The 25-year rule exempts a vehicle from FMVSS and EPA certification. It is counted from the month of manufacture, not the model year, so more cars qualify every single month. Declared at entry on DOT form HS-7 (box 1) and EPA form 3520-1 (code E).
R34 Skyline buyers: BNR34 GT-R production ran January 1999 to August 2002, so 1999, 2000 and 2001 cars are eligible now and 2002 cars become eligible month by month through 2027. Send us the exact chassis number and we will confirm its build month before you commit.
25-Year-Eligible JDM Stock
Sourced from Japanese dealer stock and auction channels. Prices are indicative FOB Japan and move with the auction market, grade, mileage and condition — we quote from live auction data, not a fixed list.
| Model | Chassis | Production | Status | Indicative FOB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Skyline GT-R | BNR34 (R34) | 1999–2002 | 1999–2001 now | $130,000–$300,000+ |
| Nissan Skyline GT-T | ER34 (R34) | 1998–2001 | Eligible | $14,000–$30,000 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R | BCNR33 (R33) | 1995–1998 | Eligible | $55,000–$120,000 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R | BNR32 (R32) | 1989–1994 | Eligible | $35,000–$80,000 |
| Toyota Supra RZ / SZ | JZA80 | 1993–2002 | 1993–2001 now | $60,000–$150,000 |
| Honda NSX | NA1 / NA2 | 1990–2005 | 1990–2001 now | $60,000–$120,000 |
| Mazda RX-7 | FD3S | 1991–2002 | 1991–2001 now | $25,000–$60,000 |
| Nissan Silvia Spec-R | S15 | 1999–2002 | 1999–2001 now | $20,000–$45,000 |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI | CP9A | 1999–2001 | Eligible | $40,000–$90,000 |
| Subaru Impreza WRX STI | GC8 | 1992–2000 | Eligible | $18,000–$48,000 |
| Toyota Celsior / Lexus LS 400 | UCF20 | 1994–2000 | Eligible | $4,000–$9,000 |
| Toyota Century | G50 | 1997–2001 | Eligible | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Kei trucks (Carry, Hijet, Acty) | DA52T / S110P / HA4 | 1990–2001 | Eligible | $2,900–$8,000 ≈$6,500–$15,000 landed |
| Toyota Soarer | JZZ30 / Z30 | 1991–2000 | Eligible | $9,000–$26,000 |
Halo cars such as the R34 GT-R and Supra RZ trade in a volatile collector market; treat the ranges above as orientation only. Every quote we send is tied to a specific chassis, auction sheet and grade.
Not yet eligible: anything built after 2001 — including 2002+ R34s, the R35 GT-R, and modern Alphard, Crown or Hiace. Vehicles under 25 years must meet full FMVSS and EPA requirements, which JDM-market cars do not. We export those to other countries, just not to the USA.
The US Import Process, Start to Finish
Model, chassis, grade, budget, nearest port. We confirm the build month is past the 25-year line before bidding.
Translated auction sheets, photos, grade and honest rust and accident-history notes.
You set a maximum; we bid on your behalf and send the invoice on a win.
De-registration, export certificate with certified translation, inland transport to port.
RoRo or container. Container suits high-value cars and fits up to four kei trucks per 40ft.
Your broker files ISF 10+2, the entry, DOT HS-7 box 1 and EPA 3520-1 code E, and pays duty.
Trucking from port to your address; you title and register with your state DMV using the entry paperwork.
Paperwork you will end up holding
- Japanese export certificate + certified English translation
- Commercial invoice and bill of lading
- DOT form HS-7 (box 1 — 25 years or older)
- EPA form 3520-1 (code E — 21 years or older engine)
- CBP form 7501 entry summary from your broker
- Auction sheet and inspection photos
Ports we ship to
West Coast is cheapest and fastest from Japan:
West: Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, Seattle
Gulf: Houston
East: Jacksonville, Savannah, Baltimore, New York/New Jersey
Typical timeline: 6–10 weeks from auction win to collection at your port.
Landed-Cost Examples
Three worked examples in USD. Note the duty difference: passenger cars are dutied at 2.5% (HTS 8703) while light trucks, including kei trucks, are 25% (HTS 8704). Your customs broker confirms final classification at entry.
| Vehicle FOB Japan | $3,200 |
| Inland Japan + export | $275 |
| Ocean freight | $1,500 |
| Duty (25% truck) | $800 |
| Broker, ISF, bond, port | $850 |
| Collect at port | $0 |
| Landed | $6,625 |
| Vehicle FOB Japan | $22,000 |
| Inland Japan + export | $300 |
| Ocean freight (container) | $1,900 |
| Duty (2.5% car) | $550 |
| Broker, ISF, bond, port | $950 |
| Trucking to your door | $700 |
| Landed | $26,400 |
| Vehicle FOB Japan | $6,500 |
| Inland Japan + export | $275 |
| Ocean freight (Gulf) | $2,100 |
| Duty (2.5% car) | $163 |
| Broker, ISF, bond, port | $900 |
| Trucking to your door | $500 |
| Landed | $10,438 |
Marine insurance is optional and runs about 1.5–2% of the CIF value. State sales tax and title fees are paid at your DMV and are not included above. Figures move with exchange rate, freight market and auction demand — every quote we send is itemised for your exact car, port and booking.
Questions We Get Every Week
Can I import an R34 Skyline to the USA legally?
How much duty will I pay on a JDM car?
Do I need a customs broker?
Can I register a JDM import in my state?
RoRo or container?
How long does the whole process take?
Can you find a specific car for me?
Get a USA Import Quote
Tell us the model, the year range you want, your nearest port and your state. We reply with current candidates or a sourcing plan, and an itemised landed cost in USD.
JapanCarLink
Operated by IR Trading Company
Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +81 90 2924 9407
Japan-side sourcing, auction access, export documentation and shipping coordination for buyers in the USA and worldwide.