Importing a Honda Civic Type R EK9 to the USA
The original Type R hot hatch — JDM-only, now legal, and a future blue-chip.
By Marcus Lane, Vehicle import & export specialist · 6 min read
The EK9 is 25-year eligible and the purist Type R the US never received.
Originality (red recaros, B16B engine, unmolested shell) sets the value.
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) | $30,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $2,600 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $450 |
| 2.5% US duty | $750 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $37,630 |
Compliance & the fine print
Standard 25-year exemption applies; verify the chassis prefix to confirm a genuine EK9 Type R.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EK9 the same as a US Civic?+
No — it is the JDM Type R with a unique B16B engine.
Duty?+
2.5%.
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