The 25-Year Rule Explained
Under U.S. federal law (specifically, the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act), vehicles that are 25 years or older are exempt from the standard EPA emissions and DOT safety requirements that apply to newer imports. This means a vehicle manufactured in 1999 or earlier (as of 2024) can be legally imported and registered in the United States, including Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico, as a U.S. territory, follows the same federal import regulations. This opens the door to a wide range of iconic Japanese vehicles — from kei trucks and vans to sports cars, wagons, and SUVs — that were never sold in the American market.
Our Import Process
We've streamlined the JDM import process so you don't have to navigate the complexity yourself. Here's how it works:
1. Sourcing
Choose from our available inventory or request a custom search. We source vehicles directly from Japanese auctions (USS, TAA, HAA) and trusted dealers.
2. Inspection & Purchase
Every vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection. We review auction sheets, condition reports, and photos before bidding. Only quality units make the cut.
3. Export & Compliance
We handle all Japanese de-registration paperwork, export documentation, and U.S. customs compliance. EPA/DOT exemption forms are filed for 25+ year vehicles.
4. Ocean Shipping
Vehicles ship via RORO (roll-on/roll-off) or container from Japanese ports (Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya) to Puerto Rico.
5. Customs Clearance
We manage customs brokerage, CBP filing, and all port fees. The vehicle is cleared and released for pickup or delivery.
6. Delivery to You
We coordinate delivery to your location in Puerto Rico. The vehicle arrives ready to register and drive.
Timeline & Costs
Timeline: From purchase in Japan to delivery in Puerto Rico, expect 30–60 days for custom orders. Vehicles already in our U.S. inventory ship faster — typically 1–2 weeks.
Costs: Our pricing is fully transparent. The total cost includes:
- Vehicle purchase price (from Japan auction or dealer)
- Japan domestic transport to export port
- Export inspection and documentation
- Ocean freight shipping to Puerto Rico
- U.S. customs clearance and duties
- Port handling fees
- Optional: marine insurance, local delivery
There are no hidden fees. The price you see on our inventory listings includes the vehicle and shipping. For custom orders, we provide a detailed cost breakdown before you commit.
Why Import Through JDM Direct?
- ✓Direct access to Japanese auctions — no middlemen markup
- ✓Transparent pricing with full cost breakdown
- ✓Every vehicle inspected before purchase
- ✓All paperwork and compliance handled for you
- ✓Bilingual support (English & Spanish)
- ✓Puerto Rico market expertise — we know island logistics
- ✓Financing options available
- ✓WhatsApp support for quick communication
Popular JDM Vehicles for Puerto Rico
These are the most requested vehicle types among our Puerto Rico customers:
- Kei Trucks: Honda Acty, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Subaru Sambar
- Kei Vans: Honda Vamos, Suzuki Every, Subaru Dias Wagon
- Sports Cars: Toyota Celica, Nissan Silvia, Mazda RX-7, Honda NSX
- SUVs: Suzuki Jimny, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Land Cruiser
- Wagons: Subaru Legacy, Toyota Crown, Nissan Stagea