Daihatsu Copen 25-Year Import Eligibility: June 2027
Estimate based on build month, not legal advice.
Build-date table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Chassis | L880K |
| Category | Kei |
| Estimated window | June 2027 onward |
| Source status | Launch date verified (primary); first build month unverified |
| Build month for a specific car | always per-car — read it from the chassis plate / export certificate |
On sale 19 Jun 2002. Roughly Jun 2027 onward; first build month unverified.
Build-date evidence
- Daihatsu release (19 Jun 2002): Copen on sale nationwide 19 Jun 2002; built at the Expert Center in the Ikeda (Osaka) plant; Detachable Top planned for Sep 2002. No production-start date given. [primary] source
Grades: primary = manufacturer/official page; secondary = press, enthusiast or reseller site. Last checked 2026-10-17.
How to find a car's build date
- Read the manufacture month on the chassis/VIN plate (photograph it).
- Check the Japanese export certificate or manufacturer records where available.
- Do not rely on launch dates or model-year labels.
Import cost estimate
Use the import cost calculator (federal duty + MPF modeled; shipping, broker, compliance are your inputs).
Regulatory links
FAQ
When can I import a Daihatsu Copen?
Estimated window: June 2027 onward. Eligibility depends on the individual car's build month. The build month is unverified in our data; any individual car's month must still be read from its plate/export certificate.
Is the launch date the same as the build date?
No. The 25-year clock runs from each car's own manufacture date, not its launch date.
Does the EPA 21-year rule apply too?
EPA uses a separate test (calendar year of manufacture subtracted from year of import, original unmodified configuration). State rules such as California's are also separate.