Can I import a Japanese domestic-market car to Puerto Rico?

It depends on the car's age. Vehicles 25 years old or older qualify for the federal 25-year exemption from DOT/EPA standards and can be imported freely. Newer JDM cars must meet US federal compliance or be modified to do so, which is expensive. Our team advises on the best approach for your chosen car.

What is the 25-year rule for Puerto Rico?

Under US federal law, vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago are exempt from DOT and EPA compliance requirements. In 2026 this means vehicles built in 2001 or earlier. This opens the door to classic JDM models — Silvias, Skylines, Evos — that have strong collector demand in Puerto Rico.

How much duty do I pay to import a car to Puerto Rico?

US CBP charges 2.5% import duty on passenger cars. Puerto Rico then adds its own excise tax, calculated by engine size and age. Our team confirms the exact excise band for your car. Compliance modification costs (for non-exempt newer JDM cars) are separate and can be significant.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Puerto Rico

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Puerto Rico is a US territory and follows United States federal import regulations — which means any car imported from Japan must meet US DOT and EPA standards, or qualify for the 25-year exemption that applies to vehicles manufactured before 2001 (in 2026). Newer Japanese domestic-market cars that were never sold in the US cannot be registered on Puerto Rican roads without meeting those federal compliance requirements, which is a significant constraint. Puerto Rico drives on the right and uses left-hand-drive vehicles as the norm. The entry port for vehicle imports is San Juan. Federal customs duty on passenger cars is 2.5%; Puerto Rico also levies its own excise tax on top. When you import a car from Japan to Puerto Rico, our licensed team advises on compliance pathways and quotes the full cost before you commit.

Main ports: San Juan
Import age rule: Puerto Rico follows U.S. federal import compliance. Non-US-spec vehicles usually need DOT/EPA compliance or 25-year exemption; PR excise tax is separate.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: Puerto Rico is a US customs territory: a car pays the 2.5% US federal duty plus Puerto Rico's own motor-vehicle excise (arbitrio), a progressive value-based tax (~6.6% up to $5k rising to ~17.5%+ on pricier cars, assessed on Hacienda's own value which can exceed CIF). There is no separate sales tax on vehicles. Note US 25-year / DOT-EPA rules block most recent JDM models.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Puerto Rico

Determine compliance pathway
The key question is whether your chosen car can meet US DOT/EPA standards or qualifies for the 25-year exemption. Our team assesses this for your specific car before any sourcing begins — it determines what you can legally import and register.
Source the car at Japanese auction
For 25-year-exempt classic JDM vehicles, our licensed USS auction access covers the right stock. We read the auction sheet and verify condition before you commit.
US CBP and Puerto Rico compliance documentation
We prepare all US Customs and Border Protection entry documentation, the EPA/DOT declarations, and any Puerto Rico excise tax paperwork needed before or on arrival.
Ocean shipping to San Juan
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for the Port of San Juan. We provide the sailing schedule and tracking once confirmed.

Import duties & taxes in Puerto Rico explained

Puerto Rico follows US federal tariff rules. US CBP charges 2.5% import duty on passenger cars. Puerto Rico additionally levies its own excise tax on vehicles, which is calculated on a band basis by engine size and age — the exact amount varies by vehicle and is confirmed by our team for your specific car. Note that compliance costs (DOT/EPA modifications or certification for non-exempt vehicles) can be a significant additional expense and must be factored into the full budget. Because the right treatment depends on the specific car and its compliance pathway, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Puerto Rico

Honda Fit
Available in US-spec form from 2007 onward, which simplifies compliance; or well within the 25-year window for early-2000s JDM versions — practical, fuel-efficient, and easy to service on the island.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A dependable sedan with a 1.5L engine and straightforward mechanics — older JDM Corollas that qualify for the 25-year rule are well-priced at Japanese auction and easy to maintain in Puerto Rico.
See prices
Mazda Demio
Compact and fuel-efficient, with older JDM versions qualifying for the 25-year exemption. The small engine minimises fuel costs and Puerto Rico excise bands.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Lightweight and economical — early JDM Swifts are within the 25-year exemption window and are inexpensive at auction, making them an attractive budget import for the island.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Puerto Rico

San Juan — You are at the port — inland delivery within San Juan runs about $150 for a sedan.
Caguas — Delivery from San Juan to Caguas adds roughly $150 for a sedan.
Arecibo — Delivery from San Juan to Arecibo adds roughly $190 for a sedan.
Ponce — Delivery from San Juan to Ponce adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
Mayaguez — Delivery from San Juan to Mayaguez adds roughly $230 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a Japanese domestic-market car to Puerto Rico?: It depends on the car's age. Vehicles 25 years old or older qualify for the federal 25-year exemption from DOT/EPA standards and can be imported freely. Newer JDM cars must meet US federal compliance or be modified to do so, which is expensive. Our team advises on the best approach for your chosen car.
What is the 25-year rule for Puerto Rico?: Under US federal law, vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago are exempt from DOT and EPA compliance requirements. In 2026 this means vehicles built in 2001 or earlier. This opens the door to classic JDM models — Silvias, Skylines, Evos — that have strong collector demand in Puerto Rico.
How much duty do I pay to import a car to Puerto Rico?: US CBP charges 2.5% import duty on passenger cars. Puerto Rico then adds its own excise tax, calculated by engine size and age. Our team confirms the exact excise band for your car. Compliance modification costs (for non-exempt newer JDM cars) are separate and can be significant.