25-Year Import Rule Explained: Which JDM Cars Are Legal to Import in 2026

25-Year Import Rule Explained: Which JDM Cars Are Legal to Import in 2026

Every year, the calendar unlocks a new wave of JDM legends for US import eligibility. In 2026, vehicles manufactured before January 1, 2002 clear the NHTSA 25-year threshold — and that includes some of the most iconic machinery Japan ever produced.

How the 25-Year Rule Works

The rule stems from 49 U.S.C. § 30112(b)(3)(A)(i), which exempts vehicles 25 years or older from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Because these cars predate modern standards, they are allowed entry without requiring costly crash testing, airbag systems, or other FMVSS compliance modifications.

Separately, the EPA provides a similar exemption for vehicles 21 years or older from emissions standards under 40 CFR Part 85. In practice, the NHTSA 25-year rule is the harder hurdle.

The import declaration is made on HS-7 form at US Customs, checking the box for "25 years or older." Your customs broker handles this filing.

What Becomes Eligible in 2026

Vehicles with a manufacture date of December 31, 2001 or earlier qualify in 2026. This is model year 2001 for most Japanese manufacturers — a particularly significant year.

The R34 GT-R: The Big One

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is the most anticipated JDM import of the decade. The R34 was produced from 1999 to 2002, and its eligibility has been rolling in since 2024. In 2026, 2001 R34 GT-R models are fully eligible.

R34 variants that are 2001 or earlier eligible in 2026:

• BNR34 GT-R (base and V-spec) — 1999–2002 production; 1999, 2000, and 2001 cars eligible
• BNR34 GT-R V-spec II — introduced 2000; 2000 and 2001 eligible
• BNR34 GT-R M-spec — introduced 2001; 2001 eligible
• BNR34 GT-R N1 — competition homologation variant, extremely rare

The 2002 models (the final run, including the historic V-spec II Nür and M-spec Nür) will not be eligible until 2027. If you want a Nür, you have one more year to wait.

Current R34 GT-R prices: $80,000–$150,000+ for clean examples with provenance. V-spec II Nür cars have sold at auction for $400,000+.

Other Notable 2001 JDM Cars Crossing the Threshold

Honda S2000 AP1 (2001): The F20C-powered sports car is still producing 240 hp and screaming to 9,000 RPM. 2001 models are now eligible. Market: $12,000–$18,000 for clean examples.

Honda Integra Type R DC2 (2001): The final production year of the legendary B18C-powered Type R. Limited JDM production makes these rare. Prices: $18,000–$30,000.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version VII (2001): Significant power and handling updates over earlier STIs. The WRX and STI variants are both eligible. Prices: $15,000–$35,000.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (2001): The Evo VII introduced the AYC rear differential. Turbocharged 4G63, AWD, legendary rally heritage. Prices: $20,000–$40,000.

Toyota Altezza RS200 (2001): The JDM basis for the Lexus IS300, with a 3S-GE BEAMS engine revving to 7,800 RPM. Rarer than the IS300 and prized by enthusiasts. Prices: $8,000–$15,000.

Mazda RX-7 FD3S (2001): The FD continued production through 2002 in Japan; 2001 cars are now eligible. As always, inspect cooling systems thoroughly. Prices: $25,000–$50,000.

Show & Display Exemption: Pre-25-Year Access

If you absolutely cannot wait for the 25-year clock, the Show & Display exemption (49 U.S.C. § 30112(b)(10)) allows import of historically or technologically significant vehicles regardless of age — but with a strict 2,500-mile annual driving limit.

Vehicles approved for Show & Display include specific models deemed of special interest: the R34 GT-R was the most famous example, approved in 2020. Other approved models include the Honda NSX Type R, Toyota Supra GT, and select others. The approval process requires a NHTSA petition and can take years. This is not a practical path for most buyers.

EPA Show & Display Note

Show & Display vehicles still need EPA exemption, which is granted separately and typically accompanies NHTSA approval for vehicles on the approved list.

Practical Advice

For the 2026 buying season, the R34 GT-R is the headline acquisition. But competition is fierce and prices reflect it. For buyers on tighter budgets, the 2001 STI, Evo VII, and Altezza offer excellent value with full drivability — no mileage restrictions, no special permits.