Can Japanese Domestic Models (JDMs) be imported into North America?
JDM’s aren’t built to automatically conform to Federal or Canadian standards. As a USA individual, you must engage the assistance of a CCI, Certified Commercial Importer, who will perform the necessary conversions and certifications with EPA, NHTSA, etc. for you to be able to license a non-complying imported vehicle. Appreciate that this will take time, and cost money. Lots of paperwork must be lodged and approvals granted with Govt. agencies before you can import a non-complying vehicle. A Bond equivalent to 150% of the vehicles value must be lodged with the Customs (Commerce) Dept. You must apply for, and receive, an EPA waiver prior to importation. Canada doesn’t seem to have any such process, but vehicles complied into the USA appear to be subsequently accepted by Canada for registration. The NHTSA have a list of CCI’s, Registered Importers, in your area, and an informative site which gives a rundown of procedures, and a list of import vehicles that have already been complied to US
