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The Japanese car culture in the U.S. is red hot, and knowing how to import car parts from Japan is more important than ever. After all, getting JDM parts into the United States is not as easy as it looks.
Imported car parts from Japan are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and Japanese Customs. Japanese auto parts must be cleaned and sterilized of all oil, lubricants, and gas before being cleared for export to the U.S.
Learn more about why car parts from Japan are so popular, what to look for, and how to easily import those parts to the U.S.
Importing car parts from Japan is a massive business in the United States. With the majority of cars in the U.S. being Japanese brands, the demand for JDM parts is high.
Add to that the rising popularity of the “street racing and show car scene” in the U.S. Movies like “The Fast and The Furious” franchise have blown up the Japanese import scene, causing the demand for these cars and parts to skyrocket in North America and other parts of the world.
As a result, the cost of importing these parts can be expensive, but there are ways to lower these costs. Some savings directly stem from dealing with manufacturers rather than a third party. If you run a business that deals with Japanese car parts, there are other categories to consider, like the following.
Along with direct OEM manufacturers or aftermarket manufacturer savings, there is the issue of availability of these parts. Some Japanese car parts are challenging to acquire domestically. That is why it is essential to deal exclusively in Japan and avoid intermediaries.
You can import car parts directly from Japan. One must establish partnerships with Japanese auto manufacturers and aftermarket manufacturers to successfully import auto parts directly from Japan.
Some parts have a sort of “red tape” surrounding them. It doesn’t mean they are impossible to import, but they are more difficult to process through Customs. The following are examples of used auto parts that may present problems:
The reasoning for the listed components causing issues in customs clearance is because they have oil, lubricants, or gas associated with them, which is a hazard in transport. Under Japanese customs controls, the shipment of any items containing said materials is prohibited.
For this reason, any Japanese used car parts in this category must be cleaned and sterilized free from any liquid-based contaminants before clearing Japanese customs. Clearance for these goods to be exported will not be granted unless the aforementioned steps are applied.
However, it is not as easy as one might think. To successfully import car parts from Japan, many formalities must first be adhered to in the process. Success extends past those partnerships and goes right into laws and regulations.
Having a working understanding of Japanese export laws and conditions is essential. Check out our article on import costs from Japan to learn more.
Whether or not car parts are cheaper in Japan depends entirely on several vital aspects. Are these parts new or used? Are they direct from the OEM manufacturer, aftermarket manufacturer, or third party within Japan?
These questions are essential in determining the costs associated with bringing your auto parts to the U.S. The video below shows another alternative, recycled parts, an effective strategy for acquiring parts at a reasonable price.
Direct benefits can immediately be seen when dealing with direct suppliers in Japan or even the recycled used parts industry. Besides obtaining the best made parts, they are not knockoff fakes but the real deal. Dealing with the primary source also extends favorable pricing all around.
Ultimately, various factors when importing car parts from Japan dictate cost-effectiveness. Specific categories which surround your import will be varied depending on the shipment. Here are a few examples of what can influence them.
Factors of the exchange rate, import fees, duties, and import quantity all determine whether or not it is advantageous to import auto parts from Japan. One must consider all of these factors before importing car parts from abroad.
The same rule applies when importing Japanese aftermarket car parts, Japanese car body parts, and JDM performance parts. Recently, a new form of vehicle started in Japan known as a Kei car.
The Kei car is a step below the widely known compact car and is a car type that is hyper fuel efficient and has a small footprint. In Japan, these cars are widely popular, and car manufacturers have even introduced them in America:
So why bring up Kei cars in the first place? Well, with the rise in popularity of these cars, it is an excellent time to stock up on these Japanese auto parts now. These parts are commonplace in Japan but limited in the U.S.
Our 45 Minute Licensed Expert Consulting Will Personally Guide You.
As mentioned before, the explosion of JDM styling and performance in the U.S. largely became popular due to the ”The Fast and The Furious” movie franchise. The popularity of the films has sparked an insane car culture and the demand that comes with it.
So, how does this translate into importing car parts from Japan? In the grand scheme of things, you are in the business of value-based acquisition. This section is about value determinations and whether or not there is value in this car parts market.
So many people have bought into the JDM car culture, with more and more buying JDM cars each year. This market has seen an unbelievable increase in Japanese vehicle ownership, including a demand for genuine JDM parts.
Continuing with the theme of Japanese aftermarket car parts, demand and growth is very much alive. The aftermarket parts category in Japanese exported goods is intense and a significant player in Japan's exports.
| Year | Sales Figures |
| 2015 | $39 Billion |
| 2016 | $41 Billion |
| 2017 | $43 Billion |
| 2018 | $45 Billion |
| 2019 | $46 Billion |
The imported aftermarket parts industry has been steadily growing annually, no doubt as a result of the incredible demand from consumers. Now more than ever, the business of importing these goods from Japan is at its peak.
Sourcing Japanese aftermarket car parts has likewise seen an incredible uptick in productivity and business. However, this was not always the case. In past years, Japan was not as open to dealing with foreign importers due to fraud and other forms of bad business practices.
These issues have since cooled off and have become less present in recent years, leading to manufacturers and businesses opening their doors wide open.
Both documentation and compliance are critically important when importing goods from Japan. This is especially true regarding automotive parts being exported out of Japan, as Customs from both the export and import points are very thorough in their process.
Federal conformity related to imported car parts from Japan is critical when importing these parts. You must understand Japanese conformity and compliance if you are to be successful in facilitating these parts overseas.
Necessary documentation that upholds conformity and compliance for importing goods:
As with anything that is being exported out of a foreign country and subsequently imported into the U.S., a litany of regulations and conformity is required. Regardless of anything else, these topics related to customs are the most essential piece of the puzzle.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is a code that represents the goods that you are importing into the U.S. This code lists the assigned duty rate of the imported auto parts. Our site has an HTS Lookup Tool that you can use to find your classification.
As part of the trade agreement between Japan and the U.S., there has been an elimination and reduction of some tariffs traveling both ways. Unfortunately, auto parts and vehicles are still under negotiations but are expected to become part of the current eliminated tariffs at a later date.
Example HTS Codes for auto parts being imported from Japan:
These HTS codes help an importer calculate the costs of associated duties concerning their imported goods. Finding the correct code assigned to each component you are importing is critical.
Another critically important asset for importers is something known as Incoterms®. What are these terms exactly? To put it all into perspective, Incoterms® was created by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to help facilitate communication.
That is right, Incoterms® creates a “black and white” agreement that both sides of an international transaction can understand. While also dictating the rules and responsibilities set by both parties.
To learn more about Incoterms® and how they can better serve your importing journey, check out an extremely well written guide on Incoterms® basics.
Don't Let Fines and Violations Stop You.
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When importing Japanese car parts into the U.S., you will likely require consulting to help answer questions regarding even the smallest detail.
Consulting services for Japanese imports are essential because something can get missed regardless of your experience in international trade. In other cases, a potential opportunity to save time and money can pass you by if you’re not careful.
Expert consultation takes all of the frustration and confusion out of importing, not to mention that familiarizing with Japanese trade customs is worth its weight in gold. Here are some example topics covered by our expert consultants.
Besides consulting, customs brokerage takes things one step further. A customs broker effectively manages every aspect of the import process for you. They provide a litany of services that get your goods to the U.S. safely and quickly.
Customs brokers also have an excellent working knowledge of Japanese export regulations, including adhering to Japanese customs. This fact is incredibly important in moving your goods out of Japan on time while avoiding delays.
Also, and perhaps most important, customs brokers are incredible assets for avoiding unnecessary fines, additional fees, or even goods seizure due to an error on the part of the importer.
Some key areas where licensed customs brokers make all the difference in importing Japanese auto parts:
Customs brokers are the aspirin for import headaches, and their entire purpose is to ensure that imported goods meet all compliance regulations, documentation requirements, and timetables the shipper needs.
The purpose of a customs broker revolves around professional management in the trade of international goods. This is especially true as it relates to Japan, its culture, and its trade regulations and formalities.
With a customs broker at your side, details won’t be missed, and your importing experience will be streamlined and satisfying. Even obtaining consultation is recommended at the bare minimum when dealing with importing goods from Japan.
Worried about the Strict Regulations?
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Knowing how to import car parts from Japan can be tricky. This trickiness remains true with JDM and aftermarket parts and accessories. Our team at USA Customs Clearance is experienced and utterly committed to helping you.
Our consultants and licensed customs brokers have decades of combined experience and know how to get your goods out of Japan and into the U.S. with ease. USA Customs Clearance, powered by AFC International, leverages skill and care to help facilitate your needs for every shipment.
With a wide range of services and support, our team is here to help!
Whether you are a pro or new to importing, we have services and support that take out the worries, stress, and risk of making a mistake that can cost you time and money. Why not give yourself the peace of mind you deserve and let the professionals handle your imports?
Our “unmatched white glove service” is an industry benchmark. Nowhere will you find the level of importing support that we can provide. You can contact us for more information or call us at (855) 912-0406 and start shipping and importing with the best.
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Good day,
My name is Ester from Namibia.
I would like to start a business of selling car parts.please advice.
I would love to purchase some Pontiac trans am parts from Japan tail lights from a 79thru 81 export tail lights for 93thru97firebird export and mirrors from 82_97both export
Hi my name is nols from south africa i need honda luxlune 180 E 1991 engine harnash complete