How much does it cost to import a JDM car?
The auction hammer price is only the start. Public 2026 guides put typical import overhead (Japan fees + ocean freight + duty + broker + port + delivery) in roughly the $3,000–$7,000 range for a classic that qualifies for the age exemptions — before state tax and registration. Expensive cars raise duty and insurance; East Coast containers cost more than West Coast RoRo.
Use the interactive landed-cost calculator to plug in your numbers. Every default there is labelled with its source or marked ASSUMPTION.
Line items you will see
- Car (JPY ÷ FX) — auction sheet hammer or dealer price.
- Auction + agent fees — often $500–$1,500 (33gears.com).
- Inland Japan transport — ~$200–$500 to the port.
- Ocean freight — RoRo often $1,000–$2,000; long-haul container quotes can exceed $3,000 (wcshipping.com example).
- Marine insurance — percent of value; ask the shipper.
- US duty — passenger cars commonly 2.5% HTS base. Age-eligible cars are typically exempt from the 25% Section 232 add-on; confirm with CBP/your broker. Guides disagree on extra Section 301 duty in 2026.
- CBP MPF / HMF — small percentage fees with min/max on MPF.
- Customs broker + ISF — often $400–$800.
- Port / delivery / state title & tax — vary widely by port and state.
Sources cited on the calculator field hints: 33gears.com cost table; wcshipping.com 2026 Japan→US cost guide; CBP/HTS references for duty structure.
Not a quote. Tariffs changed frequently in 2025–26.