Importing Cars into the USA
JDM classics, kei trucks and European cars compared — and the federal rules every imported car has to clear
Most cars built for other markets can enter the US only once they are 25 years old, and the importer has to prove it. That rule, the EPA and DOT forms that go with it, and the state registration that follows apply whether the car comes from Japan, Germany or Italy. What changes with the origin is the shipping, the tariff and the paperwork the seller hands over.
This page compares the origins we ship from and sets out the federal rules every imported car has to clear. Our licensed customs brokers file the entry; AGF arranges the shipping, the CBP and DOT paperwork flow and delivery anywhere in the US.
Compare origins for cars
| Origin | Transit | Duty exposure | Typical load |
|---|---|---|---|
 JDM & Classic Cars from Japan | About 11–20 days by container Yokohama to Los Angeles/Long Beach; RoRo to Long Beach about 14–18 days | Cars 25+ years old 2.5% topped up to 12.5% all-in; newer cars 15% all-in under Section 232; kei cars may fall under the Section 232 metals list | Shared 40ft: typically three or four cars; RoRo for running cars |
| Kei Trucks from Japan | About 11–20 days by container to Los Angeles/Long Beach; RoRo about 14–18 days | 25% light-truck duty ("chicken tax"); the Section 301 layer adds nothing | 40HC: up to about seven trucks with stacked loading |
 Cars & Classic Vehicles from Germany | About 10–14 days on the water to the East Coast; RoRo from Bremerhaven | Modern EU cars 15% all-in under Section 232; cars 25+ years old outside Section 232 — verified at quoting | Sole-use 20ft for one car; shared 40ft racking; RoRo for running cars |
 Luxury & Classic Cars from Italy | 9–22 days to New York; about 35 days to Los Angeles | Modern EU cars 15% all-in under Section 232; cars 25+ years old outside Section 232 — verified at quoting | Sole-use 20ft for one car; shared 40ft racking; RoRo from Salerno for running cars |
Planning guidance only — rates, surcharges and transits change, and every shipment is quoted on its own facts.
US rules that apply whatever the origin
The 25-year rule (DOT) and EPA eligibility
A car not built to US safety standards can be imported once it is at least 25 years old, counted to the month of manufacture, declared on DOT form HS-7 (box 1); EPA form 3520-1 has its own exemption for vehicles at least 21 years old in original configuration. Prove the build date before you pay a deposit — export papers often show first registration instead.
Section 232 autos and the light-truck duty
Passenger cars carry the Section 232 auto tariff — 15% all-in for EU and Japanese cars — unless they were made at least 25 years before the year of entry, which takes them outside Section 232 and back to the normal duty plus the current country layer. Light trucks, kei trucks included, pay the long-standing 25% duty.
Title documents and the foreign export certificate
US registration needs a clean ownership trail. For Japanese cars that is the export de-registration certificate and a certified translation; for European cars the registration documents and bill of sale. Missing or inconsistent papers are the most common reason a car sits at the port.
State registration and California
Federal clearance does not guarantee a state will register the car. California applies its own emissions rules, conversions for many imports are expensive and some vehicles cannot be converted at all; some states restrict kei vehicles. Check your state before you buy — we never promise street legality.
Cleanliness and USDA
Soil on the underbody is an agricultural risk, and a dirty car can be held for cleaning at the importer's cost. Have the car washed underneath before it is loaded.
Fraud in the import market
Phantom listings paid by wire, rolled-back odometers and altered auction sheets are common. Buy from verified exporters and dealers, and pay only against documents that check out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import a car that is less than 25 years old?
How much duty do I pay to import a car?
Is a JDM car street-legal in California?
Container or RoRo for an imported car?
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Tell us what you are buying and from where — we quote door to door, with every exclusion listed up front, and can compare origins side by side.
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