From my direct experience, certain colors of paint can only be done outside the US, because the color (in this case RED) contain certain components that are banned here in the US. Japan does not have this regulation and therefore can use these components. This is predominantly in the RED color. Even interior component colors are affected. Something to do with pigments for RED.

I have an application for a **** that has to be a red color, we need to import the paint from Japan, to come to find out, it can not be imported because of a certain toxic content and this is for Toyota, they are building the ACE, the next cross over vehicle. Toyota in Japan is using this paint, but I can not import, I need to get Red Spot to match it so sourcing will be local.

 

So, if I have a red Lexus made in Japan and the fender gets damaged and needs to be repainted what happens? If Lexus cannot bring in the paint I think I just got screwed because my vehicle is made in Japan.