Importing a Subaru Impreza 22B STI to the USA
Only 400 were built — and on a car this valuable, the container is non-negotiable.
A Subaru Impreza 22B STI costs about $235,830 all-in to import on the Japan → USA route in 2026 — a $220,000 purchase plus roughly $15,830 in shipping, 2.5% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Japan → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$235,830
- Duty & tax
- 2.5% duty
- On a purchase of
- $220,000
The 22B is a six-figure blue-chip JDM car, so insurance and a sole-use container dominate the import extras.
Provenance verification (chassis number, build records) is worth paying for before you bid.
How much does it cost to import a Subaru Impreza 22B STI?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $220,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 2.5% US duty on the declared value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $220,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $3,200 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $3,300 |
| 2.5% US duty | $5,500 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $235,830 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $5,500, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $3,200), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $15,830 you add on top of the $220,000 purchase price — around 7% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Subaru Impreza 22B STI, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in Japan (an export agent or auction house usually handles de-registration).
- Book ocean freight — roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheapest, a sole-use container is safest for a high-value car.
- Confirm eligibility from the build month — the US 25-year DOT exemption is calculated month by month, not by model year.
- Clear US customs and pay the 2.5% duty, then file EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry.
- Arrange inland transport, then title and register in your state — a few states add emissions or kei-vehicle checks.
Is a Subaru Impreza 22B STI legal to import? Rules & compliance
25-year exempt, but at this value use an escrow-backed agent and full marine insurance — the 1.5% premium is real money.
Frequently asked questions
Why so expensive to ship?+
High value pushes insurance and a dedicated container, not duty.
How many exist?+
Roughly 400 — verify authenticity carefully.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Subaru Impreza 22B STI?+
About $235,830 all-in for a $220,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $15,830 in freight, insurance, duty, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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