Importing used cars from Japan to the United States involves several key points related to rules, regulations, policies, procedures, documentation, duties, taxes, inspections, restrictions, shipping ports, and more. Here are the key considerations you should keep in mind:

Used Car Import Rules & Regulations in United States

Left/Right-Hand Drive Vehicles Both Left Hand drive and Right Hand drive vehicles are allowed to be imported in the country.

Importing a motor vehicle into the United States involves complying with various safety, bumper, and emission standards enforced by agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Transportation (DOT). Here's what you need to know before importing a vehicle:

Warning:
Imported motor vehicles must meet U.S. safety standards, bumper standards, and air pollution control standards.
Be cautious of claims that a vehicle obtained abroad meets U.S. standards without proper verification.
Vehicles not conforming to U.S. standards must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed.
Key information:
Preparation: Arrange for shipping your vehicle and ensure that your shipper notifies you of the arrival date.
Port of Entry: Shipments are typically cleared at the first port of entry, unless otherwise arranged with a freight forwarder to a more convenient CBP port.
Customs Clearance: CBP officers cannot act as agents or make entries for importers. You can hire a commercial CBP broker to handle the entry process.
Recommendations:
Contact EPA and DOT for up-to-date requirements before purchasing a vehicle abroad.
Ensure proper documentation and compliance with all relevant regulations to avoid delays or complications during the importation process.
By following these guidelines and making necessary arrangements, you can successfully import a motor vehicle into the United States while complying with safety and environmental standards enforced by regulatory agencies.

Importing used cars into the United States entails duties and taxes that importers need to be aware of. Here's an overview of the duties, taxes, and regulations:

Duties & Taxes:
Auto: Dutiable at a rate of 2.5%.
Trucks: Subject to a duty rate of 25%.
Motorcycles: Duty-free or a rate of 2.4% may apply.
Duty rates are determined based on the price paid or payable for the vehicle.
Most Canadian-made vehicles are exempt from duties.
Federal Tax:
Imported automobiles may be subject to the gas-guzzler tax as per section 4064 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Individuals importing automobiles for personal use or commercial importers may be liable for this tax.
The gas-guzzler tax is imposed on vehicles that do not meet certain fuel efficiency standards.
Considerations:
Ensure compliance with duty and tax regulations to avoid penalties or delays in customs clearance.
Consult with relevant authorities or a customs broker for specific guidance on duty rates and tax liabilities.
Keep documentation of the vehicle's purchase price and other relevant information for customs declaration.
Understanding and adhering to these duties, taxes, and regulations is crucial for importing used cars into the United States legally and smoothly.

Importing used cars into the United States involves a complex process that requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with regulations. Here's an overview of the documentation required for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clearance and other pertinent information:

Documentation Required for CBP Clearance:
Shipper’s or Carrier’s Bill of Lading: Original document from the shipping company.
Bill of Sale: Document indicating the sale of the vehicle.
Foreign Registration: Proof of vehicle registration from the country of origin.
EPA Form 3520-1: Declaration of emissions provisions for the imported vehicle.
DOT Form HS-7: Declaration of safety provisions for the imported vehicle.
Manufacturer's Label: Vehicles meeting U.S. emission requirements should have a label in English in the engine compartment.
Importer Security Filing (ISF) Form: Required for security filing purposes.
Additional Documentation:
Invoice: Written in English.
Export Certificate: Translation in English.
Car Title or Car Export Certificate: Proof of ownership or export certification.
ISF Filing Form: Required for security filing.
Document Blog Image Watermark: Image or documentation watermark, if applicable.
Free Entry:
U.S. citizens employed abroad or government employees temporarily returning may import a foreign-made car duty-free if they claim nonresident status and export the vehicle upon leaving.
Military and civilian government employees returning from extended duty abroad can include a conforming vehicle among their duty-free personal effects.
Non-residents can import a vehicle duty-free for personal use for up to one year if imported upon the owner's arrival.
Importation Regulations:
The Clean Air Act prohibits the importation of vehicles that do not conform to U.S. EPA emission standards.
Non-conforming vehicles may be imported under certain circumstances, such as certification by an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) or exemption.
Vehicles imported for specific purposes, such as races, require prior approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Safety and Emission Standards:
Vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and emission standards to be imported permanently.
Gasoline-fueled cars, diesel-fueled cars and trucks, heavy-duty engines, and motorcycles must meet federal emission standards.
Non-conforming vehicles may require modifications by a DOT-registered importer to comply with FMVSS.
Ensuring compliance with these documentation requirements and regulations is essential for a smooth and legal process when importing used cars into the United States.