25 Year NHTSA Exemption
Under regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motor vehicle that is 25 years or older can be legally imported into the United States without needing to comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
This exemption is one of the most important rules for importing JDM vehicles, making it significantly easier to import classic models into the U.S.
The 25-years period is calculated based on the vehicle’s date of manufacture, not the model year. At the time of import, the vehicle is declared under the HS-7 form (Box 1) to U.S. Customs.
To Verify eligibility, documents such as registration records, sales invoices, or other official documentation confirming the vehicle’s age may be required.
IMPORTING QUESTIONS
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Vehicles that are at least 25 years old, based on their month and year of production, are legal to import to the US under the “25-Year Rule.”
Once a vehicle is 25 years old, it is exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA requirements for import, but normal customs duties and state registration rules still apply.
e.g. ・Vehicles manufactured in 2000 or earlier are already eligible. ・Vehicles manufactured in 2001 become eligible month-by-month starting in 2026. ・Vehicles manufactured in 2002 become eligible starting in 2027.
If you are unsure about a specific model, we can help identify suitable options based on your preferences.
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We primarily operate under CFR (Cost and Freight) terms. *Incoterms®︎ 2020
Responsibility transfers to the customer once the vehicle has been shipped. Import procedures, customs clearance, and registration in the United States must be handled by the customer.
This structure allows us to minimize unnecessary costs and offer vehicles at their actual market value in Japan.
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Yes. We are committed to transparent pricing.
Before you make a purchase, we provide a detailed invoice that clearly outlines all costs, including the vehicle price, local transportation in Japan, export clearance, ocean freight, and our service fee.
Optional costs, such as marine insurance, inspection, or additional storage, will also be explained in advance.
No additional charges will be made without your confirmation.
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Yes. Customers who visit Japan may inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Inspections are available by appointment only, as the vehicle location and schedule may vary.
Travel and related expenses for the inspection visit are the responsibility of the customer. Any additional costs will be explained in advance.
Once you have selected a vehicle, our team can help coordinate the inspection and provide the necessary information for your visit.
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The Export Certificate is an official Japanese document issued when a vehicle is deregistered for export.
It includes key vehicle details and is required for export customs clearance.
Depending on your country or state, it may also be needed when registering the vehicle after import.
We will provide this document as part of the export process.
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We primarily use Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping, which is the same method used for new vehicles.
For high-value, oversized, or special vehicles, container shipping may be arranged. Ro-Ro is generally more cost-effective and efficient.
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Registration requirements vary by state.
We recommend confirming requirements with your local DMV or relevant authorities.Federally, for importation, vehicles over 25 years old are NHTSA exempt. That does not automatically guarantee registration in every state, but it is the federal basis for legal importation.
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Yes. It is possible to purchase a vehicle in advance and store it in Japan until it becomes eligible for import.
Storage and management services can be arranged upon request.
This approach allows you to secure a desired vehicle before market prices increase.