Importing a Kei Truck to United States
North America
Is it allowed?
Yes 25-year NHTSA exemption from FMVSS (HS-7 form, Box 2B). 21-year EPA emissions exemption (Form 3520-1, Box 8). Both assessed at date of customs entry.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Right-hand drive (RHD) acceptance
Allowed No federal ban on right-hand-drive vehicles. Most states allow RHD registration with no extra requirements. Confirm with your state DMV as a small number have local rules.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Age / eligibility rule
25 years from month of manufacture, confirmed at time of import
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Taxes summary
Most kei trucks are classified as cargo trucks and attract the 25% "chicken tax" import duty on declared value; the 2.5% passenger-vehicle rate applies only if the vehicle is legitimately classified as such — a customs broker's determination, not a buyer's choice. There is no federal VAT or federal sales tax at the border. State sales/use tax and title & registration fees are charged at registration and vary by state. The 25-year rule exempts safety and emissions compliance but does NOT waive the import duty. Budget ocean freight, port-to-door transport, and the customs broker fee separately.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Registration authority
NHTSA and EPA handle federal import compliance. Individual state DMV handles title and registration.
Common entry ports
- Baltimore MD (East Coast)
- Los Angeles CA (West Coast)
- Portland OR
- Seattle WA
- Houston TX (Gulf Coast)
Buyer notes
Always use a licensed customs broker. Confirm the build month from the compliance plate before purchasing — it differs from the model year and registration year. East Coast buyers most commonly use Baltimore.
Step overview
- 1. Source and purchase your kei truck from Japan (auction, dealer, or exporter).
- 2. Arrange export paperwork and shipping (RoRo or container) to United States — common ports: Baltimore MD (East Coast), Los Angeles CA (West Coast), Portland OR, Seattle WA, Houston TX (Gulf Coast).
- 3. Clear customs and pay applicable duties/taxes (see Taxes summary above).
- 4. Complete any required technical inspection or individual vehicle approval for road registration in United States, or confirm an off-road use exemption.
- 5. Register and insure the vehicle for road use.
This is a general outline. Confirm the exact sequence and requirements with NHTSA and EPA handle federal import compliance. Individual state DMV handles title and registration. or a licensed import agent before committing to a purchase.
Related Resources
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