Moving Your Vehicle from Japan to the USA
If you’re planning a move from Japan to the United States, the question of what to do with your vehicle is probably near the top of your list. Whether it’s a reliable daily driver, a custom-tuned showpiece, or a vintage motorcycle with sentimental value, parting ways with your wheels can be harder than it seems.
But here’s the good news: you can bring it with you. And in 2025, shipping a vehicle from Japan to the USA is more accessible than ever—if you know the rules and work with the right shipping partner.
Importing a car or motorcycle isn’t just about booking space on a vessel—it’s about compliance. U.S. regulations involve a web of emissions standards, safety requirements, customs paperwork, and port logistics. That’s why having a guide like SDC International Shipping makes all the difference. We’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully ship vehicles from Japan to the U.S.—whether they’re relocating permanently, studying abroad, or returning stateside after a temporary assignment.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about vehicle shipping in 2025—including documentation, inspections, taxes, and which types of vehicles are eligible. If you’re asking yourself whether it’s worth it, the next section will help you decide.
Is It Worth Shipping Your Vehicle?
This is the first—and arguably most important—question to ask. Shipping a vehicle internationally is a big decision. Before diving into forms, ports, and container options, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal situation.
Reasons You Should Ship Your Car or Motorcycle:
1. Sentimental or Unique Value
If your vehicle has personal significance, has been custom-built, or simply can’t be replaced easily in the U.S., it may be worth every effort to bring it with you. Many of our clients are car enthusiasts who’ve invested years into restoring or modifying their vehicle—and understandably don’t want to start over.
2. Specialty or Limited-Edition Models
Japan is home to countless vehicles never released in the U.S., such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Chaser, or Mitsubishi Delica. If your car is more than 25 years old, you may be able to import it without needing U.S. DOT or EPA modifications—a major win for collectors.
3. Familiarity and Trust
You know your car inside and out. You know how it runs, what it needs, and how it’s been maintained. If you’re moving to a U.S. city with limited public transportation or high car prices, bringing your known vehicle may offer peace of mind and cost savings.
4. Short-Term Assignments
If you’re planning to return to Japan after a year or two, shipping your vehicle can be smarter than selling it, buying another abroad, and going through that same cycle on your return.
When It May Not Be Worth It:
1. Compliance Barriers
Many modern Japanese vehicles aren’t manufactured to U.S. safety or emissions standards. If your car doesn’t qualify for the 25-year exemption rule, it may require expensive modifications—or be denied entry entirely.
2. High Costs for Everyday Cars
If your vehicle is a common model (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3), you may find it more cost-effective to sell in Japan and purchase a U.S. equivalent after you arrive. Shipping, taxes, and re-registration may outweigh the value of the vehicle itself.
3. Incompatibility with U.S. Infrastructure
Some Japan-spec vehicles may not have parts readily available in the U.S. This could mean longer repair times, higher service costs, or difficulty finding certified mechanics—especially in rural areas.
4. Insurance and Registration Hurdles
Even after customs clearance, some states make it difficult to register right-hand drive or gray-market vehicles. You’ll need to check your destination state’s rules on emissions, VIN certification, and title transfers.
SDC Tip:
If you’re on the fence, let us run a free eligibility check. We’ll review your vehicle’s make, model, age, and VIN against current U.S. import guidelines. In many cases, we can help you navigate compliance—even for vehicles that might seem complicated.
Still unsure? In the next section, we’ll outline which vehicles are eligible for import in 2025—and what rules you need to know.
What Vehicles Can Legally Be Imported?
Not every car or motorcycle in Japan can legally be brought into the United States. The U.S. government enforces strict import laws designed to protect safety, air quality, and consumer protection standards. To import a vehicle into the U.S. in 2025, it must either meet federal compliance requirements or qualify for a specific exemption.
The 25-Year Exemption Rule
One of the most important—and favorable—rules for enthusiasts and expats alike is the 25-Year Rule. Vehicles that are 25 years old or older, based on the month and year of manufacture, are exempt from:
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions regulations
This makes importing vintage Japanese vehicles, such as 1990s-era Nissan Skylines, Toyota Supras, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions, much simpler and faster. As long as the vehicle is stock and in operable condition, CBP will treat it as a collectible or classic.
Vehicles That Can Be Imported:
- Vehicles manufactured specifically for the U.S. market (even if they’ve been in Japan)
- Vehicles that meet FMVSS and EPA standards, confirmed by compliance labels or certification
- Vehicles imported under the 25-year exemption
- Vehicles being temporarily imported (with bond and export promise) for events or study
Vehicles That May Not Be Allowed:
- Vehicles younger than 25 years with no FMVSS or EPA compliance label
- Cars with major structural or emissions modifications that can’t pass U.S. tests
- Gray market vehicles that haven’t gone through a Registered Importer (RI) or Independent Commercial Importer (ICI)
- Salvaged or non-running vehicles without VIN or documentation
U.S. Compliance Labels
To be eligible, many vehicles must have:
- A VIN plate (vehicle identification number)
- A FMVSS certification label (usually inside the driver’s door)
- An EPA compliance sticker (typically under the hood)
If your vehicle has these U.S.-spec labels, importing it becomes far easier. If not, SDC can help determine if a Registered Importer can modify and certify your vehicle for legal entry.
Required Documents for Vehicle Import from Japan
Once you’ve confirmed that your vehicle is eligible for import, the next step is to gather the right documents. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), DOT, and EPA all require documentation proving ownership, compliance, and shipping details.
Missing or incomplete documents are one of the top reasons vehicle shipments get delayed, so SDC works with every client to review and prepare all necessary forms before shipping.
Here’s what you’ll need to successfully import your car or motorcycle:
Core Documentation:
- Original Title or Export Certificate
This shows you are the legal owner of the vehicle. If it’s in Japanese, you may need a certified translation. CBP needs to verify that ownership is legitimate and unbroken. - Bill of Sale or Proof of Purchase
Especially important for recent purchases, this shows the price you paid and proves the transaction was valid. - Bill of Lading (B/L)
Issued by SDC, this is the official transport record confirming your vehicle was loaded for shipment. It includes departure and arrival ports, carrier details, and your vehicle’s identifying information. - CBP Form 7501 – Entry Summary
This is the form used by U.S. Customs to classify and record your vehicle’s entry. SDC files this on your behalf through a licensed customs broker. - DOT Form HS-7
Required by the Department of Transportation, this form declares whether your vehicle complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or qualifies for exemption (e.g., 25-year rule). - EPA Form 3520-1
Required by the Environmental Protection Agency, this form confirms the emissions status of your vehicle. Vehicles that qualify under the 25-year rule can declare exemption on this form. - Photo ID and Visa/Residency Proof
You must prove your eligibility to import personal goods into the U.S. If you’re moving permanently, a copy of your visa, Green Card, or U.S. passport is typically required. - Power of Attorney (POA)
If SDC or one of our partner customs brokers will file your documents and clear customs on your behalf, we’ll need signed POA authorization.
📌 Pro Tip: Make sure your title and documents match the VIN number exactly. Even a small discrepancy can flag your shipment for inspection or delay.
At SDC, we have a pre-departure checklist to ensure all your documents are ready before your vehicle leaves Japan. We also handle translations, broker coordination, and compliance reviews—so nothing falls through the cracks at the U.S. port of entry.
Shipping Methods: Why We Only Recommend Containerized Vehicle Transport
While RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is a known shipping method, SDC International Shipping does not recommend or offer RoRo services for vehicles.
Why We Avoid RoRo:
- High risk of damage, theft, and delays
- No protection from weather or port personnel
- No personal items allowed in the vehicle
- Port-to-port only—no door delivery
Why We Use Containerized Shipping Only:
- Fully enclosed, secure containers
- Protects your vehicle and household items
- Allows tools/spares to ship with the vehicle
- Enables door-to-door or door-to-port service
- Easier, safer customs clearance
SDC uses custom bracing systems and best practices for vehicle shipping inside containers.
Port Logistics: From Yokohama to the U.S.
Departure Ports:
- Yokohama
- Nagoya
- Kobe/Osaka
U.S. Entry Ports:
- Los Angeles
- Houston
- Baltimore
- Newark
What Happens at Port:
- CBP inspects and clears the vehicle
- Documents are reviewed
- If cleared, we schedule inland delivery
Vehicle Inspection and Customs Clearance in the USA
What to Expect:
- Document and VIN check
- Physical inspection
- Clearance issued (usually in 5–10 business days)
SDC manages the broker filings, port updates, and transport to your final destination.
Taxes, Duties, and Fees: What to Expect
2025 Duty Rates:
- Passenger cars: 2.5%
- Trucks: 25%
- Motorcycles: 2.4%
Additional Costs:
- Port and delivery fees
- State registration and licensing
- CBP clearance charges (included in SDC quotes)
Special Cases: Motorcycles, EVs, and Vintage Cars
Motorcycles:
- Easier emissions standards
- Follow same documentation process
EVs/Hybrids:
- Check plug compatibility (CHAdeMO vs. CCS)
- SDC can advise on adapter solutions
Vintage Cars:
- 25+ year-old models qualify for exemption
- May need parts sourcing or antique insurance
How SDC International Shipping Handles Vehicle Imports
We provide:
- Pre-import eligibility checks
- Document translation + review
- Container packing with household goods
- Customs clearance support
- Port delivery or bonded storage if needed
We’re FMC-licensed and CBP-compliant.
Call to Action: Let’s Ship Your Vehicle, Worry-Free
You’ve trusted your car for years. Now trust us to get it to your next destination.
📞 Speak to a Vehicle Shipping Expert: 877-339-0267
