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THE BEST CAR IMPORT SERVICE FROM JAPAN

Import Cars from Japan to USA: Get Your Instant Quote

Expert car import services from Japan with the industry leaders.

Complete door-to-door import service from all major Japanese ports to our US facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey. Over 16,000 cars imported yearly.

Get your rates for shipping, duties, and customs fees.
West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us to Import Your Japanese Car?

With nearly 20 years of expertise in importing cars from Japan, we've helped thousands of customers navigate the complex import process. Our dedicated Japanese car import service includes:

  • Expert guidance through US import regulations and 25-year rule
  • Access to Japanese auto auctions and dealerships nationwide
  • Ocean and air freight options from all major Japanese ports
  • Comprehensive import documentation and customs clearance
  • Save up to 50% with our consolidated container shipping
  • Door-to-door delivery across the United States

Calculate your car import costs instantly with our international car shipping cost calculator​, covering duties, shipping, and fees.

Get Your Japan Shipping Rate

We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the US using open or enclosed car transporters. The car is then transported to our nearest export warehouse in California, Florida or New Jersey.

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

With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.

Our team works closely with US Customs to clear cars for export.

For a seamless car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.

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Import Locations

We work with trusted partners to ship cars across Japan including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya to import cars safely to our US facilities.

Learn more about our locations here.

International Car Shipping Methods

AIRPLANE

Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.

SHIPPING CONTAINER

Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide 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

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JAPANESE CAR IMPORT COSTS

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

The typical cost to import a car from Japan can range from $1,200 to $4,200 per vehicle, depending on shipping method and US destination.

Additional import fees include:

  • US Customs duty (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) not included in base cost

Our container consolidation service makes importing cars from Japan more affordable than ever, saving up to 50% through shared containers.

Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available.
Porsche 911 GT3 cup car

Get Import Quote

Complete our quick form to receive detailed rates for importing your car from Japan to USA, including all duties and fees.

SHIPPING TIMES FROM JAPAN

Import transit times from Japan vary by destination:
  • 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading in Japan
  • 5-10 weeks ocean transit to our East Coast facilities (NJ/FL)
  • 2-3 weeks ocean transit to our California facility
  • Additional week if using shared container service

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

Vehicle Collection: Fees for pickup anywhere in Japan
  • Import Duties: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks (Chicken Tax)
  • US Customs Fees: Including Harbor Maintenance and MPF
  • Destination Charges: Handling and processing at US ports
  • Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage available

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We accept wire transfers, checks, and ban deposits only. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.

We do not accept credit card payments.

“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 vehicle during international shipping with Cargo Damage Protection. This coverage safeguards your vehicle from its arrival at our warehouse through overseas delivery by our trusted agents. Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover international shipping. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, please note that our liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.
Learn More
cargo-damage-protection-international-car-shipping

Documentation Required To Import From Japan

Shipping your car from the United States involves clearing US customs, which requires submitting several documents to prove vehicle ownership. Here are the required documents:
 
  • Bill of Sale for the vehicle
  • Original Vehicle Title (If there is a lien on the car, a lien release letter is also required)
  • Power of Attorney form
  • Completed Online Shipping Form
  • Copy of Passport (if you are an international citizen without a US passport)
  • Copy of EIN Letter (if you are a US citizen)

For vehicles over 25 years old:

  • No DOT/EPA conformity required if unmodified
  • Special documentation for classic car duty exemptions
  • Additional paperwork for show & display vehicles
ford-shelby-international-car-shipping (1)

Dedicated Export Team

Your dedicated account manager handles all Japanese export documentation and US customs requirements to ensure smooth import approval.

The US Car Import Process

Shipping Cost & Duties:

 

  • Import duty: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks (Chicken Tax)
  • Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value
  • Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of cargo value (min $31.67, max $614.35)

    Duty Exemptions Available For:

  • Vehicles over 25 years old (antique/classic)
  • Vehicles originally manufactured to US standards
  • Vehicles being reimported by original US owner
Calculate Cost

Car Import Process from Japan to USA

Importing cars from Japan to USA involves a straightforward process that we've perfected over two decades. Whether you're importing JDM classics, modern vehicles, or special editions, our international car import service handles every detail.

Our container shipping solutions make importing cars from Japan simple and efficient. Our expertise with Japanese imports ensures compliance with the 25-year rule and other US import regulations.

Key Benefits of Our Japanese Car Import Process:

  • Door-to-door service from any location in Japan
  • Weekly container consolidation from major Japanese ports
  • Complete US customs clearance and documentation handling
  • Expert guidance through EPA and DOT requirements
  • Secure vehicle transport from Japan to USA

Registering Your Car in Japan

Essential Documentation:

  • Japanese Export Certificate
  • US Customs Clearance Forms (CBP 7501)
  • 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

Complete NHTSA requirements for vehicles under 25 years We guide you through the entire registration process, ensuring compliance with both federal and state requirements for Japanese imports.

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.

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