Import guide

How to import a kei truck to the USA

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A used kei truck lands in the US for roughly $5,000–$12,000 — against $60,000 or more for a new full-size American pickup. That price gap is why imports have tripled since 2019. Here’s exactly how the process works, step by step.

Is a kei truck legal in your state?

Any vehicle 25 years or older qualifies for import under the federal 25-year rule, exempt from FMVSS crash standards. Whether it can then be registered for road use varies by state — some allow full road registration, others restrict kei trucks to off-road or agricultural use. Check your state’s rules before you buy -- see our state-by-state legality guide.

Step 1 — Choose your model

The four models below account for most imports, each with a slightly different reputation:

Step 2 — Find and buy the truck

Most reputable Japanese exporters sell directly from dealer and auction stock, with English-language listings and buyer support — you don’t need to be in Japan or speak Japanese to buy confidently. We use Car From Japan, a licensed exporter with over 200,000 vehicles listed and shipping to 64 countries.

Step 3 — Understand total landed cost

The vehicle price is only part of the total. Budget for the CIF price (cost, insurance, freight), US import duty (2.5% for trucks), a customs bond, and port/handling fees at arrival.

Step 4 — Shipping and customs clearance

Most kei trucks ship RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and take roughly 4–8 weeks to a US port depending on route. On arrival, you’ll clear the vehicle through Customs and Border Protection using the bill of lading and export certificate your exporter provides.

Step 5 — Register your kei truck

Registration happens at your local DMV and varies significantly by state — some require an emissions or safety inspection, others register kei trucks as farm or off-road vehicles only. Confirm your state’s specific process before you commit to a purchase.

Common first-time importer mistakes

• Skipping the auction sheet grade and buying on photos alone
• Underestimating total landed cost, not just the sale price
• Buying through unlicensed brokers with no export history
• Not confirming state registration rules before purchase