Can I Import a Car From Japan to the USA?

Are you looking to use a shipping company to import a high-quality Japanese vehicle to the US? Maybe you have your eyes set on a prized Nissan. Or perhaps a new Mitsubishi has caught your attention.

Over the years, Japanese car imports have quickly become an essential element of US auto industries, offering consumers access to high-quality Japanese models at substantially reduced costs compared to domestically made models.

Additionally, specialty cars found exclusively in Japan offer adventurous buyers an exclusive opportunity and mature followers of certain manufacturers or genres the chance to add rare models from overseas to their collections.

How to Import Cars from Japan into the US

Before the vehicle can legally enter American soil, specific steps must be followed to fulfill all government regulations regarding the import of automobiles from Japan to the US.

Researching and organizing paperwork are keys to making the car-buying experience as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. This makes the journey less daunting for those hoping to receive their new ride without legal complications or delays at the border from customs agents.

Below is an outline of all the steps required to acquire their desired automobile without legal complications or customs delays.

Standard Import Documentation

Importing a vehicle requires more than simply paperwork for that specific model. Standard documents also must be filled out and submitted. Although these documents don't change according to type, they remain essential legal necessities during this process.

Commercial invoices, packing lists, entry summaries (US Customs and Border Protection forms 7501), and bills of lading are essential in ensuring international cars are imported legally, and all fees and taxes are correctly paid upon entry to US territory.

Customs authorities use these documents as detailed records once an entry arrives or enters the US borders.

Completing paperwork is key to smooth import procedures and can help avoid delays at the border. Become acquainted with all necessary documents before embarking on an international vehicle purchase, which will save time and money in the long run.

EPA Sticker

An EPA emission label, an "EPA sticker," verifies whether automobiles comply with US Environmental Protection Agency emission standards.

The sticker contains key details regarding each vehicle's compliance with emissions requirements and provides valuable data to help conduct inspections or regulate emission standards.

This document includes vital information like manufacturer details, engine group number, and test group number.

Attaching this label to any car cannot be overemphasized, as it not only displays environmental awareness but verifies repairs have been carried out according to guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

By law, all newly manufactured cars must contain an updated EPA emission label. If an older car has undergone modifications, its window sticker should also be updated.

Drivers should inspect their vehicles regularly with great care. Any sign of exceeding the EPA's emissions limits could spell trouble.

EPA form 3520-1

EPA Form 3520-1 is essential for those striving to ensure that their vehicles conform with Environmental Protection Agency emission control standards.

It contains necessary details regarding each registered four-wheeler and must be filled out if anyone wishes to register their car with them.

Users must provide comprehensive details on this form, including its make, model, manufacturing date, and VIN. This helps verify compliance with current emission control standards and allows inspectors to review vehicles during the inspection.

Form 3520-1 can also serve as evidence of compliance if there were any disputes surrounding an inspection or car registration, making this form an essential piece in ensuring all registered vehicles comply with EPA emissions regulations.

Fmvss Compliance Label

Confirming compliance with safety regulations, particularly with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), is crucial.

All motor autos covered under FMVSS should feature an FMVSS label on their driver-side door to display that they passed all tests and meet safety compliance requirements.

This helps ensure autos are as safe as possible and protect drivers on the roads.

However, the absence of a label on your car does not imply that it does not fulfill safety regulations.

Vehicles manufactured abroad or for markets outside the US might not need to comply with specific labeling laws like FMVSS labeling requirements in certain regions but still adhere to core safety regulations.

For peace of mind, if you are uncertain whether your vehicle meets FMVSS compliance, it is wise to consult an accredited expert and seek their opinion before driving an unsafe product.

NHTSA form HS-7

NHTSA Form HS-7 Importers must submit and complete NHTSA Form HS-7 to comply with FMVSS safety standards for motorcars imported into their countries of residence.

Similar to its Environmental Protection Agency counterpart (EPA Form), this document requests primary vehicle data from importers.

This form outlines 13 conditions under which four-wheeler vehicles may either meet or breach FMVSS compliance; further supporting documentation will be necessary if any apply to your imported cars.

Attribute accurate vehicle details when filling out an NHTSA Form HS-7 to allow cars to satisfy compliance protocols and regulations mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Documentation must be thorough, correct, and comprehensive to successfully pass all required safety tests. Before bringing foreign-made motor vehicles into America, importers should select from 13 listed choices the option with appropriate supporting documents that meet their assessment.

Find Your Shipping Terms

Understanding which shipping terms to apply when purchasing from foreign suppliers is vital when buying vehicles overseas.

They help both parties understand the costs and responsibilities of each transaction, including the financial ramifications and potential liabilities.

At all stages of negotiations, both parties must clearly understand who will take on which aspects of delivery.

Additionally, this will ensure future clarity between buyer and seller regarding who should cover which fees during importation.

Calculate Your Import Duties Now

Calculating import duty payments on vehicles can be an intricate task. To assess this accurately, it's crucial that you first be informed about general rates applicable for different classes. This will indicate the total sum you owe in customs fees and duty payments.

Car bringing duty rates are 2.5% of their value. Meanwhile, trucks face 25%. Motorcycles can either be free of duty charges or incur just 2.4% of duties.

Depending on which kind of automobile you import, it's better to calculate them beforehand and get specifics. Failing to do so could require you to pay more than necessary.

Other factors must be considered as part of your duties calculation. One such consideration is whether your auto falls into the category of being a gas guzzler. An extra tax payment could be assessed if its fuel economy rating falls under 22.5 miles/gallon.

When selecting which vehicles to import, double-check their fuel economy ratings. This way, you can avoid incurring unnecessary additional tax liability.

Choose Container Shipping

Shipping a car in a container is the best way to protect your vehicle from point A to point B. It prevents any damage or tampering with the car since it will be secured and strapped with cables inside the container.

You won't need to drive your car onto any ramps, as a crane will lift and load it onto the vessel. Once it reaches its destination, another crane will offload it, preventing any nicks or dents inflicted upon your car due to improper handling.

This method also provides peace of mind, as your car remains secure throughout its travels and is not at risk of being tampered with while en route.

Proper preparation can greatly reduce the risk of something going wrong in transit. This preparation may include the following:

• Disconnecting the car battery
• Attaching a power disconnect switch
• Turning off the alarm
• Emptying your vehicle and securing personal items

Rest assured that when it arrives safely at your destination port, you'll still have an operational vehicle ready for use.

To Finish

Bringing cars from Japan to the US requires plenty of paperwork. Besides the standard import documents, you must complete several forms from the EPA, FMVSS, and NHTSA.

Then, it would be best to calculate the duties. Choosing the shipping terms and methods completes the process.

If you need assistance importing cars from Japan to the US, A1 Auto Transport can help. Our expertise as one of the premier hauling providers ensures seamless service delivery.

By applying specific methods tailored for classic or sports car delivery, our team understands which steps must be taken to transport your cargo to its final destinations safely.

Discover our services, quickly locate your needs, and get an instant shipping cost estimate.