💡 What This Calculator Does – Estimate Your Total Import Cost
This calculator gives you a clear estimate of the true cost of importing a 25+ year-old Japanese vehicle into the United States. Whether you're buying from platforms like Be Forward or Car From Japan, this tool helps break down all the essential expenses involved in bringing your dream JDM car home legally and efficiently.
✅ What's Included in the Estimate:
- Ocean Shipping: $1,000 – $2,000 (RoRo from Japan to U.S. port)
- Customs Forms & Processing: ~$600 total, covering ISF Filing, CBP Clearance (Form 7501), EPA Form 3520-1, DOT HS-7, and courier delivery of DMV-stamped originals
- Customs Duty: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks or vans
- MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee): 0.35% of the vehicle value
- HMT (Harbor Maintenance Tax): 0.13% of the vehicle value
- Service Fee: 10% of the vehicle price for sourcing, coordination, and compliance guidance
🟡 Optional Add-Ons:
- Port Fees: $200 – $400 (only charged if vehicle isn't picked up within port’s free storage window)
- U.S. Vehicle Delivery: $300 – $900 (flatbed or carrier from port to your home)
- Marine Insurance: $150 – $300 (recommended for shipping damage protection)
- Port Escort Fee: $40 – $250 depending on port rules and timing
🔍 Why This Calculator is Useful
Based on feedback from JDM import communities and real clients, many buyers:
- Underestimate import costs by 20–40%
- Don't realize DMV registration requires original customs documents
- Miss ISF or EPA deadlines without proper guidance
- Get surprised by storage, port, or delivery fees
🧠 Key Benefits for You
- Transparency: Know what to expect before you buy
- Time-Saving: Avoid unnecessary delays or penalties
- Confidence: Make informed decisions with legal compliance in mind
- Smart Shopping: Use the estimate to compare listings accurately
Note: On average, most buyers should expect to add $2,300–$3,300+ on top of the vehicle price when budgeting for a full legal import.