Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII 25-Year Import Eligibility: January 2028
Estimate based on build month, not legal advice.
Build-date table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Chassis | CT9A |
| Category | JDM |
| Estimated window | rolling, through January 2028 |
| Source status | Secondary only; window Jan/Feb 2001–Jan 2003 not confirmed from a Mitsubishi page we could open |
| Build month for a specific car | always per-car — read it from the chassis plate / export certificate |
Production Feb 2001–Jan 2003 per one site (another says Jan 2001). 2002 builds unlock throughout 2027; the last cars would unlock Jan 2028.
Build-date evidence
- Mitsubishi press release hosted at autoinfo.jp is reported (search summary; PDF not opened by us) to announce the Evo VII on 26 Jan 2001 — consistent with the 'Jan/Feb 2001' production start, not 2002. [secondary] source
- Evo VIII is reported (secondary) to have been announced 29 Jan 2003, bounding Evo VII production at about Jan 2003. [secondary] 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 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII?
Estimated window: rolling, through January 2028. 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.