Exporting a classic American car from the US to Japan
Japan loves vintage Americana — and remarkably, charges no car import duty.
By Marcus Lane, Vehicle import & export specialist · 6 min read
Japan levies 0% duty on passenger cars, so consumption tax (10%) and shipping are the main costs.
Shaken inspection and registration are the real hurdles on the Japanese side.
The full cost breakdown
Plug in your own purchase figure — everything below the vehicle scales only modestly with value. All amounts are researched 2026 estimates in USD.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $40,000 |
| Seller-side export documentation | $150 |
| Ocean freight | $2,800 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $600 |
| Japan applies 0% duty on passenger cars | $0 |
| Japanese consumption tax is 10% | $4,340 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| Type-approval / inspection | $2,500 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $52,720 |
Compliance & the fine print
Vehicles must pass Japan's strict shaken roadworthiness inspection to register; budget for it.
Frequently asked questions
Japan car duty?+
0% — only 10% consumption tax applies.
Main hurdle?+
Passing shaken inspection.
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