Get Rates
Get Rates
US CAR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN with West Coast Shipping

Import Cars from Japan to USA: Get Your Door to Door Rate

A Japanese car built 25 or more years ago clears the 25-year rule, and most of the good ones sit in Japanese auction lanes, not US classifieds. Here is what it takes to bring one home.

Bought a Skyline at a Tokyo auction or a Kei truck from a dealer in Osaka? We collect it in Japan and ship it door to door, by ocean or air, through our own warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey, covering all of the US for imports and exports. Our own team handles every document, and a licensed customs broker files the US entry.

Door to door import service from the major Japanese ports to our warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey. 

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us to Import Your Japanese Car?

Here is what we do on every Japanese import:

  • Cars checked against the 25-year rule before they sail
  • Pickup from Japanese auction houses and dealers
  • Ocean and air freight options from the major Japanese ports
  • Every import document prepared, with the US entry filed by a licensed customs broker
  • Shared containers: you pay for one slot, not a whole container
  • Door to door delivery across the United States

Calculate your car import costs with our import calculator, covering shipping, duties and fees.

Get Your Japan Shipping Rate

We collect your car anywhere in Japan, from an auction house, dealer or private seller, using open or enclosed car transporters, and take it to the port of loading.

You always have the option to deliver/drop off the vehicle yourself.

Every car is strapped and blocked in the container before it sails.

The car is cleared for export in Japan with its export certificate, and we send you the documents the US entry needs.

The car arrives at our warehouse in California, New Jersey or Florida, a licensed customs broker files the entry, and we deliver it door to door.

classic-jaguar-e-type-steering-wheel-1

Import Locations

We ship cars from Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka and Nagoya to our own warehouses in California, Florida and New Jersey.

Learn more about our locations here.

International Car Shipping Methods

AIRPLANE

Need your car fast? Air is the fastest option, and the import calculator shows the transit for your lane. Documents can take up to two weeks to prepare, so start them before the car flies.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

Our containers fit 1 to 4 vehicles, running or non-running, and shared containers keep the cost down. For high-value cars, we load dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.

RORO VESSEL

RoRo shipping requires vehicles to be operational and empty. Available ports and rates vary. Note: This method is only available for oversized cars

RORO VESSEL

Have Questions?

Dan

Schedule a Call with an Expert

Schedule a Call with an Expert
JAPANESE CAR IMPORT COSTS

How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Japan?

Car Shipping Cost & Duties:

US import duty on a car from Japan

  • Duty depends on the car's age, where it was built and how it enters
  • The import calculator shows the current rate for your car
    (open the Import to USA tab above)
  • 15% all-in for Japan-built cars under 25 years
  • 25% for pickup trucks under the Chicken Tax
  • Merchandise Processing Fee: 0.3464% of value, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86

Fees and standards:

  • Cars 25 years and older are exempt from DOT and EPA standards, not from duty
  • Cars under 25 years must meet US safety and emissions standards
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee: 0.125% of value, ocean imports only

Duty rules on classic car imports changed in 2026. Here is what a car built in Japan pays today: what duties do I pay today on classic car imports

Porsche 911 GT3 cup car

Get Import Quote

Complete our quick form to receive a door to door rate for importing your car from Japan to the USA.

SHIPPING TIMES FROM JAPAN

Import transit from Japan depends on:
  • The Japanese port, the US port and the container you choose
  • A shared container waits to fill, so it takes longer than a container of your own
  • California sails much closer to Japan than New Jersey or Florida
  • The import calculator shows the transit time and door to door rate for your lane

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

Vehicle Collection: Fees for pickup anywhere in Japan
  • Import Duty: see the import calculator for your car's age and build country; 25% for pickup trucks (Chicken Tax)
  • US Customs Fees: Harbor Maintenance Fee (ocean imports only) and MPF
  • Destination Charges: Handling and processing at US ports
  • Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage available

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We accept wire transfer, ACH, check and Zelle. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.

Every invoice lists the payment details for each method.

“Excellent communication and genuine interest in our vehicles well being throughout the whole process. Highly recommend them for all your vehicle shipping needs!”
Alexander
San Francisco, California

Vehicle Protection During Transport

Protect your car with Cargo Damage Protection, from pickup in Japan to delivery at your door. Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover international shipping. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, our liability is limited to $500 per package under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA).
Learn More
cargo-damage-protection-international-car-shipping
container-shipping

Wholesale Car Import & Export Solutions

We provide high volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers and event organizers turn-key shipping solutions for their vehicles.

  • End-to-End solutions between the US and the world
  • Vehicle collection & export clearance
  • Private warehouses in CA, FL, NJ
  • Vehicle and parts consolidation
  • Use our carrier bookings or your own
  • Ability to choose your own import agent when shipping dedicated containers 
  • Expedited Air Freight options
Explore Wholesale Solutions

Documentation Required To Import From Japan

Importing a car from Japan takes these documents:
 
  • Japanese Export Certificate with an English translation
  • Bill of Sale for the vehicle
  • Power of Attorney form
  • Completed Online Shipping Form
  • Copy of Passport or US ID
  • EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 (filed with the entry)

Age rules:

  • 25 years and older: no DOT/EPA conformity required if unmodified
  • 25 years and older: duty still applies, and the import calculator shows the rate
  • Under 25 years: NHTSA approval letter for Show or Display imports

Documents are one part of the job. Read our guide to international car shipping, from documentation to delivery.

ford-shelby-international-car-shipping (1)

One Contact, Pickup to Delivery

One contact from pickup in Japan to delivery at your door. We prepare the import documents; a licensed customs broker files the entry.

The US Car Import Process

Car Shipping Cost & Duties:

 

  • Import duty: see the import calculator for your car's age and build country; 25% for pickup trucks (Chicken Tax)
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value, ocean imports only
  • Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of cargo value (minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86)

    EPA and DOT standards:

  • Cars 25 years and older are exempt from DOT and EPA standards, not from duty
  • Japan-built cars under 25 years pay 15% all-in duty
  • Cars under 25 years must meet US safety and emissions standards
Calculate Cost

Car Import Process from Japan to USA

We run every Japanese import the same way, whether it is a JDM classic, a Kei truck or a special edition: pickup in Japan, export certificate, ocean or air, US entry, then delivery door to door.

We check every car against the 25-year rule and other US import rules before it sails.

What you get on every Japanese import:

  • Door to door service from any location in Japan
  • Shared containers from Yokohama, Kobe, Osaka and Nagoya
  • Every import document prepared, with the US entry filed by a licensed customs broker
  • EPA and DOT forms prepared for every car
  • Ocean container or air freight from Japan

Registering Your Japanese Import in the US

Essential Documentation:

  • Japanese Export Certificate
  • CBP Form 7501 (filed by the customs broker)
  • EPA Form 3520-1 for emissions compliance
  • DOT Form HS-7 for safety standards

Translation of Japanese documents Key Registration Requirements:

  • State-specific import registration forms
  • Pass state vehicle inspections
  • Pay applicable registration fees and taxes
  • Obtain US auto insurance coverage

Cars under 25 years must also meet NHTSA requirements We send you the entry documents your state DMV asks for. Bought it at an auction in Tokyo or Yokohama, or at an event overseas? We collect it in Japan and ship it door to door, by ocean or air. It's your dream car. Let's bring her home.

West Coast Shipping in the News

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Car Shipping

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

The typical cost to import a car from Japan can range from $1,200 to $4,200 per vehicle.

Base import costs from Japan include:

  • 2.5% duty for cars (25% for trucks)
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125% of value)
  • MPF Fee (0.3464% of value, $31.67-$614.35).

Additional costs include shipping, which varies by location and container type.

How long does it take to import a car from Japan?

The import timeline from Japan includes:

  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
  • 5-10 weeks ocean transit to East Coast (NJ/FL)
  • 2-3 weeks to West Coast (CA), plus an additional week if using shared container service.
What documents are required to import a car from Japan?

Required documents include:

  • Original Japanese Export Certificate
  • US Customs Form CBP 7501
  • EPA Form 3520-1
  • DOT Form HS-7,
  • Bill of Sale with Japanese translation
  • and vehicle title/registration. 

Additional documentation needed for vehicles over 25 years old.

Can you import any car from Japan to USA?

Vehicles must be 25 years or older to be exempt from DOT & EPA requirements. Newer vehicles must meet strict US safety and emissions standards.

Factory-built race cars have no age requirement, and US-built vehicles can be returned regardless of age.

What are the import duties on cars from Japan?

Import duties are:

  • 2.5% for automobiles
  • 25% for pickup trucks (Chicken Tax). 

Additional fees include:

  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125% of cargo value)
  • Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%, minimum $31.67, maximum $614.35).
How does the Japan car import process work?

The process includes: Vehicle collection in Japan, transportation to port, customs clearance, container loading, ocean shipping to US, US customs clearance, EPA/DOT approval, unloading at our facilities, and delivery to your location. We handle all documentation and compliance requirements.

Can I buy a car in Japan and bring it to the US?

Yes, you can import a car from Japan to the USA. The process costs between $1,200 to $4,200 per vehicle, depending on shipping method and US destination. You'll need to consider:

  • Import duties (2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks)
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125% of vehicle value)
  • MPF Fee (0.3464% of value, $27-498 range)
  • Destination charges ($500-800)

Shipping times vary by destination:

  • 2 weeks for customs clearance in Japan
  • 5-10 weeks to East Coast (NJ/FL)
  • 2-3 weeks to California
  • Additional week for shared container service

Vehicles over 25 years old have simplified import requirements with no DOT/EPA conformity needed if unmodified. Our container consolidation service can save up to 50% through shared containers.

Back to top
Related Articles

From Our Blog

Stay up to date with what is new in our industry, learn more about the upcoming products and events.

Drove Into the US? Why Your Car May Not Ship Home | 2026
Mercedes-Benz G-Class with German registration parked on a tree-lined road
Classic Cars

Drove Into the US? Why Your Car May Not Ship Home | 2026

October 11, 2026 at 1:02 PM 6 min read
Retromobile New York 2026: Auction Preview & Shipping
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider
Classic Cars

Retromobile New York 2026: Auction Preview & Shipping

October 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM 4 min read
Mercedes 500E: Why It Will Always Be a Collector Car | 2026
500e classic
Classic Cars

Mercedes 500E: Why It Will Always Be a Collector Car | 2026

October 9, 2026 at 12:29 PM 7 min read