Which Kei Trucks Can You Import Right Now?
The 25-year import rule unlocks a new batch of kei trucks every January 1st. Here's exactly which models you can legally bring into the US this year, plus which ones are coming next.
Any kei truck built before January 1, 2002 is now eligible for import. That means 2001 and older production years are fair game.
See what's eligible in 2026 →Browse by Year
Vehicles from 1995 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 1995 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 1996 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 1996 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 1997 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 1997 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 1998 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 1998 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 1999 become eligible
8 models available
Major generation transition year. Most manufacturers launched new platforms in 1999
Vehicles from 2000 become eligible
5 models available
Major generation transition year. Most manufacturers launched new platforms in 2000
Vehicles from 2001 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 2001 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 2002 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 2002 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 2003 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 2003 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 2004 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 2004 production year now eligible
Vehicles from 2005 become eligible
5 models available
5 models from 2005 production year now eligible
Know What You'll Pay Before You Buy
Vehicle price is just the start. Shipping, customs duty, state taxes, and registration fees can add $3,000-$6,000 to the final cost.
Calculate Your Total Cost →When Can I Import My Truck?
Enter a production year and get a live countdown to the exact date your kei truck becomes eligible under the 25-year rule.
Check Eligibility →How the 25 Year Import Rule Works
The 25 year rule (formally 49 CFR 591.5(i)) exempts vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This is the primary legal pathway for importing Japanese kei trucks to the United States. The EPA provides a parallel emissions exemption for older vehicles. Hagerty tracks market values for these imports, and US Customs handles the entry paperwork at the port.
Once a kei truck clears federal import requirements, registration depends on your state's laws. Some states allow full road registration, others restrict kei trucks to low speed roads, and a few still refuse to title them entirely. Check our dealer directory to find importers who handle the entire process from Japanese auction to your driveway.
For a step by step walkthrough of the import process, read our complete import guide. And if you are new to kei trucks entirely, start with what is a kei truck for the full rundown on specs, history, and why these tiny trucks have taken over American farms and ranches.
New Models Become Eligible Every January
Get notified when the next batch of kei trucks hits the 25-year mark, plus law changes and market trends. One email a week.