Importing after purchase

At this point, you should have purchased your car

Overview

For a quick overview of the entire import process, see the list below:

Purchase car
Wait for the Bill of Lading
Once the Bill of Lading draft is received, send the information to an ISF filer as soon as possible
Wait for the shipment notification
Once the vehicle is shipped, file a customs clearance
Pay port fee
Wait landing date
After landing date, confirm vehicle is ready for pickup by calling the port
Pick up the vehicle

For more details on each step, see the sections below:

Forms after purchase

Once your vehicle is loaded onto a vessel, the shipping company will send you the

Export certificate (Japanese)
Export certificate (English)
Purchase invoice
Bill of Lading (unless it was surrendered)

Export certificate

Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to the shipper that serves as a receipt for the goods shipped, a contract outlining the terms of transportation, and a document of title evidencing ownership. It details the type, quantity, and destination of the cargo and must accompany the goods during transit to ensure proper delivery and transfer of ownership.

If you received the original bill of lading, you must sign it and send it to the shipping company.

Surrendered Bill of Lading

If your shipping company surrendered your bill of lading, then you do not need to send it to the shipping company. Take a copy of the surrendered bill of lading to the port when picking up your vehicle.

ISF form

The Importer Security Filing (ISF) provides U.S. Customs with advance shipment data to pre-screen cargo for security risks, ensure compliance, and facilitate faster release.

The ISF is supposed to be submitted at least 24 hours before the vessel's loading. However, you can complete it as soon as your seller provides the necessary shipping details, and it’s best to file as early as possible. Since you usually don’t receive the Bill of Lading until after your vehicle is en route, focus on submitting the ISF as soon as that document arrives rather than worrying about the 24-hour rule. If you miss the deadline, you should still submit the filing promptly to minimize the risk of fines and penalties.

You’ll need the seller’s invoice and the Bill of Lading to complete your ISF.

Many online companies will file an ISF for you:

Sample ISF form

After your ISF has been filed, ensure that it is confirmed.

Picking up the Kei car

To pick up the car from the port, you will need the Delivery Order. However, you don't have to be the person picking up the car. See Autotransport for more details.