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), a customs bond, and port/handling fees at arrival. Customs duty is the biggest wild card -- kei trucks are technically classified as cargo vehicles at a 25% duty rate, though many importers report clearing at the 2.5% passenger rate in practice. Classification is inconsistently enforced, so budget for the higher figure rather than assuming the lower one. Use our import cost calculator to estimate your total landed cost under both scenarios.

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