About The 25 Year Import Rule

If you’ve spent years clicking "refresh" on those auction pages for legendary JDM builds from across the globe, you already know the pain of the 25-year import rule. That one law has kept some of the most iconic turbocharged monsters locked away in Japan, Europe, and Australia—just out of reach from us over here in the States.

But here’s the good news: Every year, new performance icons cross the threshold into legal U.S. territory. That means you can finally own, modify, and rip through the streets in cars that were once impossible (or at least, difficult) to import.

If you’re looking to import your first JDM legend, here’s everything you need to know—including the hottest cars now eligible for import in 2024 and 2025.

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What is the 25-Year Import Rule?

The 25-year import rule is part of the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988. In short, it blocks any car that wasn’t originally sold in the U.S. unless it meets strict safety and emissions regulations set by the NHTSA and EPA.

But once a car turns 25 years old, those restrictions disappear. That means you can legally import, register, and drive cars that were once banned—no modifications required.

Key details of the rule:

• The 25-year countdown starts from the car’s month and year of manufacture

• After 25 years, the car is exempt from NHTSA safety rules

• After 21 years, the car is exempt from EPA emissions requirements

• No federal modifications needed—but some states (like California) have additional rules

It’s the law that keeps U.S. roads feeling a little boring - for lack of a better phrase -  but it’s also why JDM and Euro imports feel so special when they finally get here.

Why Car Enthusiasts Love 25-Year Imports

For real track rats, the 25-year rule isn’t just about getting access to new cars—it’s about getting the "real" versions of cars we never got in the U.S.

Whether or not it's intentional, car manufacturers tend to water down cars for the U.S. market, due to tighter regulations or otherwise. And that usually means smaller turbos, detuned engines, heavier chassis, and fewer aggressive features. The imports hitting 25 years? They’re the real deal.

Some of the biggest reasons to import your enthusiast car might include:

• More horsepower and better tuning potential

• Factory turbocharged engines we never got stateside

• JDM-exclusive drivetrains and aero packages

• Lightweight chassis that never met U.S. safety restrictions

• The thrill of owning something truly rare

And unlike buying a modern "JDM-inspired" sports car, importing a real JDM performance car means getting something raw, unfiltered, and built to perform.

The Hottest 25-Year Imports for 2024-2025

Every year, new icons cross the 25-year mark, opening the floodgates for enthusiasts to finally bring them home. Here are some of the most anticipated imports that are now (or soon will be) legal in the U.S.:

Toyota Caldina GT-T

Think of it as a Celica GT-Four in wagon form. With a 3S-GTE turbocharged engine, AWD, and rally DNA, this is one of the most underrated JDM imports for street sleepers and track warriors.

Nissan Laurel Medalist Turbo (C35)

A RB25DET-powered sedan with rear-wheel drive and a luxury-meets-drift setup. It’s basically a Skyline R34 for adults, and it’s got tons of aftermarket support.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

A V6-powered Dakar Rally machine, built to dominate off-road and eat up tough terrain. It’s not an Evo in name only—it’s got active suspension, factory flares, and serious power.

Suzuki Alto Works RS/Z

A kei car with a turbo? Yes, and it rips. With a lightweight chassis, AWD, and a high-revving 660cc turbo engine, this thing is an absolute blast for autocross and city driving.

Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R

The one everyone has been waiting for. SR20DET, 6-speed manual, factory LSD, and razor-sharp handling—this is arguably the best Silvia ever made.

Nissan Skyline R34 (All Trims) 

Not just the GT-R, either - the Skyline R34 was one of the most iconic models that ever came out of Japan during its production cycle (with some models tipping the auction sites at over $1 million). Plus, Paul Walker drove one in 2 Fast 2 Furious, so. Pour one out for the legends.

As these cars cross the 25-year mark, expect prices to spike fast. If you’re thinking about importing, now’s the time to start planning.

How to Import a 25-Year-Old Car the Right Way

Importing a car is easier than you think—but only if you go through the right channels.

Step 1: Find the Right Car

Use Japanese auction sites, specialty dealers, or direct exporters
Research the model’s known issues and aftermarket support
Pick a car in good condition—imports don’t come with lemon laws

Step 2: Work With a Trusted Importer

You don’t want to deal with customs, legal paperwork, and logistics alone. Choose an importer with experience handling JDM, Euro, and rare performance cars. Some of the best include:

TopRank Importers – Specializing in Skyline GT-Rs, Evos, and Silvia models
Montu Motors – One of the largest U.S.-based JDM importers
JDM Legends – Well-known for restoring and importing rare JDM icons

Step 3: Handle the Paperwork & Shipping

Fill out NHTSA HS-7 and EPA 3520-1 forms
Choose RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) or container shipping
Pay import duties (2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks)

Step 4: Get It Registered

• Some states have stricter emissions laws (California, we’re looking at you)

• Be prepared for extra inspections and certification depending on your state

• Insurance costs vary—check with specialty JDM insurance providers

Pro Tip: If you’re in California, expect extra emissions testing unless your car is CARB-certified.

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Is It Worth the Wait?

Waiting 25 years for your dream car sounds ridiculous—until the day you fire it up in your own garage. With JDM and Euro performance icons now crossing the 25-year mark, there’s never been a better time to bring home something rare, turbocharged, and track-ready.

And once your import finally arrives, you’re going to want to build it right. That means upgraded turbos, better cooling, and a full tuning setup to make it perform the way it was meant to.

Check out our lineup of turbos, exhausts, and performance upgrades today for your car. Free shipping, financing, and fast delivery are all available right here at MAPerformance so you can get your dream build dialed in - come on in and see why we're Redefining Fast.