Kei Truck Import: The Complete 2025 Guide to Bringing a Japanese Mini Truck to the U.S. & Canada
Introduction:
Why Kei Truck Imports Are Booming:
Japanese kei trucks - also known as mini trucks - have exploded in popularity among U.S. and Canadian buyers. They’re compact, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly capable - equally at home on a farm, a job site, or cruising downtown.
Thanks to the U.S. 25-year rule and Canada’s 15-year rule, importing is easier than many people think. And with the right connections, you can often land a kei truck in excellent condition for far less than you’d pay locally.
If you’re ready to explore importing, you don’t have to go it alone - fill our our form HERE and we'll connect you with trusted exporters - free of charge.
What is a Kei Truck?
Kei trucks are a Japanese vehicle category defined by strict size and engine limits:
Engine: 660cc or less
Dimensions: ~3.4m long, 1.48m wide, 2.0m tall or less
Lightweight but durable construction
Popular kei truck models:
Honda Acty
Suzuki Carry
Subaru Sambar
Daihatsu Hijet
Mitsubishi Minicab
Many feature 4WD, dump bed, or van configurations — making them useful for hauling, deliveries, or just standing out from the crowd.
How to Import a Kei Truck (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose Your Truck
If you want the best deals, skip U.S.-based “middlemen” dealers. Instead, work with licensed exporters in Japan who can access nationwide auctions and handle all export paperwork:
Japan Car Direct — Auction bidding, translation, export paperwork.
Pacific Coast Auto — Video inspections and transparent condition reports.
Japan Partner — Large kei truck inventory and auction service.
Car From Japan — Aggregator with fixed FOB pricing
Why auction access matters: Licensed exporters can buy directly from USS, JU, and other Japanese auctions, where most kei trucks are sold wholesale. This often means better prices and more choice than buying pre-imported stock.
FOB vs CIF pricing:
FOB (Free On Board): Price up to the Japanese port - you arrange and pay for shipping separately.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Price includes shipping to your destination port. Easier for beginners, slightly higher total.
Pro tip: Spend $100–$200 on an independent inspection before purchase — it can save thousands by catching rust or mechanical issues early.
2. Arrange Shipping
Two main options:
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off):
Cheaper, must be drivable, ships uncovered. Used by carriers like MOL, NYK Line, K Line, and Hoegh Autoliners.
✅ Lower cost
❌ Must run & drive, exposed to elements
Container Shipping:
More expensive, offers protection, and you can ship spare parts inside. Providers include WC Shipping and Minitrucks.jp.
✅ Protected from elements, can include parts
❌ Higher cost
Pro tip #2: If your truck won’t run, you’ll have to use container shipping - so confirm operability before buying to avoid surprise costs.
3. Paperwork in Japan
From your exporter, you’ll need:
2 originals of the Bill of Lading
Purchase Invoice
Export Certificate (Japanese title)
English translation of the Export Certificate
4. Prepare U.S./Canada Import Forms
U.S.:
NHTSA HS-7 (Box 1 for 25+ year exemption)
EPA Form 3520-1 (Code E if 21+ years and unmodified)
CBP Form 7501 (often handled by your customs broker)
Canada:
CBSA Form 1 (or e-Form)
Proof of age for 15+ year exemption
5. Clear Customs
Two options:
DIY clearance: Attend the port, submit documents, and pay duties yourself.
Hire a broker: Handles paperwork and communication with customs for a fee (e.g., ClearitUSA ~$85, others 0.5–2% of vehicle value). FedEx Trade Networks also offers customs services.
6. Port Pickup
Bring photo ID, clearance documents, and any terminal release paperwork.
Be quick - ports charge daily storage fees if you delay pickup.
Timeline reality: While ocean transit is usually ~4 weeks, total process can stretch to 2 months with paperwork or port delays.
7. Transport & Register
Trailer the truck home or drive it on a temporary permit.
Check your state/province’s registration rules — some require inspections or extra safety equipment.
8. Insure Your Truck
Specialty or classic vehicle insurers often provide coverage for imported kei trucks. Some will require photos and documents before binding coverage.
Kei Truck Import Laws & Regulations
United States:
Safety (NHTSA): Vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from FMVSS compliance.
Emissions (EPA): 21+ years old (original condition) are exempt from EPA emissions.
State Laws: Vary — some allow road use, others restrict to off-road.
Canada:
15-Year Rule: Vehicles 15+ years old are exempt from CMVSS compliance.
Provincial Rules: Quebec bans RHD vehicles under 25 years old.
Kei Truck Import Costs in 2025
Cost Item - Estimated Range (USD):
Purchase in Japan - $3,500 – $8,000
Shipping (Ro-Ro) - $800 – $1,200
Shipping (Container) - $1,200 – $2,000
Import Duties & Taxes - $300 – $600
Customs Broker (optional) - $85 – $400
Registration & Inspection - $100 – $500
Common Mistakes First-Time Importers Make:
- Choosing unlicensed or unvetted exporters
- Forgetting state/provincial restrictions
- Underestimating shipping and clearance timelines
- Skipping pre-purchase inspection
- Waiting until the last minute to arrange insurance
Import Timeline:
Purchase → Japanese port: 1–2 weeks
Ocean shipping: ~4 weeks
Customs clearance & registration: 1–3 weeks
Total: ~6–9 weeks (can be longer if delays occur)
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