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Age Restriction

The age of vehicles shouldn't be more than 25 years old.

Import Duties and Taxes on Used Vehicles in the U.S.

Foreign-made vehicles, whether Japanese or others, are imported to the U.S., either for personal or commercial use. Whether used or new or for sale purposes, they are subject to the following rates:

• Automotive: 2.5%
• Trucks: 25%
• Motorcycles: 2.4% or free

Duty rates depending upon the price paid. The majority of Canadian-made vehicles are duty-free.

Right-Hand Drive Vehicle

Import of both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles is allowed in the country.

Federal Tax

Certain imported vehicles are subject to a g-guzzler tax implemented by the Internal Revenue Code - Section 4046.

Conditions on Which Non-Confirming Vehicles Can be Imported

By Exemption

Non-confirming vehicles and engines can be imported temporarily under U.S. customs bond by EPA regulations if they qualify for an EPA exemption.

By Certification

Import of non-confirming vehicles is allowed if they are tested, modified, and certified by an independent Commercial Importer (ICI).

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in The U.S.

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in The U.S. For CBP clearance, you will need the following documents:

• Bill of sale
• Bill of Lading
• Foreign Registration
• Other documents containing information about a vehicl e.

Forms you need to fill out include EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7, declaring the emissions and safety provisions under which the vehicle is being imported.

If the vehicle complies with all United States emission requirements, it will be approved and will contain the manufacturer's label on the engine compartment in English. If the vehicle does not contain this label, the CBP inspector will require proof of eligibility at the port of entry to import under the EPA exemptions or exclusions specified on form 3520-1.

Those vehicles that do not meet U.S. emission requirements are required to be imported by an independent commercial importer (ICI) unless eligible for exclusion or exemption. The vehicle's release will not be allowed by EPA to the owner until the completion of ICI work.

ICI is in charge of carrying out any EPA-required adjustments and making sure that all EPA regulations are satisfied. However, ICI cannot import or change certain cars effectively, and ICI costs are often relatively high.

• Bill of Lading (Issued by shipping company)
• Commercial Invoice (English language)
• Car title or car export certificate
• ISF filing forum
• Export certificate (English translation)
• Importer Security Filing (ISF) form

Age Restriction

The age of vehicles should not be more than 25 years old.

Right-Hand Drive Vehicle

Import of both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles is allowed in the country.

Import Duties and Taxes on Used Vehicles in the U.S.

Foreign-made vehicles, whether Japanese or others, are imported to the U.S., either for personal or commercial use. They are subject to the following rates: 

• Automotive: 2.5%

• Trucks: 25% 

• Motorcycles: 2.4% or free 

Duty rates depend upon the price paid. The majority of ‌Canadian-made vehicles are duty-free.

Federal Tax

Certain imported vehicles are subject to a gas–guzzler tax implemented by the Internal Revenue Code – Section 4046.

Conditions on Which Non-Confirming Vehicles Can be Imported By Exemption

Non-confirming vehicles and engines can be imported temporarily under U.S. customs bond by EPA regulations if they qualify for an EPA exemption.

By Certification

Import of non-confirming vehicles is allowed if they are tested, modified, and certified by an independent Commercial Importer (ICI).

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in The U.S.

For CBP clearance, you will need the following documents: 

• Bill of Sale 

• Bill of Lading 

• Foreign Registration 

• Commercial Invoice (English language)

• Car title or car export certificate 

• ISF filing forum 

• Export certificate (English translation)

• Importer Security Filing (ISF) form

Forms you need to fill out include EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7, declaring the emissions and safety provisions under which the vehicle is being imported. 

If the vehicle complies with all United States emission requirements, it will be approved and will contain the manufacturer’s label on the engine compartment in English. If the vehicle does not contain this label, the CBP inspector will require proof of eligibility at the port of entry to import under the EPA exemptions or exclusions specified on form 3520-1. 

Those vehicles that do not meet U.S. emission requirements are required to be imported by an independent commercial importer (ICI) unless eligible for exclusion or exemption. The vehicle’s release will not be allowed by EPA to the owner until the completion of ICI work. 

ICI is in charge of carrying out any EPA-required adjustments and making sure that all EPA regulations are satisfied. However, ICI cannot import or change certain cars effectively, and ICI costs are often relatively high.