A major development has arrived for automotive enthusiasts, importers, and collectors: vehicles manufactured at least 25 years prior to their importation into the United States are now officially exempt from the sweeping new 25% tariffs imposed on most imported passenger vehicles and light trucks. This exemption was confirmed in the recent Federal Register publication of Presidential Proclamation 2025-05930, scheduled for April 3, 2025.
In response to ongoing national security concerns and persistent trade imbalances, the U.S. government has enacted a significant 25% tariff on most imported passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automobile parts. The move follows a series of investigations and findings that imports of these vehicles and parts threaten to impair the national security of the United States, particularly in light of recent supply chain disruptions and the increasing strength of foreign automotive industries.
Buried within the detailed legal text of the new proclamation is a crucial carve-out for classic and collector vehicles. According to the newly added heading 9903.94.04 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS):
Classic and Collector Car Market Protection: This exemption preserves access to the global market for classic and historic vehicles, which are often imported by enthusiasts and collectors like yourself.
No Retroactive Tariffs: Vehicles already in transit or scheduled for import that meet the 25-year rule will not face unexpected tariff costs.
Clear Legal Status: The exemption is now codified in federal regulation, providing certainty for importers and customs officials alike.
While the new tariffs will have significant impacts on the broader automotive import market, the exemption for vehicles 25 years and older is a clear win for us.
Joe Hohenstein of http://savannahcustomsclearance.com/ is one of many brokerages following the proper import regulations. He, like any brokerage, can clear customs at the US port of entry. Japan Car Direct has been working with Joe for many years and can recommend him wholeheartedly.
As with anything in life, please feel free to shop around the brokerage market and choose the right broker doing things the right way. Please contact your dedicated agent or Matt via Whatsapp. 
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