Import a car from Japan to the USA
The United States has no simple 25-year import ban: NHTSA permits vehicles at least 25 years old without regard to FMVSS, while EPA has a separate over-21-year provision requiring the original engine model and configuration — JDM legends included. We bid at the auctions and ship to the West Coast; you clear with CBP.
Old enough, and the JDM icons can come to America
What the USA requires
The USA has no simple 25-year import ban: NHTSA permits vehicles at least 25 years old without regard to FMVSS, while EPA applies a separate over-21-year provision that requires the original engine model and configuration — the reason JDM legends like the Skyline GT-R flow into America.
NHTSA 25-year & EPA 21-year rules
A vehicle 25+ years old is exempt from FMVSS regardless of engine. EPA has a separate 21+ years provision requiring the original engine model and configuration. In 2026, 25+ means a 2001 or older build. We verify the month of manufacture on every sheet.
RHD or LHD if rules are met
Once the FMVSS/EPA conditions are met, RHD cars can be imported and most states register them — rules vary, so check your state DMV.
CBP, DOT & EPA forms
You clear the car with CBP and file DOT (HS-7) and EPA (3520-1) exemption forms at entry, then title in your state. Under 25 years, a Registered Importer route or another exemption is generally required.
Duty, forms & state reg at your end. The USA charges 2.5% import duty on cars (25% on trucks — the “chicken tax”), plus state sales tax, titling and registration. These are paid to CBP and your state — not in the JapanAuc landed cost. Confirm current rates.
How to import to the USA with JapanAuc
Register & set a budget
Sign up free and place a refundable deposit. Tell us your target model and budget, and that it’s headed to the USA.
Find eligible cars
We filter the auctions to units built 25+ years ago (2001 or older) and translate the auction sheet so you bid with confidence.
Win & inspect
We bid on your behalf. On winning, the car moves to our yard for real yard-in photos and export preparation.
Pay the balance invoice
After you’ve seen the yard-in photos, settle the balance (hammer price + commission + export + freight) by bank transfer, Wise or PayPal.
Export & ship
We complete export deregistration, book RoRo or a container to Los Angeles / Long Beach, and send you the Bill of Lading and full document pack.
Clear at Los Angeles / Long Beach
Your US customs broker pays the import duty and federal entry fees and registers the car with your state DMV. We help with any document you need.
Osaka · Kobe
Japan → Los Angeles
Cars for the USA sail by RoRo or in a container from Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka or Kobe. West-coast ports (Los Angeles / Long Beach) are fastest.
Models buyers ask for
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
The ultimate JDM legend now clears 25 years.
Toyota Land Cruiser 80
Iconic off-roader with a huge US following.
Toyota Supra (A80)
2JZ icon with strong US demand.
Mitsubishi Delica
Cult 4×4 camper van for the overland scene.
Your JapanAuc landed cost to Los Angeles
Everything JapanAuc charges is in Japanese yen and transparent: the hammer price you win at, our commission (flat ¥35,000 up to ¥1,000,000, then 3.5%), the Export Package (auction-house fee + inland transport + export handling), then ocean freight. Added up, that’s your CIF Los Angeles price.
US import duty (2.5% cars / 25% trucks), state sales tax, titling and registration are charged separately on arrival — not part of our quote. Use the calculator for a live CIF figure, then add your local clearing costs.
Importing to the USA — common questions
NHTSA permits vehicles 25 years or older, measured from the month of manufacture, without regard to FMVSS. In 2026 that means a 2001 or older build. EPA applies a separate over-21-year provision that requires the original engine model and configuration; a nonconforming vehicle under 25 generally needs a Registered Importer route or another exemption.
Yes — once the FMVSS/EPA conditions are met, RHD cars are importable and most states register them. Rules vary, so check your state DMV.
CBP entry plus DOT form HS-7 and EPA form 3520-1 to claim the age exemptions. Your customs broker files these; we provide the export documents.
2.5% on cars (25% on trucks — the “chicken tax”), plus state sales tax and registration — all paid locally and outside our CIF quote.
Ready to import your car to the USA?
Register free, tell us your model, and we’ll find eligible cars at the source.