A dream come true for many car fans is to bring a Japanese car into the U.S., especially one of the famous JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) types that isn’t easily found in the U.S. However, achieving this dream requires a thorough understanding of American import regulations, car safety standards, and the overall legal system. If you want to bring in a speed car like the Nissan Skyline or a fuel-efficient kei car, you need to know the rules and regulations.
How to Understand U.S. Import Laws
The US has strict rules on importing cars to make sure that cars from other countries meet safety, pollution, and environmental standards. The 25-Year Rule sets the main rules for the law. It says that cars that are 25 years old or older can be brought into the U.S. without having to be changed to meet U.S. standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces this rule. It makes it easier for owners and car fans to bring in old Japanese cars.
The process is more complicated for cars that are less than 25 years old. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules say that these cars have to follow them. cars that don’t meet U.S. standards can only be brought into the country through a Registered Importer (RI) or an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI). These companies are allowed to bring the cars up to U.S. standards.
What Does the 25-Year Rule Mean?
The 25-Year Rule is an important part of the law that governs importing cars. This rule allows you to import any car, manufactured 25 years or more ago, without adhering to the FMVSS. You won’t have to change the car’s safety features or pollution to meet U.S. standards, which will save you time and money.
For instance, in 2025, this rule allows cars made in 2000 or earlier to be brought into the country. This has made it possible for many famous Japanese cars to come to the U.S. market, such as different types of the Nissan Skyline, Honda Beat, Mitsubishi Delica, and Toyota Chaser.
Bringing in cars that are less than 25 years old
It is much harder and costs more to bring in Japanese cars that are less than 25 years old. To meet U.S. safety and emissions standards, these cars need to be changed in often expensive ways, like getting new headlights, bumpers, seat belts, and emissions systems.
Working with a Registered Importer is required for the process. This person will make any needed changes to the car and file the necessary papers to make sure it is legal. Also, if the car needs environmental changes, you’ll need an Independent Commercial Importer. It can take months to finish this process and costs a lot of money each time.
Needs of the EPA and DOT
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) each have their own rules about cars that are brought into the country. The EPA sets rules for pollution, and the DOT sets rules for safety measures.
When you bring in a car under the 25-Year Rule, you must fill out an EPA Form 3520-1 and a DOT HS-7 Declaration Form, saying that the car is free because it is so old. If your car doesn’t qualify for the exemption, you must ensure that all changes are made and that your RI and ICI send proof.
Customs and Paperwork
When your car gets to the U.S., you need the right paperwork to get it through customs. You’ll need the following documents:
- Bill of Lading: This is what the shipping company gives you
- The seller in Japan gives you an export certificate.
- Translation of the export certificate into English
- Bill of Sale or Invoice: Proof of What You Own and How Much It’s Worth
- DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1
- Fill out the Customs Entry Summary Form (CBP Form 7501)
You’ll receive a release as soon as the car passes customs, allowing you to take it home and begin the registration process.
Duties and taxes on imports
You’ll also have to pay import taxes when your car gets there. 2.5% of the stated value is the normal rate for private cars. Trucks are subject to a 25% tax, while bikes are subject to a 2.4% tax. You may also have to pay a fee to process the goods and keep the city clean, depending on the port and car’s value.
How to Ship and Enter the Country
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping are the two most popular ways to ship things. RoRo is usually less expensive and faster, but it doesn’t protect the car as well. Shipping cars in containers is safer and better for valuable or fragile cars.
Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, and Miami are some of the most important U.S. ports that can handle importing cars. It’s best to work with a customs dealer or import expert to make sure everything goes quickly, since each port has its own rules.
Getting your imported car registered
You’ll need to register the car with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after it gets through customs. Conditions differ from state to state, but usually they are:
- Proof of who owns what
- Documents needed to clear customs
- A copy of your insurance
- Checks for emissions and safety (if needed)
- When you pay the registration and title fees
- Some states have easier rules for registering foreign cars, so check your local laws.
Risks and Things to Think About
Importing a Japanese car comes with some risks. There could be problems with the car that you can’t see, especially if you buy it without having it inspected before it ships. There may also be delays during shipping or at customs, especially if information is missing or not full.
Dealing with exporters or importers you can’t trust is another risk. To avoid scams, only work with companies that have good reviews and specialize in importing Japanese cars. Look for openness, proof of past orders, and reviews from past customers.
In conclusion
Bringing a Japanese car into the United States is a fun and satisfying experience for car fans who care about speed, style, and being unique. But the process is also full of rules and legal problems. To stay out of trouble with the law and avoid extra costs, it’s important to know about the 25-Year Rule, safety and emission standards, and the paperwork that’s needed.
You can easily import your Japanese car and drive it on American roads if you do your study, work with pros who know what they’re doing, and carefully follow all the law. Whether you want to buy a famous Nissan Skyline, a cute Honda S660, or a rare kei truck, the right steps can make the process easy and fun.
