1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

DIY: How to import your own KEI truck into the U.S. that can be registered anywhere.

Discussion in 'General Truck Info' started by renli3d, Feb 19, 2015.

  1. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    Ladies and gentlemen, as I promised, here is the guide I created that will walk you through step by step on how to import a KEI truck legally into the U.S. yourself without the need of hiring a customs broker. I would like it to be a dynamic document that will change according to reader comments and suggestions. The only way I can imagine doing this is if I host it offsite since once I post it here I wouldn't be able to edit it after a certain amount of time (is this correct?). However, I will monitor this thread. Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions here or on my blog. The URL for my blog is:

    wittymelon.wordpress.com

    Please forgive the basic interface. It is my very first blog and I am not a web developer. :) I hope you find this information useful. I wish it was available to me when I started my journey of importing a Suzuki Carry.
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2015
  2. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    No comments? Does that mean the guide is already perfect and can't be better? :p
     
  3. fmartin_gila

    fmartin_gila Well-Known Member

    As I am an American living in the Philippines, I am following this with some interest and curiosity. Don't know if it's possible to do in the states, but here in the Phils, these vehicles are bought in Japan, cut apart into major assemblies, shipped to the Phils, and reassembled as left hand steering for the Phils versus the right hand steering as is used in Japan. About 6 months ago, I bought a Suzuki CarryVan here. Now this vehicle was originally registered as a 2002 Mazda Scrum in Japan. It is now registered in the Philippines as a 2014 Suzuki CarryVan. It has 237,000 Km's on it but during the reassembly, all the major components were gone through and it is basically a remanufactured new 2002 model. I paid 185,000 Philippine Peso's converted to Japanese Yen for it. Not sure what the conversion rate is for USD to JPY is so couldn't give a figure that way, but the PHP to USD conversion fluctuates around 44.5 to 1 so this amounts to approximately $4,160 for the vehicle. Somebody has to be buying these vehicles very cheap in order to break down, ship, reassemble, repaint, reupholstery, & repair as necessary these vehicles and still sell them at a profit here. Might be something for some enterprising person to check out.

    Fred
     
    Treeman and Tony Evers like this.
  4. Tony Evers

    Tony Evers Active Member

    wow what a post- I'm Canadian so the procedure is some what differant but very close to everything you wrote, I did the exact thing last Sept 2014. saved about $200. total cost with purchase from japancardirect.com to Vancouver was $3000
    Tony
     
    RVL1973 likes this.
  5. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    CompletedLawnCare, I appreciate you posting my guide but there are some edits I'd like to make to it. Could you remove your post? I'll repost all the info once I revise it.

    Thanks!
     
  6. jmbryant44

    jmbryant44 New Member

    I am wanting to import a 1995 Suzuki Carry. Am I understanding this correctly that I cannot important this vehicle because it isn't EPA and DOT approved? Can it be certified and at what cost so I can import it? Thanks.
     
  7. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    You will not be able to import a 1995 kei truck as a passenger or cargo vehicle fit for public roads. It would require a speed limiter and most likely off-road upgrades to import it as an off-road vehicle which won't be drive-able on public roads unless your state has a special law allowing it. Stick to vehicles 25 years and older if these restrictions are a deal-breaker.
     
  8. jmbryant44

    jmbryant44 New Member

    What about the ones that are alreasdy imported in the USA for sale now. Are those subject to this stuff too?
     
  9. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    Yes, they were imported as off-road vehicles and unless your state has a law allowing them to be driven on public roads you won't be able to do so.
     
  10. Deleted.
     
  11. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    HOW TO IMPORT A KEI MINI TRUCK INTO THE U.S. THAT CAN BE REGISTERED ANYWHERE

    DISCLAIMERS: I am not a licensed customs broker. The information here was obtained through research and the consultation of CBP officers and import specialists. Each port and CBP office may have their own particular way of doing things so I am not liable for any issues that arise during your importation. That said, my information has helped many people successfully import their own vehicles. Also, CBP understands the complexity of filing one’s own import entry and will offer significant assistance and latitude to first-timers. Remember, they work for you and are there to help.

    SHOULD YOU IMPORT A KEI TRUCK?

    Importing a vehicle into the USA can be a frightening experience for someone who’s inexperienced in doing so. The internet is full of stories of US Customs seizing vehicles which makes some question whether it’s worth the risk. Yes, there are some risks, but for people importing a single vehicle at a time for personal use the process is actually quite simple. I recently successfully imported my own KEI truck and have compiled this guide as a resource for anyone else who is interested in doing the same. While I cannot guarantee that your experience will be as smooth as mine, this guide will certainly help you avoid the major pitfalls. That said, there are many reasons why it’s preferable to purchase a KEI truck from a U.S. dealer. You’ll hopefully get service and support as well as supporting a U.S. business. However, there are advantages to importing your own, such as:

    Typically a significantly lower price, and (maybe) better maintenance. In Japan, vehicles must undergo a comprehensive examination periodically. For older KEI trucks, the inspections are annually from what I’ve read. Therefore, getting a vehicle directly from Japan will hopefully mean it’s in good mechanical condition. Most likely the vehicle was driven in the city or in the farms and it wasn’t abused. It also ensures that it is mostly stock so you most likely won’t have to worry about CV joint binding from bad lift jobs and other such problems.

    THE U.S. IMPORT PROCESS FOR VEHICLES

    When importing a vehicle into the U.S. one usually must file what’s called a formal entry. It is a process in which an entity notifies the U.S. government what, when, where and how a commodity is entering US commerce. To file a formal entry, one registers for a Customs importer number (a unique ID for every importer) and files entry paperwork with U.S. Customs within no earlier than a week before or no later than 10 days after the cargo arrives into port. A Customs bond must also be purchased.

    Reference:
    https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...mal-entry-(for-goods-valued-at-$2500-or-more)

    Fortunately, for shipments worth less than $2500 a formal entry is not required. The importer can do what’s called an “informal entry”. An informal entry does not require a customs bond nor does it require obtaining an importer number. In addition, the importer can simply go to the Customs office at the port the cargo is entering and request assistance on how to do an informal entry. That said, if you read this guide you will know exactly how to file your own informal entry.

    This guide assumes that you live near or intend to travel to the seaport that will receive your vehicle. If this isn’t the case you can hire a customs bonded shipping company to transport the vehicle to a customs bonded warehouse near you from which to file entry. The other method is to hire someone to file the entry at the original seaport, get the vehicle released and then transport it normally directly to your doorstep.

    CERTAIN LAWS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

    Due to lobbying by Mercedes-Benz of America, Congress passed laws that require the EPA and DOT to restrict the import of non-US origin vehicles unless they meet U.S. safety and environmental standards. Whether or not U.S. vehicles are inherently superior to vehicles from other countries is outside the scope of this document. What is important is that YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE SEIZED UNLESS IT MEETS THESE REQUIREMENTS. Luckily, there is a 25 year old exemption for “classic vehicles”. If a vehicle is 25 years or older from the date of manufacture (month and year) it can legally be imported into the U.S. without having to meet DOT standards (21 years for EPA standards). This is why current year KEI trucks are imported as “off-road vehicles with speed limiters” while older KEI trucks require no such modifications.

    Some vehicles, such as the 1990 Suzuki Carry that I imported do not specify the month of manufacturer. In such cases, there are resources online that can decode the VIN and tell you approximately a range of months that it would have been manufactured. On my Carry the VIN showed the truck looked to be have been built around February so I used that as the month of manufacture and imported my vehicle in February. Customs would have to prove that the vehicle wasn’t manufactured on the date specified to seize the vehicle. FYI, seizing and detaining are different. Customs may detain anything for inspection but to actually seize and take ownership of the item (forfeit) Customs requires an administrative or criminal violation. Ergo, if you state the vehicle was mfg’d on 4/1990 and an engine label or seat-belt tag says differently or there is evidence that the model you’re importing did not exist in the configuration for the year you claimed than your vehicle can be seized. Keep things on the up and up and be as transparent as possible and you will be fine.

    KEY DEFINITIONS

    There are certain key terms that you should be aware of:

    1. Importer – the entity that is filing the customs entry (files the customs paperwork and pays the duties)
    2. Consignee – The entity that will be receiving and owning the commodity (you)
    3. Date of Import – When the commodity enters the Customs territorial borders of the U.S. (e.g. when a ship enters the port)
    4. Date of Entry – When the paperwork is filed with Customs to apply for entry.
    5. Date of Export – When the commodity was exported from the country of origin
    6. Duties – A customs tax to be paid on commodities entering the U.S. The duty on vehicles for the transportation of goods, i.e. trucks, is 25% and 2.5% for passenger vehicles.
    7. Port of Entry – the port through which the commodity will enter the US
    8. HTS Code – Harmonized Tariff Code. Each commodity has a classification code that determines what duties will be paid on its import. You can search HTS codes at: hts.usitc.gov. Perhaps the most difficult part of the process is determining the proper HTS code. Passenger vehicles start with the HTS subheading 8703 and vehicles for the transport of goods start at 8704.
    9. Customs Ruling – If the HTS classification of a specific commodity is in question, e.g. should a KEI Mitsubishi Minicab with off-road tires, suspension and a dump bed be classified as a dump vehicle for off-highway use or as a standard vehicle for the transportation of goods, Customs may publish a customs ruling that will make clear exactly which HTS applies to the commodity. See (http://rulings.cbp.gov/index.asp?ru=086305&qu=HQ+082797&vw=detail) for an example.
    10. Customs Bonds – Bonds for the purpose of insuring that Customs will receive payment of fees for the importation of goods. There are ISF bonds, entry bonds and DOT bonds. Informal entries do not require the purchase of bonds.
    11. Importer Security Filing 10+2 (ISF) – In 2009 a new requirement when into effect requiring formal entries by sea to submit cargo and carrier information in advance to CBP. ISF filings are not required for informal entries.
    12. Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) – Certain ports require the payment of a HMF which is .125% of the value of the cargo. For a list of ports that require HMF see: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title19-vol1/pdf/CFR-2011-title19-vol1-sec24-24.pdf
    13. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) – MPF is paid on all imports. For formal entries it is 0.3464% of the value of the cargo up to a max of $485. For informal entries, it is $2 if the entry or release is automated and not prepared by CBP personnel, $6 if the entry or release is manual and not prepared by CBP personnel, and $9 if the entry or release, whether automated or manual, is prepared by CBP personnel.
    14. Bill of Lading – The bill of lading (BOL) works as a receipt of freight services; a contract between a freight carrier and shipper and a document of title.


    THE PROCESS STEP-BY-STEP

    -=STEP 1=-

    Contact a vehicle exporter. They will either have an inventory of vehicles you can choose from or they can export a vehicle that you have purchased from auctions. If importing from Japan (which applies to most of us) I would highly recommend Japancardirect.com. They have a great track record of delivering vehicles that meet or exceed the customer’s expectations. Tradecarview.com is another great resource. It is a marketplace for Japanese exporters and contains a large listing of Japanese vehicles for sale and features convenient search functions.

    Price quotes are generally given as CIF or FOB. CIF means that the exporter will arrange and pay for transportation of the vehicle to the port, shipping from the port to your country and insurance. An FOB quote only includes the cost of transporting the vehicle to the outbound port and it is up to the customer to arrange for shipping and insurance. CIF is certainly the more convenient option.

    If purchasing a single vehicle, the most common shipping method is roll-on roll-off (RORO). The vehicle will literally be driven onto the ship and off which avoids fees for renting port equipment to unload cargo. Another benefit to not using a shipping container is that if the container gets selected for x-ray inspection by Customs, Customs will charge the importer significant fees which can be avoided by using RORO.

    ***IMPORTANT***

    Make sure the vehicle will be thoroughly steamed cleaned so that it is pest free before export. Otherwise, it may fail USDA inspection and you will be forced to return the vehicle or pay $$$ to house and clean it.

    Typically when registering a vehicle at your local Department of Licensing they will require a vehicle title. In some countries such as Japan, the vehicle title is turned over to the government in order to get approval for export. This approval is in the form of an export certificate. The exporter will provide you with the original export certificate and hopefully an English translated copy. Make sure that the translation features a stamp or seal certifying that the translation is accurate to avoid issues with the DOL when you go to register your vehicle.



    -=STEP 2=-

    Pay for the vehicle. This is almost always done via bank transfer. If an exporter asks for payment by Western Union or MoneyGram, run! They are most likely a scam. Assuming you went CIF, after the exporter receives payment they will airmail you an original Bill of Lading (BOL) from the shipping line as well as a commercial invoice and a certificate of insurance. The exporter will offer dates of arrival. Make sure the date of arrival you choose is at least 25 years past the vehicle’s date of manufacture if you intend to file DOT and EPA exemptions. The shipping line will then contact you and provide you a notice of arrival/freight invoice with specifics like the arrival date, the commodity being transported and instructions on how to provide payment for the collect charge. The collect charge covers fees the port charges against the shipping line. For my import, the collect charge amounted to $123. You will also need to mail the original BOL that you received from the exporter to the shipping line. Pay the collect charge and mail the BOL so that the shipping line receives them at least two days before the ship makes port if you intend to take receipt of the vehicle ASAP (assuming there isn’t a customs hold).



    -=STEP 3=-

    Download CBP form 7501. I have created a version that is electronically fillable here:https://www.dropbox.com/s/bp3z8g9rysu4vww/CBP_Form_7501.pdf?dl=0

    This handbook explains how to complete this form: form:https://www.dropbox.com/s/r3va7hbvtow00z4/CBP Form 7501_Instructions.pdf?dl=0



    You will see that the example I’ve provided is already populated with values that were used during the import of my Suzuki Carry truck. You most likely won’t need to change fields 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 16, 17, and 18.

    Note: When filing an informal entry you will not have a customs entry number.

    Field 13 (manufacturer/exporter ID): The manufacturer’s ID/exporter ID is derived from the exporter. To generate the ID, follow these directions: https://www.dropbox.com/s/sk0t1f56a7zeket/Deriving mfg shipper ID.doc?dl=0



    For example, JapanCarDirect’s information is:

    Japan Car Direct

    2-10-19 Tendai Inage Ku Chiba Chiba Japan 263-0016

    Therefore their manufacturing ID would be JPJAPCAR2101CHI.



    Fields 6, 19, 20 (port codes): To determine the port codes consult this document:https://www.dropbox.com/s/o3hb1ifw24g2oji/schedule K foreign port codes.txt?dl=0

    Fields 22 and 23: For informal entries, your importer number will be your social security number or IRS tax ID.

    Field 21, (BLOCK 21) LOCATION OF GOODS/General Order (GO) Number): the storage location of the vehicle after the vehicle is unloaded from the ship at port. This location will be provided to you by the shipping line. If the location has a customs FIRMS code you must use the code. You can find the code here:http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FIRMS30.txt

    [​IMG]

    Fields 27 – 30 (Commodity details): Enter your vehicle specifics in fields 27 – 30. First, determine the proper HTS code. There are free resources on the web that can help in determining the code, such as:http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-hs-code-lookup/ (this site will allow you to lookup 3 codes for free). The HTS code starts with a 4 digit subheading followed by pairs of numbers separated by decimals such as 8703.33.0045. Each pair of numbers after a decimal denotes a more specific classification. The subheading for passenger motor vehicles is 8703 and for motor vehicles for the transportation of goods it is 8704. Details you will need to determine the proper HTS code are engine type (spark ignition combustion (gasoline) or compression combustion (diesel), engine displacement in CC’s, engine cylinders, gross vehicle weight (GVW) in metric tons, interior volume/cargo capacity in cubic meters, cargo capacity in metric tons. Sometimes whether to classify a motor vehicle as mainly for transporting passengers or goods isn’t as simple as it seems. For example, a stock Mazda MPV van is classified as a motor vehicle for transporting passengers but if the rear seats are removed it is classified as being designed for the transportation of goods. A stock Toyota 4Runner, which I would have assumed would be classified under the 8703 subheading is actually classified under 8704 since the rear seats can fold down flat and it has a large cargo capacity. If a customs ruling exists on the particular vehicle you’re importing the correct HTS code will be stated in the ruling. Customs Rulings can be searched using CBP’S CROSS system:http://rulings.cbp.gov/index.asp?ac=about

    Under the HTS code make sure you include your vehicle’s VIN number, year, make and model. While only the VIN is required on the form, stating the other information as well may assist you in the registration of the vehicle when you get your plates.

    32A (Entered value): The vehicle’s purchase price not including freight and insurance.

    32B (CHGS): To determine 32B, add up the cost of all freight, port, and insurance charges incurred in importing your vehicle. Proceed the value with the letter C.

    33A (duty rate): Calculate 34 by multiplying 32A by 33A.

    [​IMG]

    39 (Other Fee Summary): Use code 501 to identify the harbor maintenance fee and 311 for Informal merchandise processing fee. I add the descriptions as well but it’s not required. If you’re not using a broker and are presenting the forms directly to CBP when filing entry you should use the $6 value for the MPF.

    [​IMG]



    Everything else is self-explanatory. Consult the handbook if you are unsure.

    Congratulations, you have completed CBP form 7501!



    -=STEP 4=-

    Complete the Department of Transportation HS-7 Short form.

    Here is an electronically fillable version:

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/ycvlmc6touqx0pz/hs799short.pdf?dl=0

    This form is amazingly simple and self-explanatory. Make sure the vehicle eligibility code = 1.

    [​IMG]

    -=STEP 5=-

    Fill out EPA form 3520 which you can obtain here:

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/vxsz381vbtl61ir/3520-1.pdf?dl=0

    Again, simple and self-explanatory. Make sure the EPA exemption number = E.

    [​IMG]


    -=STEP 6=-

    Importers have 15 days to retrieve their shipment before the cargo is sent to a General Order Warehouse where storage charges will add up quickly. Before that happens, contact the Customs and Border Protection Office located at the inbound port and give them the documents you filled out as well as a copy of the BOL and the commercial invoice. Pay the duty either with cash or a check (make sure you have your driver’s license if paying by check). They will stamp two copies of your BOL and CBP form 7501 and clear your vehicle in the system.

    -=STEP 7=-

    Unless the shipper has a private terminal at the inbound port, the port will most likely act as the agent for discharging your vehicle. Your notice of arrival/freight invoice from the shipping line will specify the place your vehicle will be unloaded. Google the facility and speak with the import specialist there. The import specialist can tell you the status of your cargo and whether a customs hold has been placed on it. If there is no hold and the shipping line has notified them that you have paid the collect charge and sent the original BOL they will discharge the vehicle for you. Give them a set of the stamped BOL and form 6501. They will print off some release papers and direct you to the pickup area. The pickup area may be a secure access area. If so, you will either need to hire an escort with TWIC credentials to escort you to your vehicle (the port’s website should provide a list of escorts for a nominal fee, usually $50) or if you have a U.S. military CAC card or a US Federal Government PIV card you can get through without an escort. Go through the gate and find the import supervisor and give him your discharge document. He’ll direct you to your vehicle which will likely be parked among other very cool vehicles. Spend some time appreciating them. Climb into your vehicle. Your keys will be in the ignition. Your vehicle’s fuel tank will most likely be near empty. Prepare to town your vehicle home if you don’t have insurance and a trip permit.

    -=STEP 8=-

    Proceed to your Department of Licensing office and give them your remaining stamped form 7501, the Japan export certificate and the commercial invoice. The value of the vehicle (not including freight) from the commercial invoice will be used to calculate your state taxes. Some states like Texas require the vehicle to pass a safety and emissions inspection. As long as the vehicle’s original safety and emissions equipment are intact (braking system, indicator lights, horn, headlights, muffler, etc.) the vehicle should pass.

    Get your new plates. You’ll notice that the screw holes on the plates won’t match up with Japanese plate mounts. Whip out your drill and drill new holes in the plates (don’t drill the plate mounts on the car!!). Mount your plates and enjoy your vehicle.


    AUTHORS NOTE

    I spent quite a bit of time consulting with CBP officers, import specialists and port employees to compile all the necessary information on importing a KEI truck into a single source. I also modified the original forms so that they can be filled out electronically. Of course, I provide all this free to help others in the hope that importing vehicles into the U.S., especially KEI class vehicles will increase in popularity, which will lead to more demand domestically to support a growing dealer and parts market. Furthermore, more interest in these unique Japanese vehicles will lead to more voices demanding the changing of the ridiculous U.S. 25 year rule.

    If you find this information useful and wish to donate any amount to my cause I would greatly appreciate it. I’m looking to import another car in the future and would put my donations towards this future vehicle. Click the link below to donate. I'll take any amount, even a dollar!


    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2016
  12. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    Hey Tony, you saved $200 from not hiring a customs broker? I wonder what the going rate is here in the U.S. Could someone who has used a broker to import a vehicle chime in?
     
  13. jmbryant44

    jmbryant44 New Member

    I am not trying to hijack this thread but I am still very confused. I want to import my own truck because I can't find what I want at a price I can afford here in the USA. Everyone is talking about making sure to buy one 25 years or older or you can't drive it on the road. I live in Alabama and I can't find anything about there being an age requirement. To get it tagged, you only have to get it inspected by a police officer called a VIN inspection. Alabama doesn't require a title to get a tag on these mini trucks either. Will my problem be at customs? I just don't understand. Thanks in advance for my ignorance.
     
  14. Inane2

    Inane2 Member

    Hey jmbryant44!


    In my opinion, the downfall of the mini truck market could come from too many people handling the same truck causing the price to get out of sorts. Initially, this was one of the appealing aspects of kei trucks: it was a cheap, usable alternative to overpriced and sometimes limited UTV, RTV and side by sides. Look at the cost of a new Gator or Kubota RTV, you can buy 2-3 if not 4 decent little trucks for that money, haul more cargo and do it more comfortably. Even some of the new Mules are breaking 10K.



    To answer your question more directly, on trucks less than 25 years old, the engine family will need to be emissions tested and will need and EPA certificate as well as a few other slight mods. This all popped up late 2008 and brought things to a halt with importing the under 25 year old trucks. Things really didn’t start flowing again in 2010 and 11’.



    There are only two companies that bothered to go through with the EPA emissions testing. One is a US based company that only wholesales the EPA certificates to dealers who move containers of trucks each year. I believe he has certified 10 engine families last I checked which allows a good variety of trucks to be brought in, different makes, carb and EFI.



    Yamagin is the other company that tested and certified the kei class engines. They are a Japan based exporter that also operates minitruckdealer.com out of Los Angeles. Outside of resources like Craigslist or Adhuntr, these guys will probably be your best bet (on something under 25 years old) and are great to deal with. They get containers weekly and have a vast stock of trucks in California and Japan. They would probably have something to fit your budget. They buy the truck at auction and sell to you.

    Some like getting their trucks "fresh off the boat" from Japan. Sometimes buying a truck that has been in the states for a while is like buying a used bush hog. It may be tough to tell how it was used and maintained.



    OP has a great write-up on importing your own truck 25 years and older in this thread. If you decide to go that route, Japan Car Direct is amazing to work with.



    Again, the problem importing anything under 25 yourself if the EPA engine certificate. These engines are classed small, non road engines (SNRE) so they can be held to less strict emissions standards. I believe my 01’ Hijet burns as clean as anything domestic I drive! To be a SNRE, top speed can’t exceed 25 mph. This is where the speed limiters come in. Basically a metal cage around your shifter that leaves you with 1st and Reverse on a manual transmission. Automatic trannys are governed electronically. My fuel injected 01’ basically had an engine certification label in the engine compartment, a speed limiter and the OEM rubber fuel lines had been changed out to some rubber lines that met the EPA’s fuel line permeation rate. There are a few more slight mods that are made to the carbureted models. The emissions parts have to be warranted for two years by the importer also known as the engine manufacturer. Once both companies did their initial engine testing in late 2009, 2010, each engine family received a unique family code. These two companies are allowed to carryover their test results each year, no new testing needed right now. Only the first letter in this unique family code changes each year, B to C, C to D and so on.



    This EPA testing, while the bulk of the work is already done, does add some extra cost to each truck (speed limiter, fuel lines, labels, etc.) But, outside of this extra, necessary cost, what you are seeing today is likely the result of the truck passing through too many hands before it gets to the end consumer. Don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of other fees (auction, customs, cleaning, shipping, etc.) but every hand that touches the truck adds a profit. There are Japanese auto auctions 6 days a week, with big sales on Thursdays and Saturdays. Do yourself a favor and sign up for free access to these auction portals and watch how many of these trucks sale and what they actually bring, especially with the weak yen now. The life of a typical mini truck can be a busy as: truck sold at auction to Japanese company such as Clarkies, Davey Japan or Meiwa Auto. Truck then sold on to select US dealers. Truck then sold to local mom and pop style dealer. Truck lastly sold to end consumer. Now we’re up to selling prices that can make these trucks not as attractive as they once were. The research is easy. It’s easy to even find the same truck advertised on multiple dealer sites, all with different prices.



    Work with someone that will get you the truck YOU want with the options you want. Don’t fall for the “each truck is hand picked” line when in reality, someone is scouting for low to mid grade trucks that can be bought cheap and sold for maximum profit. Not meaning to rant, but the whole doom and gloom, ignore the man behind the curtain attitude about importing kei trucks get old, especially with the wealth of info and knowledge available online.
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2015
    renli3d likes this.
  15. Inane2

    Inane2 Member

    Forgot to address the age requirement and being legal to drive in the US. That is decided state to state, everybody is different. However, from all the different state laws I've read over, the age of the truck really doesn't seem to be an issue. A kei truck is a kei truck to most DMV's. The chassis ID number may give you a fit since it's not recognized in some places as a vin number.

    It sounds simple in Alabama. Again, your holdup with getting a 95' Carry would be the EPA stuff described above and the customs stuff of actually clearing it, not with actually using it in Alabama.
     
  16. John Mc

    John Mc New Member

    jmbryant44 - here's a link showing a table of state laws. You want the tab titled "Mini Truck"

    Mini Truck State Laws
     
  17. Inane2

    Inane2 Member

    Thank you for the contribution renli3d! I'm sure many here feel better about importing their own 25+ truck!

    Thanks again!
     
  18. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    Thanks Inane2, you answered jmbryant's question and then some. Very well written and informative! The wealth of knowledge on this site is fantastic.
     
  19. John Mc

    John Mc New Member

    So if you are getting a mini truck in one of the states that does allow higher than 25 MPH, are you still limited to 25 MPH on newer than 25 years old due to something other than the state regulations (EPA or federal)? It seems a fair number of states have lws allowing higher than 25 MPH as long as you are not on an interstate highway or similar.
     
  20. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    The way I understand it, the only way to have a non-25 year exempt kei vehicle without a speed limiter is if it was never modified to begin with and illegally imported or if it was properly imported but then modified after the fact. Companies that import later model year kei vehicles get certificates to allow them to do so. This certificate is granted because the businesses are telling the EPA that these are speed-restricted off-road vehicles only. Therefore, it would be against their agreement with the EPA to remove the speed restrictors.

    Customers who purchase these vehicles from the dealers have no such restrictions. In the U.S. you are free to modify what you own for the most part (except for copyrighted software and electronics covered under the DMCA). If you, as a private citizen want to modify a kei truck that was legally imported then you are within the law to do so.

    This explanation is rather circuitous, I know, but to answer your question, if a state allows kei trucks to drive on public roads then yes, you could drive a kei truck epa/dot exempted or not. Finding a current year kei truck that isn't speed restricted would be the obstacle. There were a few that were able to be legally imported before the EPA brought out the ban-hammer a few years ago. You could find one of those or modify your vehicle as I described above.
     
  21. nerry

    nerry New Member

    MINI DUMP TRUCK FOR RENTAL SERVICE.
    Location: 20 Banlat Road Tandang Sora Q.c
    Mobile: 09258652598
    Tell: 455-1621
    for more details look for mr.ryan amores.
     
  22. MiniMama

    MiniMama Guest

    WOW. What a trove of information. Regarding info surrounding auto transport and the such I'd recommend using a website like this link. I used them for my business (needed a mini truck forthe ice cream deliveries we made to our other stores) and it was "easy". Quotes as it did cost a bit, but then again shipping it from Japan to Rhode Island is just a few miles.
     
  23. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    Thanks for the great resource. It looks like that company is an importer/exporter as well so they would understand how to transport the vehicle inbond from the port to a bonded facility nearest to your pickup location.
     
  24. jat240

    jat240 New Member

    I just bought a 1991 Suzuki carry in Japan and am in the process of importing it. With the 25 year rule isn't it exactly the same as importing a Nissan Skyline? As in it doesn't matter if it was designed for American roads it's still federally legal? Does the fact that it's a kei truck restrict it despite the fact it was imported as a road vehicle and not farm equipment? In my mind it should follow a different set of rules since I could have just as easily imported a kei car or a kei van and they have the same engines, and nobody would question those. It'll have regular car registration, regular car tags, regular car insurance, so it's a regular car right?
     
  25. renli3d

    renli3d Member

    Hi in most places you are correct, the KEI vehicle is the same as any other vehicle as far as the DOL is concerned and the import process is the same whether it's a KEI vehicle or skyline. However, in Vermont, this is not the case. I've had a person do a legal import into VT run into issues registering it. He's still trying to resolve it.
     
  26. Windsblow

    Windsblow New Member

    I know this is an old thread but I have a question. I understand most laws but we're do I find a newer model speed restricted kei without going through those importers with the EPA certs. There seems to be a bit of a markup that route.
     
  27. matt167

    matt167 Active Member

    You have to have the truck speed limited in Japan I believe or you can have it shipped to a registered importer for the modification. Either way that's $$$. And then you need to either pay the licensing to use those companies EPA certs or have your truck certified... It's just easier to let the guys do it, that know how to do it and buy from one of the known importers if that's the type of truck you want
     
  28. al.bundy

    al.bundy New Member

    If someone could help with cb7501..entry #32a is cost of vehicle,32b charges? Can I just put freight and insurance in 32b without any invoice..I have commercial invoice for cost of vehicle but not for freight and insurance..want to know if cbp officer will require a invoice for 32b? Thanks for any info..
     
  29. matt167

    matt167 Active Member

    Not sure. I gladly pay a broker $250 for their services. But looking at mine, it appears that it is invoice cost there. They really don't care shipping or insurance, they care that it is in the port and they get 25% of what you paid..
     
  30. al.bundy

    al.bundy New Member

    Thank you Matt 167, appreciate the info..
     

Share This Page