How to Import Japanese Cars to the USA
While visiting Japan, an American might run across a great deal on a car he can't resist buying or to use for demonstration back in the States. Of course, the biggest hurdle is trying to import it back to America. Many people do this through reputable Japanese exporters, though they sometimes run into various complications. Nevertheless, with careful research and making sure your Japanese car is up to U.S. safety and emissions standards, importing is usually successful.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pro forma invoice
- HS-7 form from Department of Transportation
- 3520-1 form from EPA
- Credit card
- Carrier bill
- Foreign car registration
- Bill of sale
- Duties fee
- Temporary driver's license
- International driver's permit
Instructions
-
Locating and Paying for a Car
-
1
Locate a reliable exporter in Japan. Research each one carefully by asking for testimonials or references.
-
2
Check to see if the exporter is a member of JUMVEA, or Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exports Association. Accredited members are usually trustworthy.
-
-
3
Contact the exporter via phone or email about your interest in buying one of its cars.
-
4
Ask the exporter for its pro forma invoice or fill out one on your own by going online and printing one. Fax it to the exporter and await its approval.
Preparing Car for Shipment
-
5
Make sure your exporter has the car up to U.S. safety and emissions standards. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website to get official information on what needs to be done to have your Japanese car allowed into the States. All standard cars need to be modified if diesel-fueled and manufactured after 1974.
-
6
Fill out the Department of Transportation's HS-7 form and the Environmental Protection Agency's 3520-1. These forms prove that the Japanese car is up to U.S. safety and emissions standards. You'll present these to a customs inspector when the car arrives in port.
-
7
Inspect the inside of the engine and make sure it has a manufacturer's label on it written in English. U.S. customs inspectors always check for this and will reject entry if the car doesn't have one.
-
8
Pay for your car via credit card. You're protected this way in the small chance of a shady purchase. When you purchase, pay through the Free On Board (FOB) method that confirms you've paid for the car in Japan and also paid to have the exporter place the car on a ship to the States.
-
9
Contact a car cleaning company in Japan to steam-spray the undercarriage of your car. By law of the Department of Agriculture, all imported cars need to be cleaned to prevent spread of foreign and dangerous insects into the United States.
Shipping the Car
-
10
Contact a shipping agent in Japan, who will clear the car through customs for you when arriving at U.S. port of entry. This includes clearing your HS-7 and 3520-1 forms.
-
11
Include the bill of lading from your carrier, the car's foreign registration, a bill of sale to prove your purchase and all other documents that pertain to the car. These and the above DOT and EPA forms can be given to your shipping agent.
-
12
Pay duties at customs, or a percentage based on what you paid for the car. These change yearly, but as of 2010, you have to pay 2.5 percent of your vehicle price.
-
13
Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles while the car sits in customs to obtain a temporary license. Ask about what additional documentation may be needed and permanent licensing for foreign cars in your state.
-
14
Contact an automobile club or AAA about obtaining an international driver's permit.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Should your car not meet safety and emissions standards, you should contact an independent commercial importer in Japan. These importers will fix your car so that they conform to U.S. regulations, even though it might cost you more than you want to pay. A foreign car needs to be destroyed if it can't be upgraded to U.S. standards.
You can get duty-free entry into U.S. with your car if you're a government employee or a member of the U.S. military.
The IRS imposes a gas guzzler tax on particular cars imported into the States. Contact your local IRS office about filling out a 6197 form to report this, or on the 720 form if you pay taxes quarterly.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chrome all over image by FotoWorx from Fotolia.com
