?
Yes – R34 models manufactured in 2001 or earlier are becoming legal in 2026 as they turn 25.
6: What taxes do I pay when importing a car into the USA?
25-year+ vehicles pay 2.5% duty. Under 25 years face ~15% effective duty. Plus HMF (0.125%) and MPF (0.3464%).
7: Can I import a kei truck into the USA?
Yes – when 25+ years old. Kei trucks are increasingly popular and affordable.
8: What documents are required to import a vehicle into the USA?
EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7, Bill of Lading, and CBP Form 7501.
