Importing a kei truck to the United States is a sequence of steps, and most buyers get the order wrong. The vehicle is cleared at the port, then registered by the state, and the two checks are separate. This guide sets out the steps in order, with the source for each.
It covers the federal 25-year rule, the paperwork at the port, shipping and what happens after the truck arrives. For the wider rules, see the kei truck complete guide.
What is the first step?
- Confirm the manufacture month and year. The 25-year rule counts from that date.
- Choose a shipping route and an agent who will file the entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Gather the export certificate and the purchase documents from the seller. The seller's documents are the buyer's starting evidence.
- Prepare form HS-7, which declares that the vehicle meets the age exemption.
- Arrange insurance for the shipment and the time at port.
What happens at the port?
CBP reviews the entry and the age declaration. If the paperwork is complete and the vehicle meets the exemption, the truck is released for duty payment. If anything is missing, the truck can be held. The buyer should expect delays if the documents do not match the vehicle's identification number.
Duty is due on the vehicle's appraised value.
What happens after the truck clears?
The truck still needs a state title and registration, and some states add their own inspection. Those steps are handled by the state, not by CBP. The Kei Car Regulations and Engine Limits page explains the Japanese limits that apply to the vehicle before it leaves Japan. The state-by-state detail will be covered in its own guide.
What do buyers commonly get wrong?
- Using the model year instead of the manufacture date to judge eligibility.
- Assuming the 25-year exemption removes duty.
- Buying before confirming the state's registration and inspection rules.
- Missing a document that does not match the vehicle identification number.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with CBP and your state DMV before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kei truck import take? The time depends on the shipping route and the port.
Do I need a broker? A licensed customs broker can file the entry for you.
Verdict
Do the paperwork in order. Confirm the age, the filer, the duty and the state rules before you pay for shipping, because a mistake at the port costs more than the paperwork would have.
