Importing A Car From Japan to USA - What Documents Do You Need?

 It is the fact that Japanese automobiles are amazing. not only are they highly durable but also very innovative. For that reason, JDM enthusiasts around the world try to import both new and used Japanese cars into their countries. And the USA is the one of those.

With a vehicle that is older than 25 years old, you can skip all the expensive import tests. Yes that is correct, if the vehicle you are about to import is 25 years old or more, drivers can take a shortcut and pass all the regulations of the USA with no problem. All you have to do is to have the following documents in hand when importing the car:

1. Bill of Lading (BL) from the shipping company.

This is a document issued by the shipping company. The bill of Lading (BL) not only has the car recipient and description but also makes sure the car is shipped out.

2. Invoice written in English

This is a payment request from the car company to the customers. Car owners must check this to make sure it is written in English.

3. Importer Security Filing (ISF) form.

With the US new rule, car owners must fill the “Imported Security Filing (ISF) form” prior to the car arrival by vessel to have the car imported.

4. Export certificate (one original and one translated)

This is a document that makes sure the car is being exported from Japan legally. The document also means that the car has been de-registered in Japan from its previous owner. Remember to bring 1 original form and one english version of the original export certificate, for your local use.

Nevertheless, there are two exceptions to the US rule.

First of all, California has stricter laws on emissions. Car owners need to get a certification in the state even when the car is released more than 25 years and legally imported into the US. Or else, car owners cannot drive that car on the California roads.

Second of all, while the federal law allows all cars which are older than 25 years old imported into the United States, there are rules of the state that need to be considered. Along with that, many states in the US require basic safety car components and features. Seatbelt is one of them.

Long story short, importing a car from Japan to the USA is a piece of cake. Drivers just need to find cars that are older than 25 years old, select the right ports and have the paperworks. Car owners can find even help from reliable online platforms such as Car From Japan or JDM Export if you have trouble with the process.

So what if you want a car that is newer than 25 years old? Is it alright to import to the US? The answer is yes. However, it must be subjected to the EPA regulations and federal DOT. And to be honest, it is a tough job to average guy, but here are the required documents in case you are interested:

  1. DOT Form HS-7: Department of Transportation (DOT) form needed to be downloaded and filled all the required fields. In order to complete this form, car owners need to know all basic car information about vehicle model, vehicle make, date of entry and port of entry. Along with registered importer details, there are all you need to acknowledge in order to import a car from Japan to the USA.

  2. EPA Form 3520-1: Just like DOT form, drivers can obtain the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) form online. The same with DOT form, car owners must know all the basic vehicle’s information: car status, car model, car use, and independent commercial importer (ICI)

  3. CBP Form 7510: Apart from the other two, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can only be obtained at a port. All the requirements to complete this form are: (1) A completed DOT form HS-7. (2) A completed EPA form 3520-1; (3) Manufacturer’s certification ( must state that the imported automobile fully follows to the standards set by DOT and EPA); (4) Proof of car ownership.

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