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How Do I Import Cars From Japan?
How Do I Import Cars From Japan with the experts? Shipping cars from Japan to the US is easy for the WWTI specialists. Call & get 10% off now. If you’re shopping for a great pre-owned vehicle, you owe it to yourself to investigate the Japanese market. Several of the world’s leading auto manufacturers are headquartered in Japan, and it’s a place to find great deals on cars that aren’t easy to find in the USA.
If you’re interested in importing a vehicle to the United States from Japan, We Will Transport It is here to help. Contact us online for a free shipping estimate, or call us at 1-800-677-1196 when you’re ready to save 10% or more on international car shipping.
What Are the Best Car Companies In Japan?
Japan has a decades-long reputation for manufacturing excellence, and Japanese vehicles are sought by discriminating motorists worldwide. U.S. News and World Report ranked the top 12 Japanese cars in 2022, and you can review the article at this link. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn that the top 12 include several Toyota and Honda models, and the list also includes Acura, Lexus, Mazda, and Subaru sedans.
Is Importing Cars From Japan Cheaper?
American auto buyers are frequently shocked when they see the prices of older Japanese vehicles. Since Japan is the first market to see so many new vehicles, older models depreciate very quickly. But car owners in Japan have a reputation for taking excellent care of their vehicles. Many car enthusiasts eagerly await having the ability to import pre-owned Japanese vehicles at bargain prices when their 25-year import restrictions expire. Car collectors aren’t a fan of the 25-year import law, and we’ll be talking about it more in an upcoming section.
How To Import Cars From Japan
Once you’ve found a suitable vehicle for purchase, you’ll need to ensure that it’s compliant with U.S. safety and emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains official lists of vehicles that conform or can be modified to conform to all requirements.
Determining the Eligibility Of the Car
Compliant vehicles will have a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker inside the doorjamb on the driver’s side and an EPA sticker on the car’s engine. If your vehicle doesn’t include both labels, you’ll need a letter or certificate from the manufacturer stating that the car meets U.S. standards. The vehicle doesn’t have to have the EPA and DOT labels if it’s over 25 years old, but you’ll still need to complete paperwork to clear the vehicle through customs.
What are NHTSA and FMVSS?
In addition to meeting EPA and DOT standards, your vehicles must also comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards. Compliant vehicles will have Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) labeling on the driver’s side door. If the car doesn’t have the label, you’ll have to do additional research to determine if the vehicle is compliant. You’ll need to fill out NHTSA Form HS-7 to document that the vehicle complies with FMVSS.
About the 25-Year Import Rule
The 25-Year Import Rule is unpopular amongst car collectors, but it was created in response to the controversial “grey market” for imported vehicles in the early 1980s. Imported cars weren’t designed for the American market and weren’t compliant with EPA emission regulations or NHTSA safety regulations. Some foreign vehicles were fraudulently sold in the American marketplace and passed off as imported vehicles from trusted manufacturers. The 25-Year Import Rule was enacted in 1985 and prohibited the import of any car to the USA that was less than 25 years old. The good news is that each year as the 25-year rule expires, an even more comprehensive selection of vehicles becomes eligible to be sold and imported to the USA.
Calculating the Total Cost on Import Shipment
Your duty rates are based on the value of the goods that you purchase, and you’ll need to know the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code for your shipment to calculate your import cost. You’ll multiply a percentage by the amount of the goods and then divide that number by 100. Make sure you have the correct HTS tariff classification to avoid delays with your shipment.
How to Buy a Car From Auction Houses?
Buying a pre-owned car from a Japanese auction house is similar to many other online marketplaces. You can usually browse their inventory of cars for sale free of charge, but you’ll need to sign up for an account to bid on vehicles. The auction house might require you to pay a security deposit which will be applied to your purchase if you win the auction and refunded if you don’t. You’ll tell the auction house the car you’re interested in, and they will bid up to your preset price limit on your behalf. Once you win the auction, you’ll need to settle with the seller for the remaining balance. The auction house can also often help you locate a local company to inspect the vehicle independently to ensure it’s DOT and EPA-compliant.
How to Calculate Taxes On Cars Imported From Japan?
You’ll need to determine an accurate value for your car to calculate the taxes correctly. The duty rate for most cars is 2.5% of their value, but it will be higher for trucks or vehicles with a fuel economy rating of under 22.5 miles per gallon. You’ll also have to pay a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and a Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). Your WWTI transportation specialist will include the cost of all duties, tariffs, taxes, and fees in your shipping quote.
Get Your Free Japan Car Shipping Quote!
Japanese autos are always in demand in the USA, and you can find some great buys from leading auction houses on the internet. Once you’ve selected the perfect vehicle, our We Will Transport It transportation experts will help you ship it back home. Click here for your free international car shipping quote, or call us at 1-800-677-1196 when you’re ready to import a car from The Land Of The Rising Sun!
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