How do you import a used Japanese car / vehicle (from Japan) into the USA?

Question

I want to privately do this so could you refer me to to either the legal process (website)or to a company that knows how?

Answer 1

There is something you are not looking at.
If you get a car from Japan, will it meet the emission standards here?
There is the import tax to pay as well as an inport and export licence.

Answer 2

Just my two cents: One awesome, hopefully you bring in a Nissan Skyline! Two: From what I have learned the process can be difficult and expensive. You can bring just about anything into the US if you are willing to pay all the premiums. One thing to consider, if you personally travel to Japan to purchase the vehicle, depending on how long you stay there, you might be able to avoid customs duties on the vehicle. Depending on your situation, it could easily pay for your trip to Japan. One other point to consider, Japanese vehicles are right-hand-drive (steering wheel is on the right) and could be a challenge for U.S. driving. Specifically, passing a large vehicle on a two lane road would be nearly impossible without the help of a spotter from the left seat (in Burma/Myanmar all the cars are RH-drive, but they drive on the right (like the US) this makes for some hair raising bus rides). Also, you will probably have to make some modifications to the vehicle to adjust for US safety and emissions controls. Glass, bumpers, etc. If you are serious, I hope you succeed because a Japanese model vehicle on American streets is sure to grab a lot of attention because they are basically non-existent.

Answer 3

Importing a car and retrofitting it to pass the US emmissions and safety standards will triple the cost of the car. If you can get it past customes at all. It's fun to dream but forget it. Buy a 350Z and enjoy the ride. FOB is Freight On Board and that is the cost of shipping. It should be followed by WHO pays shipping FOB port mean the seller pays. FOB destination means you pay. Most likely since the price of the car is so low you will be paying the $3000 shipping costs.

Answer 4

Military Service members ship cars to the states from foreign countries every day. There is a standard of specs that all vehicles entering the US must meet and the requirements for shipping and converting these cars can be found out from your insurance company. If they cannot help you, find one that's international (Geico comes to mind) and they will also be able to direct you to the place that can convert your car that's closest to you. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Ok heres all the info youll need ok.
these are all the sites that can help you with your request.

1- http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
2- http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quikover.htm
3- http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/import/

ok if you dont find what you need here your not looking. later and good luck.!

Answer 6

It's not practical. You'd need to get an EPA exemption or certification (emissions)(not practical), DOT exemption or certification (safety standards)(more money), and they'd have to get both to you before your state will license it. If you don't get it before it gets to the US, it would probably spend months or years in Customs.

Answer 7

Could found out from those car agent...

Answer 8

connect with a customs broker. one possibility aacb.com. there are hundreds of brokers to chose from.

Answer 9

the department for transport can help

Answer 10

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuuAFAjhFVScBPuBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE3M2pudWMwBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDOQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANGNjY2XzEwMA--/SIG=126cfethb/EXP=1161384837/**http%3a//www.importexporthelp.com/importing-cars.htm