01
RHD sourcing
Japanese domestic (JDM) right-hand-drive cars matched to left-hand-traffic roads.
Japanese used cars for Australia
25-year classics or SEVS/RAW — not a free import of ordinary 5–10 year JDM daily drivers.
Australia is RHD. You cannot import a road vehicle without approval (Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018). Common pathways: (1) older vehicles originally built more than 25 years ago, concessional RAV via ROVER; (2) Specialist and Enthusiast (SEVs) Register plus RAW workshop modifications; (3) personal effects / moving to Australia with strict criteria.
KMC JAPAN will not sell a 2018 JDM hatch as if the 25-year rule applied. Build date, not first registration, drives the 25-year test. Apply in ROVER before the car is shipped. DAFF biosecurity: cars must arrive clean.
KMC JAPAN will not sell a 2018 JDM hatch as if the 25-year rule applied. Build date, not first registration, drives the 25-year test. Apply in ROVER before the car is shipped. DAFF biosecurity: cars must arrive clean.
Sourcing for Australia
Pathway before purchase
We only source units that match a named concessional pathway — not “ship to Melbourne and sort later”.
02
Pre-export checks
Auction sheet review plus the inspection your destination actually requires.
03
Port routing
Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane are the usual Japan car ports; Fremantle serves the west.
04
ROVER first
RAV/SEVS approval before sailing, then ABF and state registration.
25 yr
Older-vehicle pathway (or SEVS/RAW)
6-10
Typical weeks plus ROVER wait
ROVER
Import approval before the vessel leaves
Australia import rules.
Year rule: 25-year older-vehicle pathway, or SEVS/RAW for newer.
Confirm inspection, taxes, and documents before you bid.
Open regulation page
How we export to Australia
Commercial sequence — legal detail stays on the regulation page.
1
Choose pathway (25-year vs SEVS)
2
ROVER approval
3
Buy and steam-clean
4
Ship
5
ABF/DAFF
6
State register
Importing to Australia - Quick Overview
Shipping
From Japan to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Fremantle
Request a quote
Rate depends on the unit and sailing — not a flat Africa-style figureDuration
Typical Japan-to-registration window
6-10 weeks plus ROVER wait
Confirm current sailingShipping to Australia
Do not book RoRo until ROVER concessional RAV (or another legal pathway) exists. Steam-clean for biosecurity. Budget 6–10 weeks plus ROVER wait. GST, possible LCT, and state stamp duty apply after ABF.
Main Ports
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Fremantle
Popular Models
Most requested Japanese vehicles for this market
Available Inventory
Japanese stock that can be exported to Australia
33
Available
26
Available
19
Available
35
Available
23
Available
25
Available
Frequently asked questions
25-year older-vehicle pathway, or SEVS/RAW for newer. Confirm the current rule with the named authority before you bid.
Customs duty on passenger cars (often 5% — confirm ABF) plus LCT if applicable 10% GST on importation (ABF) This is a planning note, not a quote.
ROVER/RAV approval + biosecurity + state registration inspection. A Japan auction grade does not replace the destination inspection.
Main discharge is Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Typical window: 6-10 weeks plus ROVER wait. Confirm the current sailing before you buy.
Other destinations
All destinations
Do not buy for Australia without a pathway
Read the 25-year / SEVS rules first. If ROVER approval is already in hand, contact us with the build date.