How to Import Japanese Classic Cars to the U.S.?

Japanese imports are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, and there are even communities dedicated to importing vehicles from Japan. These classic cars have a unique style and history that many people love. They offer great performance at an affordable price point that’s hard to match in the American marketplace. If you’re looking to import classic Japanese cars to the U.S., you need to know.

The import process in brief

You might think that bringing a Japanese classic into America is like bringing anything else into your country—but it’s not. Numerous requirements have to be met before they’ll let you drive your car into their ports and across their land. If you’re looking to import a vintage Japanese vehicle, you need some information.

That’s where we come in; here’s our step-by-step guide on importing classic JDM car to the United States. Follow these steps closely, as missing any of them could cost you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

Step 1 – Know your options for importing a classic car

There are a few different ways to import a classic car into the United States. One is for personal use, another for business use, and a third if you’re bringing it in as an employee’s vehicle.

To bring in your classic Japanese car for personal use. You need to have an individual green card or prove that you already have a valid green card. For cars entering under employee/employer sponsorship, documentation must be submitted showing business purpose and proof of employment.

Classic cars imported under these two categories can join at any port of entry but require extensive documentation and time before they are approved. It is essential to consider if border patrol agents allow your Japanese classic car through with all its custom parts on display!

Step 2: Find an agent who can handle your import paperwork.

Unless you’re familiar with shipping regulations, border crossing requirements, and import/export procedures (and most people aren’t), you need an agent. Don’t think that finding a shipping company will also qualify them to act as your broker; they may not be aware of all applicable tariffs and taxes.

Ideally, your broker should know precisely how each fee is calculated and how much it will be at any given time during your import process. They should also be able to educate you on why some vehicles are subject to different fees than others.

Step 3: Select your shipping company and prepare to clear customs.

Once you have chosen your shipping company, it is time to prepare all your customs documents. Make sure you provide these at least 10 days before departure. These will be available from your selected freight forwarder and the international shipper.

You are also required by law to submit a commercial invoice with every import value greater than $2,500 USD. This document provides evidence of origin and cost of goods sold and proof of payment for any services used in bringing those goods into America.

While there are more specific details involved in declaring costs and values, below is an example of what a simple commercial invoice might look like

Step 4 – Ship your car

Certain modifications can be made to classic cars once they’re in America. They range from simple bumper changes, rims, and body kits to full-on performance- or appearance-based modifications. In many cases, a car owner can get approval from CARB (the California Air Resources Board) so that their modified classic car meets current emissions standards.

What can be done with your classic car is entirely up to you; make sure you do enough research about what options are available to know what’s in store for your precious ride. It’s never a bad idea for any vehicle owner — new or old — to look into maintenance schedules and requirements for their vehicle.

Section 5: Caring for your car after you bring it into the U.S.

If you plan on taking your car over for a visit or importing it permanently, you’ll need to make sure that it meets all of our standards to be roadworthy. The EPA is strict about emissions and may not allow certain vehicles more than 25 years old into circulation if they don’t pass emissions tests.

Check out the specifications at epa.gov before shipping your vehicle over because, depending on its age, foreign cars may need catalytic converters, OBD II wiring systems, and smog checks even if they were never required in their country of origin.

Many import shops will handle some or all of these processes for you and can help answer any questions you have, along with recommending reputable third-party shops that can assist with repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a classic car from Japan?

Yes, you can import a classic car from Japan as long as it is more than 25 years old. The federal government has specific rules regarding importing vehicles older than 25 years worth more than $25,000.

As long as your vehicle is at least 25 years old and not worth more than $40,000, you’re good to go! Vehicles worth between $10,000 and $25,000 only require state notification in most states.

Vehicles under $10K do not require approval by any agency or state. Approval by Customs on cars over 25 years old is dependent upon whether it falls into one of 3 categories

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to USA?

The cost of importing a car from Japan can vary widely depending on which state you live in. The best way to determine how much it will cost is by making a rough calculation of all expenses, both upfront and hidden.

Keep in mind that even if your calculations show that importing a car is cheaper than buying it new, there are also additional fees not found when buying domestically.

Such fees include taxes, environmental charges, and shipping costs. In some cases, taxes may exceed your original cost estimate by more than double!

Can you import Japanese cars for us?

The simple answer is yes. We have been importing classic cars into California and Oregon for over 30 years. The car of your dreams could soon be yours!

If you have been looking for a 60’s or 70’s classic car in Japan (or from any other country). Let us know and see if we can help. However, to get your vehicle into California or Oregon, you will need an official U.S. title for your car first.

This does not mean that you need a clean title. It means that both American and Japanese authorities must officially recognize your title as legitimate.

Your Japanese title does not need to be translated into English, but it will still require an apostille from Japan or wherever it was issued originally. Here you can get a complete guide when you buying a used car.

Is it worth importing a car from Japan?

Yes, you’re correct! It is indeed worth importing a car from Japan. Why is it worth it? A few factors play into whether it’s worth importing a car from Japan. To help you decide if it’s right for you, let’s go over some of these factors and get your answer.

First, let’s cover some background information about what makes importing vehicles from overseas possible and how exactly one can import their vehicle.