Importing a car from Japan, country by country.

Which cars can be imported?

Under the 25-year rule, a vehicle that is at least 25 years old, counted from its month and year of manufacture (not its model year), is exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The EPA has its own exemption for vehicles 21 years and older. Younger cars generally need a Registered Importer and expensive conversion work, so they aren't practical for most buyers.

Duty and taxes

• Passenger cars: typically 2.5% import duty.
• Trucks and vans: can be charged at a much higher rate (25%), and this can include some kei trucks and vans.
• US tariff rules have changed several times recently, so confirm the current landed cost with a customs broker before buying.

Documents you'll need

• Bill of Lading (Surrender BL) and commercial invoice, provided by FNEXS
• Export certificate with an English translation, provided by FNEXS
• DOT HS-7, declaring the vehicle is 25 years or older
• EPA 3520-1, declaring the emissions exemption
• Customs entry filed by your broker (and an ISF filing for container shipments)

Registration

After customs clearance, you register and title the car with your state DMV using the import documents and the translated export certificate. Rules vary by state, and some states restrict kei trucks and kei vans to off-road use, so check your state's rules first.

Which cars can be imported?

Canada's federal rule allows vehicles that are 15 years or older, counted from the month of manufacture. These vehicles are exempt from Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program.

Quebec and Prince Edward Island generally require right-hand-drive vehicles to be 25 years old before road registration. Check your province before buying.

Duty and taxes

• Customs duty: around 6.1% for vehicles made outside North America. Japan-made vehicles may qualify for a reduced or zero rate under the CPTPP agreement with proof of origin.
• GST: 5%, plus provincial sales tax where it applies.
• Other federal charges, such as the air-conditioning excise tax, may apply.

Documents you'll need

• Bill of Lading (Surrender BL), invoice and translated export certificate, provided by FNEXS
• CBSA Vehicle Import Form (Form 1), completed at the border or by your broker
• Proof of ownership and ID for provincial registration

Registration

After CBSA releases the car, you complete a provincial safety inspection and register it with your province. Inspection and insurance rules differ by province.

Which cars can be imported?

Any age. The approval route depends on the car's age:

• Under 10 years old: the car needs an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before DVLA registration.
• Over 10 years old: a standard MOT is usually enough.

Small changes are often needed, for example a speedometer showing mph and headlights and rear fog lamp to UK standards.

Duty and taxes

• Import VAT: 20% as standard.
• Historic vehicles over 30 years old and in original condition may qualify for a reduced VAT rate and no duty.
• Import duty can be reduced or removed for qualifying Japanese-made cars under the UK–Japan trade agreement when origin is proven. Confirm with your broker.

Documents you'll need

• Bill of Lading (Surrender BL), invoice and translated export certificate, provided by FNEXS
• NOVA notification to HMRC within 14 days of arrival
• IVA certificate or MOT certificate
• DVLA registration application (V55/5) with proof of identity and ownership

Which cars can be imported?

Japanese-spec cars aren't built to EU approval from the factory, so they need EU type approval, usually as an individual approval inspection by the RDW. Changes such as headlights for right-hand traffic may be required.

Duty and taxes

• VAT: 21%.
• Import duty: the EU standard rate for cars may be reduced or removed for Japanese-made cars under the EU–Japan trade agreement with proof of origin.
• BPM (registration tax) is charged on registration, based mainly on CO₂ emissions.

Documents you'll need

• Bill of Lading (Surrender BL), invoice and translated export certificate, provided by FNEXS
• Customs declaration through your broker
• RDW inspection and approval documents

Which cars can be imported?

A non-EU-spec Japanese car needs an individual approval through DREAL before it can be registered. A contrôle technique is required for cars over 4 years old. Cars over 30 years old may qualify for a collector registration (carte grise de collection), which can simplify the process.

Duty and taxes

• VAT: 20%.
• Import duty: may be reduced or removed for Japanese-made cars under the EU–Japan trade agreement with proof of origin.
• A tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal) is needed before registration.

Documents you'll need

• Bill of Lading (Surrender BL), invoice and translated export certificate, provided by FNEXS
• Customs clearance certificate (846A) from French customs
• DREAL approval, contrôle technique and quitus fiscal
• Carte grise application through ANTS

What we can do for Thai buyers

We source new vehicles in Japan and handle the export paperwork and shipping to Laem Chabang or Bangkok. Thai import taxes on cars are high and depend on engine size and emissions, so we recommend confirming the landed cost with a Thai customs broker first.

Before you buy

Cambodia has rules on vehicle age and on right-hand-drive vehicles. Check with a local agent whether the car you want can be registered as it is, or would need conversion. We handle all export documents on our side and can help you check eligibility.

Before you buy

Taiwan has import approval and inspection rules, including rules on right-hand-drive vehicles, that depend on the vehicle. Confirm eligibility and the current duty with a local agent before buying. We'll provide all export documents from Japan.