United States.
Import with clarity.

Japanese vehicles are highly sought after in the United States for their reliability, engineering, and iconic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) models. However, the United States has some of the strictest vehicle import regulations in the world.

Before importing a vehicle from Japan, buyers must comply with requirements from U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Yes. However, not every Japanese vehicle can be legally imported. Most imported Japanese vehicles fall into one of these categories:

• Vehicles 25 years old or older
• Vehicles originally manufactured to U.S. standards
• Vehicles imported through a Registered Importer
• Vehicles approved under the Show or Display exemption
• Temporary imports under specific circumstances For most private buyers, the 25-Year Rule is the simplest and most common pathway.

The 25-Year Rule is the most important regulation for importing Japanese vehicles into the United States. A vehicle that is 25 years old or older, calculated from its date of manufacture (not the model year), is generally exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates vehicle emissions. Many imported vehicles must comply with EPA standards unless an exemption applies.

Older vehicles may qualify for emissions exemptions under EPA regulations, but importers must still complete the required EPA declaration forms when importing.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulate vehicle safety. Vehicles younger than 25 years generally must comply with:

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
• Safety certification requirements
• Import approval procedures If the vehicle does not already comply, it may need to be imported through a Registered Importer, who can modify and certify it where permitted.

Many buyers ask whether Japanese right-hand-drive vehicles are legal. The answer is: Yes. Right-hand-drive vehicles can legally be imported and registered in the United States if they meet applicable federal import requirements. State registration rules, inspections, and insurance requirements may vary.

Certain rare and historically significant vehicles may qualify under the Show or Display programme. This exemption is intended for limited-production vehicles with historical or technological significance and is not available for most Japanese cars. Additional restrictions may apply.

Imported passenger vehicles are generally subject to:

• Customs Duty (commonly 2.5% for passenger cars, though exceptions exist)
• Customs processing fees
• Port handling charges
• State registration fees
• State taxes (where applicable) The final amount depends on:
• Vehicle classification
• Customs value
• Shipping cost
• Insurance
• Current U.S. customs regulations Always obtain an up-to-date landed cost estimate before purchasing.

Typical documentation includes:

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice
• Japanese Export Certificate
• Bill of Sale
• EPA Form 3520-1
• DOT Form HS-7
• CBP Entry Documentation
• Passport or Identification
• Proof of Ownership Additional documents may be required depending on the vehicle and import category.

Japanese vehicles commonly arrive at:

• Los Angeles
• Long Beach
• Tacoma
• Newark
• Baltimore
• Jacksonville
• Houston After arrival, the vehicle must complete customs clearance before it can proceed to state registration.

1. Confirm the vehicle is eligible for import. 2. Purchase the vehicle in Japan. 3. Arrange export documentation. 4. Book RoRo or container shipping. 5. Prepare EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7. 6. Ship the vehicle to the United States. 7. Complete U. S. Customs clearance. 8. Pay applicable duties and fees.

9. Obtain CBP release documentation. 10. Register the vehicle with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 11. Obtain insurance before driving.

Japanese imports are popular in the U. S. because they offer:

• Exceptional reliability
• Low mileage
• Excellent maintenance history
• Iconic JDM performance models
• Collector value
• Strong resale potential
• Models never officially sold in the United States

At 360 Moto Japan, we provide complete export services for customers in the United States, including:

• Japanese vehicle sourcing
• Live auction bidding
• Independent vehicle inspections
• Export documentation
• RoRo and container shipping
• Freight quotations
• Personal Buying Agent services
• End-to-end export support from Japan to the USA

The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and is based on regulations available at the time of publication. Import laws, customs duties, taxes, vehicle eligibility, safety and emissions requirements, shipping procedures, and state registration rules may change without prior notice.

Buyers are responsible for confirming the latest import requirements with U. S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before purchasing or importing a vehicle.

While 360 Moto strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee that all information remains current or error-free and accept no liability for any changes in regulations or additional costs incurred after purchase.