Table of Contents
Introduction to Importing Kei Trucks
Key Considerations Before Getting Started
How Does the Process Work?
Step 1: Engage the Services of a Freight Forwarder
Step 2: Acquire Your Vehicle
Step 3: Secure Customs and Port Clearance
Step 4: Retrieve Your Vehicle from the Arrival Port
Step 5: Complete the Vehicle Registration in the United States
Getting Started with Customs Service
As the global economy transforms the world into one giant marketplace, it is becoming possible to buy virtually anything from almost anywhere. Americans are proving just how small the world is by setting their sights on importing small, light-duty vehicles called Kei trucks from Japan where they are manufactured.
Despite their almost cartoon-like proportions and engine capacity restrictions, these trucks are popular workhorses in many Japanese industries, including agriculture, construction, retail delivery services, and small businesses. They are versatile, often used domestically for camping and family day trips, and are a common sight on roads throughout Japan.
Their popularity extends beyond their stocky resilience – the trucks are easy to navigate on the narrow streets of Japan, are exceptionally fuel-efficient, and their maintenance is low-cost. Add to that their capacity to hold more cargo than similarly priced vehicles,while still taking up very little space on congested streets, and it’s clear why their popularity has persisted in Japan and is growing in the US.
Fueling this desire to import Kei trucks into America is the increasingly unaffordable cost of used cars. With a similarly stacked truck costing about $30,000 on average (without interest costs if you take out a loan) in the US, Kei trucks – with an imported cost of between $6,000 – $14,000 – are an appealing alternative to economically wary Americans.
If you are one of those people whose interest has been piqued by this unique solution to driving affordability, keep reading to find out how to go about importing a Kei truck from Japan.
Key Considerations Before Getting Started:
Prior to selecting a Kei truck and determining its suitability for driving in your state, it's crucial to be aware of significant laws and regulations governing vehicle importation into the US. These include:
Adhering to Vehicle Importation Standards: The United States maintains specific criteria for the importation of vehicles. These standards encompass environmental considerations, such as emissions, as well as compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), which outlines the minimum performance requirements for vehicles in the US. Given their petite size and distinctive specifications, certain Kei trucks may encounter challenges in meeting all the criteria necessary for roadworthy importation into the US.
Restricted to Off-Road Usage: In such instances, Kei trucks may be imported solely for off-road or utility purposes, confined to private property or designated off-road areas. While this is a viable option, it is not the optimal use for these vehicles. Therefore, unless your specific intent aligns with off-road usage, it is advisable to ensure that the selected truck complies with all the requisite vehicle importation standards.
The 25-Year Importation Rule: Kei trucks with less than 25 years of history are unlikely to comply with the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, once a Kei truck surpasses the 25-year mark, it becomes eligible for importation under the "25-year rule" as a "classic" vehicle, exempt from the aforementioned restrictions. This is why Kei trucks manufactured over 25 years ago constitute the majority of these vehicles imported to the US.
Adaptations and Regulatory Alignment: Opting for a more recent model might necessitate significant modifications to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations. These adaptations could involve adjustments to headlights, modifications to emissions systems, and the addition of safety features. It's important to note that such modifications can incur substantial costs and complexity
State-Specific Guidelines: While federal regulations govern vehicle importation, individual states in the USA may establish their own guidelines concerning Kei trucks or non-compliant vehicles. It is crucial to conduct thorough research into the specific regulations in your state to ascertain the legal usability of Kei trucks. For instance, in Pennsylvania, their registration may be limited to off-road use, and in California, the registration process can be particularly challenging
Precision in Import Details: It's crucial to have precise information about the Kei truck you're importing, including its manufacturing date and any relevant test results or specifications. Customs holds the authority to detain items for inspection and, in the case of administrative or criminal violations, can seize and take ownership of the truck. For instance, if you claim the truck was manufactured in July 1990, discrepancies such as conflicting information on a seatbelt tag or engine label may result in the seizure of your vehicle.
How Does the Process Work?
The myriad laws, requirements, and logistics associated with importing a truck into the US might initially appear overwhelming. However, the reality is that by methodically navigating the process and leveraging appropriate resources, importing a single vehicle for personal use can be surprisingly straightforward
Step 1: Engage the Services of a Freight Forwarder
Coordinating the transportation of your vehicle to the US is a task best left to professionals. Attempting to handle it independently is not advisable due to the intricate network of experience and connections required with various logistics partners in Japan. A skilled freight forwarder possesses the expertise to collaborate with different carriers, ensuring your vehicle is seamlessly transported from the seller to the port and loaded onto the most suitable cargo ship at an optimal cost. Beyond the transpacific journey, arrangements for local transportation within Japan, whether by truck, rail, or even airplane, demand specialized coordination that is challenging to efficiently manage without professional assistance.
Step 2: Acquire Your Vehicle
Considering the aforementioned considerations, select the Kei truck you intend to import. While factoring in basics like price, condition, and mileage, pay close attention to the vehicle's age. It's crucial to be mindful of the 25-year import rule discussed earlier, allowing you to anticipate regulatory implications based on your truck's age.
Step 3: Secure Customs and Port Clearance
Obtaining customs and port clearance can be approached in two ways: either enlist the services of a customs broker to handle all the paperwork, or take on the task independently. Unlike freight forwarding, managing customs documentation is a process you can undertake yourself, presenting an opportunity to save a substantial amount. Platforms like TurboISF guide you through the submission process, simplifying it for ease and efficiency.
Step 4: Retrieve Your Vehicle from the Arrival Port
Upon receiving a notice of arrival and a freight invoice from the shipping line, the details of where your truck will be unloaded will be specified. It is recommended to contact the port and communicate with the import specialist to confirm the arrival status of your truck and its readiness for pick-up. If there are no issues or holds, they will proceed to discharge the truck, and you can then proceed to collect it.
Step 5: Complete the Vehicle Registration in the United States
Now, the excitement begins! After successfully navigating the import process, the next step is to register your Kei truck with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Be prepared to submit the following documents (plus any additional requirements specific to your state)
Original Bill of Lading (BOL)
CBP Form 7501
Japan Export Certificate
Vehicle Title or Proof of
Ownership
Proof of Insurance
Trip Permit
Upon the successful completion of your registration process and payment of the requisite DMV fees, your Kei truck is now ready for the road.
Embark on the Kei Truck Adventure – Surprisingly Simple to Join!
At first, the idea of importing a Kei truck from Japan might seem daunting, but with the right support and guidance, the process is surprisingly straightforward.
Through diligent research, adherence to essential steps, and compliance with import regulations, you can effectively import a Kei truck to the US and become a participant in this burgeoning trend.
TurboISF serves as your ideal companion to simplify the intricate realm of customs clearance. Our user-friendly and innovative customs solutions empower you to handle the process yourself effortlessly.
Get started here with your ISF Filing and Customs Clearance on importing Japanese cars.