An R34 Skyline hidden in a warehouse in Japan. A Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 from the streets of Maranello. A Porsche 959 from stunning Stuttgart. For classic car enthusiasts, there is an undeniable allure to importing a coveted vehicle from overseas. For a long time, the 25-year import rule was the largest consideration when importing a treasured vehicle, but with the recent 25% tariff on all vehicles and automotive parts imported into the United States that President Donald Trump signed into effect as of 12:01 a.m. on April 3, 2025, the roadmap for securing your dream machine from overseas has become a little confusing.
The good news for car enthusiasts is that the latest presidential proclamation released on the afternoon of April 2, the executive order states: “On or after April 3, 2025, vehicles that are at least 25 years old at the time of entry will be fully exempt from the 25 percent tariff on imported passenger vehicles and light trucks, under heading 9903.94.04, regardless of origin, make or model.”
“As passionate stewards of the collector car hobby, we deeply appreciate the laws and regulations that help preserve classic cars for future generations,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Maintaining the process for importing vehicles benefits enthusiasts, collectors and the entire automotive community.”
If your dream car is 25 years or older, you’ll still pay the standard 2.5% import duty at the port of entry, but it won’t be subject to the new 25% tariff applied to newer vehicles. The 25-year import rule, established under the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988, remains unchanged. Under U.S. import law, vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from modern safety and emissions regulations, allowing collectors to import classic cars without requiring costly modifications. In essence, the process of importing a classic vehicle and the fees associated with it remain unchanged.
While primarily targeted towards China and the European Union, the tariffs were created in an effort to boost domestic vehicle production and automotive-part production in the United States. The tariff on automotive components will go into effect on May 3, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.
For collectors and enthusiasts dreaming of owning a classic from overseas, the latest tariff changes bring clarity. While newer imports face increased costs, the 25-year rule remains a safe haven for those seeking vintage icons. Numerous automotive legends can still find their way stateside, and the road to ownership remains as open as ever.
Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence can submit their application online here.
For collectors and enthusiasts dreaming of owning a classic from overseas, the latest tariff changes bring clarity and the road to ownership remains as open as ever.