Import Cost Calculator
How much does it really cost to import a kei vehicle? Adjust the price and destination to see a full breakdown.
$1,000$25,000
Kei trucks classed as cargo (HTS 8704) owe the 25% "Chicken Tax"; many importers class them as passenger/"other" for 2.5%. The 25-year rule exempts safety/emissions, not this duty. Full explainer.
Estimates only.Actual costs vary by auction house, shipping company, customs broker, and your state's fees. Use this as a starting point for budgeting, not a quote.
Cost Breakdown
Vehicle purchasePrice paid at Japanese auction or dealer
$7,000Ocean shippingRoRo or container shipping from Japan to your US port
$1,800Customs duty (2.5%)Passenger/'other' classification: 2.5% of vehicle value. Not guaranteed — many kei trucks are classed as cargo at 25%.
$175Marine cargo insuranceInsurance during ocean transit — typically 1.5% of (vehicle + shipping)
$132Port handling & docsCustoms broker fees, port charges, and documentation
$450EPA/DOT compliancePaperwork for 25-year-rule exempt vehicles (HS-7, EPA 3520-1)
$350Domestic transportEstimated cost to transport from port to your location
$600Title & registrationState titling and registration fees (varies by state)
$300Estimated total
$10,807