Step 5 of 6

US Import & Customs Clearance

The car is in a US port and you still can't touch it. Customs clearance involves CBP, EPA, and DOT — three agencies, a stack of forms, and fees. It's not complicated, but it's not something you want to wing. Get a broker.

Hire a Licensed Customs Broker

A customs broker files the entry, pays duties on your behalf, handles the EPA and DOT forms, and coordinates release from the terminal. Their fee is typically $400–$600 — cheap compared to the cost of getting it wrong.

Errors in customs filings can mean holds, fines, or in the worst case, seizure. Don't try to DIY this step to save a few hundred dollars.

Tip: Several US-based JDM import specialists offer combined importer + customs broker services. Using one company for both can simplify coordination and reduce total fees.

ISF Filing (Importer Security Filing)

The ISF ("10+2") has to be filed at least 24 hours before the vessel leaves Japan. Your broker handles it — but only if you've sent them the Bill of Lading. The moment your exporter sends you the B/L, forward it to your broker. Same day.

Late ISF = $5,000 fine and a potential exam hold on the vehicle. This one's entirely avoidable — just don't sit on paperwork.

Customs Duty

Every imported passenger car pays 2.5% customs duty on the purchase price — no exceptions, even under the 25-year rule. It's baked into your landed cost. Budget for it from day one.

Passenger cars (most JDM)2.5%
Trucks / SUVs (e.g., Land Cruiser, Hilux)25% — "Chicken Tax"
Motorcycles2.4%

⚠️ The "Chicken Tax" 25% duty on trucks significantly affects Land Cruiser, HiLux, and similar imports. Do your math before bidding on a truck.

EPA & DOT Compliance

CBP isn't the only agency involved. EPA and DOT each want their own form. The good news: vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from both federal emissions and safety standards. You just need to check the right boxes and let your broker file it.

🌿 EPA Form 3520-1

Vehicles 21+ years old are exempt from EPA emissions standards. Most JDM imports qualify. Check the box on Form 3520-1 for "25-year exemption" (Box 7).

🔧 DOT Form HS-7

Vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from DOT FMVSS standards. Check Box 6 on HS-7. Your broker files both forms simultaneously with the customs entry.

How to Fill Out EPA Form 3520-1

Box 1Your name and address as the importer of record
Box 2Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN/chassis number
Box 3Engine displacement in cc (found on chassis plate or auction sheet)
Box 4Country of origin — Japan
Box 5Port of entry (e.g., Los Angeles, Baltimore)
Box 6Leave blank — this is for conforming vehicles
Box 7 ✓Check this box — "The vehicle is 21 model years old or older." This is your exemption.
SignatureSign and date. Your broker files this with the customs entry.

How to Fill Out DOT Form HS-7

Box 1Importer name and address
Box 2Vehicle make, model, model year
Box 3VIN or chassis number
Box 4Month and year of manufacture (from chassis plate — not model year)
Box 5Leave blank — for vehicles meeting FMVSS
Box 6 ✓Check this box — "The vehicle is 25 or more model years old and is not covered by an applicable FMVSS." This is your exemption.
Box 7–9Leave blank — not applicable for 25-year exempt imports
SignatureSign and date. Your broker submits this simultaneously with the EPA form.

Both forms are available as free PDFs from EPA.gov and NHTSA.gov. Your broker will typically provide them pre-filled for your signature.

Required Documents at Entry

  • ✓Bill of Lading (B/L) from the shipping line
  • ✓Japanese Export Certificate (ECS)
  • ✓Commercial invoice from your exporter
  • ✓Packing list
  • ✓EPA Form 3520-1 (emissions compliance or exemption)
  • ✓DOT Form HS-7 (safety compliance or exemption)
  • ✓Your passport or government-issued ID
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