How to Import your Kei Truck from Japan to USA

For most people who are looking to buy direct their first kei from Japan, it is normal to feel nervous about what happens after you pay the seller for the vehicle and how to pick it up when it arrives to the U.S. port and the costs involved. 

To best illustrate the import process and costs, below is an example shipment.

Import Case from Japan to USA Honda Acty Truck

Joe purchased a 1992 Honda Acty Truck from Car From Japan website and was provided the invoice shortly afterwards by the seller. The seller informed them that they need to obtain a customs broker to assist them with the customs import process. 

In his search for a provider, Joe contacted Kei Truck Customs Broker for service, pricing and how to proceed. He made a phone call and talked briefly with one of our agents. Our agent explained to Joe that the customs fees are upfront and transparent which is listed on the website and will also email Joe the pricing for his shipment as well. 

The email sent to Joe contained the pricing and duty rate for his shipment. In addition the list of documents required was also provided. Upon reviewing the contents of the email, Joe agreed to start customs service. He paid the initial fees of $375 via the credit card link provided in the email, and the import duty of 25% on the vehicle will be paid on the week of arrival when he receives the arrival notice document from the shipping line Norton Lilly Hoegh Lines. 

The seller sends Joe a copy of the bill of lading by email a week after he paid for the vehicle, and informs Joe that he needs to file the ISF. Joe emails a copy of the bill of lading to Kei Truck Customs Brokers and in turn, files the ISF and sends Joe a completed copy of the ISF Filing confirmation and informs Joe that the next and last filing required is the customs clearance entry on the week of arrival.

A few weeks later on the week of arrival Joe receives a copy of the arrival notice document from the carrier Norton Lilly Hoegh Lines and forwards it to the broker to prepare the final clearance paperwork and release.  The broker also informs Joe to pay the arrival notice charges due to Norton Lilly for $55, and to check with Norton if they require Joe to mail them a copy of the signed original bill of lading that they received from their seller in the mail.

The broker sends Joe the 7501 entry to review the import duty due for payment. After review of the duty, Joe sends the final payment for customs and receives the customs clearance paperwork which consists of the 7501, 3461, ABI Message, NHTSA, EPA and pick up Delivery Order from the broker. The broker then advises Joe to check with the port terminal for pick up availability and to be sure to also bring the customs release documents and drivers license to the port to pick up the vehicle when ready, also the brokers tells Joe that if he plans to hire a trucking company to pick up the vehicle from the port to deliver to him, he can provide the customs release documents for the trucking company to pick up as well. This concludes the overall import process for individuals looking to buy their Kei / JDM from Japan with the assistance of a customs broker. 

Summary of the Import Process

1. Buyer from the US pays overseas seller for the vehicle and ocean freight shipping

2. Buyer hires a customs broker agent to assist them with the ISF Filing and Customs Clearance

3. Customs Broker files the ISF with U.S. Customs and provides the buyer the completed copy

4. A week before arrival of the vessel to the U.S. port, the broker contacts the buyer to ensure they recieve the arrival notice document from the shipping carrier and to prepare for the customs clearance.

5. Buyer receives the arrival notice from the shipping carrier and sends a copy to the broker and also pays the carrier for their port fees and mails the carrier 1 original signed bill of lading they received from their seller by mail courier.

6. Buyer pays the broker for the import duty upon review of the 7501 entry summary. 

7. Buyer receives the customs release documents from the broker.

8. Buyer checks with the port for pick up availability, and later goes to the port with Delivery Order and clearance documents in hand to pick up the vehicle. 

Summary of the Import Costs

Car From Japan Invoice 

​Vehicle Price: $2,499.

Shipping Cost: $1,756

Buyer Protection Fee: $95

Total: $4,350

Customs Broker Fees: 

ISF Filing & ISF Bond: $125

Customs Bond: $60

Customs Clearance: $150

NHTSA EPA Doc Prep: $40

Total: $375

Customs Import Duty: (25% tariff on vehicle price $2,499)= $624.75

Customs HMF Fee: $3.12

Customs MPF Fee:  $32.71

Total: $660.58

Carrier Arrival Notice Fees: $55