Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Beyond the purchase price, budget roughly $3,000-6,000 in fees for a typical 25-year-exempt import: auction agent fee (3-5%), Japan inland transport and export fees, ocean freight ($1,200-2,200 RoRo depending on port), 2.5% US customs duty, MPF and HMF fees, and a customs broker ($300-500). State title, registration and sales tax come on top.

Question 2

What is the 25-year rule?

Accepted Answer

Under 49 CFR 591, vehicles 25 or more years old (from month of manufacture) can be imported into the United States without meeting EPA emissions and DOT/FMVSS safety standards. Younger vehicles are effectively not importable outside narrow Show or Display exemptions.

Question 3

What taxes do I pay when importing a JDM car to the UK?

Accepted Answer

Cars imported from Japan attract import duty (approximately 5% under the UK-Japan trade agreement) plus 20% VAT charged on the duty-inclusive value of the car and shipping. Vehicles under 10 years old also need Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) before DVLA registration.

Question 4

Is it cheaper to import a JDM car to Canada?

Accepted Answer

Canada's 15-year rule is the most permissive in North America: vehicles 15+ years old are exempt from CMVSS compliance and the RIV program. Costs include 6.1% duty (non-CUSMA), 5% federal GST at the border, freight to Vancouver or Halifax, and provincial tax at registration.

Question 5

What is RoRo shipping and how does it compare to container shipping?

Accepted Answer

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) means the car is driven onto a vessel and secured on deck — typically $1,000-2,200 from Japan and the cheapest option. Container shipping ($2,400-4,600) costs more but protects the car from the elements and allows shipping parts inside the vehicle.

Vehicle purchase price	$30,797
Auction agent fee (Japan)3-5% of hammer price, min ¥40,000	$924 – $1,540
Japan inland transport to port	$185 – $493
Japan export / port fees	$154 – $216
Ocean freight to Los Angeles / Long Beach (RoRo)	$1,200 – $1,700
Import duty (2.5%)2.5% duty on passenger cars (trucks are 25% — the 'chicken tax').	$770
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)0.3464% of value, clamped	$107
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)0.125% on ocean shipments	$38
Customs broker / port handling	$300 – $500
Estimated total	$34,475 – $36,161

Vehicle purchase price	$30,797
Auction agent fee (Japan)3-5% of hammer price, min ¥40,000	$924 – $1,540
Japan inland transport to port	$185 – $493
Japan export / port fees	$154 – $216
Ocean freight to Los Angeles / Long Beach (RoRo)	$1,200 – $1,700
Import duty (2.5%)2.5% duty on passenger cars (trucks are 25% — the 'chicken tax').	$770
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)0.3464% of value, clamped	$107
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)0.125% on ocean shipments	$38
Customs broker / port handling	$300 – $500
Estimated total	$34,475 – $36,161

Import Cost Calculator

Your import

Estimated landed cost — United States

Import Cost Calculator

Your import

Estimated landed cost — United States