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25-Year Import Rule · CT9A
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII US Import Eligibility
Legal NOW — since February 2026
Eligibility follows the build date: examples built 25+ years ago are legal today; the final January 2003 cars unlock in January 2028.
Importing a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII? Get the checklist.
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Production run & eligibility
| Chassis code | CT9A |
|---|---|
| Production start | February 2001 |
| Production end | January 2003 |
| First cars eligible | February 2026 |
| Last cars eligible | January 2028 |
Eligibility is counted from the month of manufacture on the build plate of the specific car — not the model year. A Lancer Evolution VII built one month later unlocks one month later.
First of the CT9A cars. Eligible from February 2026.
California is different
The 25-year rule is federal — it clears customs and NHTSA. California additionally requires direct-import vehicles newer than 1975 to pass its own emissions certification, which most JDM imports cannot do without an expensive lab conversion. If you are in California, read our state registration guide before bidding on anything.