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.
A Honda Civic Type R EK9 costs about $37,630 all-in to import on the Japan → USA route in 2026 — a $30,000 purchase plus roughly $7,630 in shipping, 2.5% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Japan → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$37,630
- Duty & tax
- 2.5% duty
- On a purchase of
- $30,000
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.
How much does it cost to import a Honda Civic Type R EK9?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $30,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 2.5% US duty on the declared value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| 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 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $750, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $2,600), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $7,630 you add on top of the $30,000 purchase price — around 25% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Honda Civic Type R EK9, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in Japan (an export agent or auction house usually handles de-registration).
- Book ocean freight — roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheapest, a sole-use container is safest for a high-value car.
- Confirm eligibility from the build month — the US 25-year DOT exemption is calculated month by month, not by model year.
- Clear US customs and pay the 2.5% duty, then file EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry.
- Arrange inland transport, then title and register in your state — a few states add emissions or kei-vehicle checks.
Is a Honda Civic Type R EK9 legal to import? Rules & compliance
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%.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Honda Civic Type R EK9?+
About $37,630 all-in for a $30,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $7,630 in freight, insurance, duty, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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