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.

US CAR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN with West Coast Shipping

Ship Cars to Japan from the USA: Get Your Instant Quote

Ship your car to Japan with confidence using our trusted international car shipping services. We specialize in safe, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle transport from the USA to Japan, offering container shipping, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), and air freight options. Request a quote to get your car shipping rates to Japan.

Frequent Importer? Request wholesale container shipping rates below.

West Coast Shipping

Why Choose Us for Shipping Cars to Japan?

With over 17 tears of expertise in international car shipping, we have helped thousands of customers transport their vehicles securely and on time. Our dedicated logistics team handles every step of the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Japan is a key destination for vehicle imports from the USA, especially for classic, luxury, and specialty cars. Whether you're shipping a collectible, an American muscle car, or an everyday vehicle, we ensure a seamless process from pickup to delivery at major Japanese ports.

Our Comprehensive Car Shipping Service Includes:

Secure vehicle transport via shared and dedicated containers
RoRo shipping for operable vehicles to major Japanese ports
Customs clearance and documentation assistance
Warehouse storage and consolidation options
Shipping services tailored for classic and performance vehicles

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.

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

JAPANESE CAR IMPORT COSTS

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

The typical cost to ship a car from the USA to Japan ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 per vehicle, depending on the shipping method, vehicle size, and departure port.

Additional Export & Import Fees Include:

US Customs Clearance Fees – Required before export
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) – 0.125% of vehicle value
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) – 0.3464% of vehicle value ($31.67 min – $614.35 max)
Japanese Import Duties & Taxes – Varies based on vehicle type, age, and emissions
Destination Charges in Japan – Customs clearance and local port fees ($500-$800, not included in base cost)

Our container consolidation service makes shipping cars to Japan more cost-effective than ever, reducing costs by up to 50% through shared containers.

Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available for added peace of mind.

SHIPPING TIMES TO JAPAN

The time it takes to ship a car from the USA to Japan depends on the departure port, customs clearance, and shipping method:

2-3 weeks for customs clearance and container loading in the USA
5-10 weeks for ocean transit to major ports in Japan (Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe)
2-3 weeks for ocean transit from West Coast ports (California, Washington)
Additional 1-2 weeks if using a shared container service

For faster delivery, air freight is available, reducing transit time to 3-10 days at a higher cost.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

Vehicle Collection: Fees for pickup anywhere in the USA before export
Export Duties: Varies based on vehicle type and country of registration
US Customs Fees: Includes Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) and Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
Japanese Import Duties & Taxes: Based on vehicle type, age, and emissions compliance
Destination Charges: Handling and processing fees at Japanese ports
Cargo Protection: Optional insurance coverage for added security

“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

West Coast Shipping

Vehicle Protection During Transport

Protect your vehicle during international shipping to Japan with Cargo Damage Protection. This optional coverage ensures your car is safeguarded from the moment it leaves the USA until it arrives at a Japanese port.

Standard auto insurance policies do not cover international vehicle transport. If you decline Cargo Damage Protection, liability is limited to $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act.

For additional peace of mind, we recommend comprehensive insurance coverage for classic, luxury, and electric vehicles.

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

Documentation Required to Import to Japan

Shipping your car from the USA to Japan requires clearance from US customs and compliance with Japanese import regulations. Below are the essential documents needed:

Original Vehicle Title – Required for export and import clearance
Bill of Sale – Proof of ownership
Power of Attorney Form – Required for customs clearance (we provide this)
Copy of Passport or EIN Letter – Identification for individuals and businesses
Import Approval from Japanese Authorities – We can assist with customs clearance

Our expert team will guide you through the entire process to ensure smooth export from the USA and compliance with Japan’s import laws.

Car Shipping Cost & Duties

Export Fees – US customs clearance and port fees apply before shipping
Import Duties & Taxes in Japan – Import duty rates vary depending on the vehicle type, age, and CO2 emissions
Emission Compliance & Modifications – Japan enforces strict environmental standards, which may require modifications to imported vehicles

Certain classic and collector cars may qualify for reduced import duties under Japan’s special exemptions for historic vehicles.

Calculate Cost

Car Import Process from USA to Japan

Exporting cars from the USA to Japan is a straightforward process with our expert international car shipping service. Whether you're shipping American classics, modern sports cars, collector vehicles, or personal cars, we handle every detail for a hassle-free experience.

Our container shipping solutions make exporting cars from the USA to Japan secure and efficient. With our extensive experience in Japanese import regulations, we ensure smooth compliance with Japan's vehicle age restrictions, emissions standards, and customs requirements.

Key Benefits of Our USA-to-Japan Car Export Process:

Door-to-door service from any location in the USA
Weekly container consolidation to major Japanese ports (Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka)
Complete US customs clearance and export documentation handling
Expert guidance on Japanese import requirements, emissions compliance, and roadworthiness
Secure vehicle transport from the USA to Japan via container, RoRo, or air freight

With over two decades of experience, we simplify the process and help individuals, dealerships, and collectors successfully export cars from the USA to Japan.

Registering Your Car in Japan

Once your car arrives in Japan, you’ll need to complete the registration process to legally drive it on Japanese roads. The process involves customs clearance and safety inspections to meet Japan’s vehicle import regulations.

Essential Documentation:

Japanese Import Certificate
US Customs Clearance Forms (CBP 7501)
EPA Form 3520-1 for emissions compliance
DOT Form HS-7 for safety standards verification

Key Steps for Registering a Car in Japan:

Complete state-specific import registration forms
Pass mandatory vehicle inspections for emissions and safety compliance
Pay applicable registration fees and road taxes
Obtain Japanese auto insurance coverage

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Cars to Japan

The cost of shipping a car from the USA to Japan typically starts at $1,800 to $3,500 per vehicle for container shipping. Prices vary depending on the size of the vehicle, departure port, and shipping method (RoRo vs. container). Additional costs may include Japanese customs duties, inspection fees, and inland transport in Japan.

Shipping a car from the USA to Japan takes approximately 20 to 40 days, depending on the shipping route and customs clearance. Vehicles shipped from California usually arrive in about 20-30 days, while those from New York take longer due to additional transit time.

To ship a car to Japan, you’ll need:

Original vehicle title
Bill of Sale
Export Power of Attorney form
Japanese Import Certificate
Customs clearance documents (Japanese & US)

Import duties for cars entering Japan include:

5% Consumption Tax on the total vehicle value
Customs Duty (varies based on vehicle type)
Shaken (車検) Vehicle Inspection Fees for registration
Inland transport fees if delivering the car beyond the arrival port

The most common methods include:

Container Shipping (Dedicated or Consolidated)
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) for driveable vehicles
Air Freight for urgent shipments

Yes, you can ship classic and collectible cars to Japan. However, they must comply with Japanese emissions and safety standards. Some historic vehicles may qualify for exemptions under Japanese law.

Yes, motorcycles can be shipped via container or air freight. Most motorcycles require custom crating and must meet Japanese emissions and safety regulations before registration.

Japanese import regulations prohibit shipping personal belongings inside vehicles. The car must be empty except for factory-installed components.

Yes, optional cargo damage protection is available for vehicles shipped to Japan. The insurance cost is based on the car's declared value and covers damage during transit.

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