01
RHD sourcing
Japanese domestic (JDM) right-hand-drive cars matched to left-hand-traffic roads.
Japanese used cars for New Zealand
Mature RHD JDM market. Quality, biosecurity, and standards gates — not an age ban.
New Zealand is RHD. There is no Kenya-style age cap. Used Japan cars must meet NZTA standards (emissions, frontal impact, ESC as applicable), go through an MPI-approved biosecurity system in Japan, receive a border inspection by an NZTA-approved organisation (JEVIC, ATL, Bordercheck, KMA, and others), then entry certification in NZ, then register.
KMC JAPAN will not ship an untreated Japan vehicle — it can be denied landing. Clean Car Standard charges or credits apply; model them before you bid.
KMC JAPAN will not ship an untreated Japan vehicle — it can be denied landing. Clean Car Standard charges or credits apply; model them before you bid.
Sourcing for New Zealand
NZ-ready export from Japan
Biosecurity and border inspection are booked in Japan, not left for the Auckland wharf.
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Pre-export checks
Auction sheet review plus the inspection your destination actually requires.
03
Port routing
Auckland is the main Japan used-car port; Wellington, Lyttelton, and Tauranga also take cars.
04
MPI + entry cert
Approved Japan biosecurity system, then NZ entry certification before road use.
No ban
No maximum age (standards still apply)
5-8
Typical weeks including entry cert
GST
Usually 0% duty; 15% GST + Clean Car charges
New Zealand import rules.
Year rule: No maximum age (standards + biosecurity + entry cert).
Confirm inspection, taxes, and documents before you bid.
Open regulation page
How we export to New Zealand
Commercial sequence — legal detail stays on the regulation page.
1
Check standards + CCS
2
Buy
3
Japan biosecurity/border inspect
4
Ship to Auckland
5
Customs/GST
6
Entry cert
7
Register
Importing to New Zealand - Quick Overview
Shipping
From Japan to Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, Tauranga
Request a quote
Rate depends on the unit and sailing — not a flat Africa-style figureDuration
Typical Japan-to-registration window
5-8 weeks
Confirm current sailingShipping to New Zealand
Japan–Auckland is among the shortest JDM trades (often about two weeks at sea) plus entry certification. Frequent RoRo. Budget 5–8 weeks door-to-registration. Proof of ownership is the Japanese export trail.
Main Ports
Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, Tauranga
Popular Models
Most requested Japanese vehicles for this market
Available Inventory
Japanese stock that can be exported to New Zealand
33
Available
26
Available
19
Available
35
Available
23
Available
25
Available
Frequently asked questions
No maximum age (standards + biosecurity + entry cert). Confirm the current rule with the named authority before you bid.
Usually 0% duty on used cars (confirm NZ Customs tariff) — GST still applies 15% GST on Customs value This is a planning note, not a quote.
MPI biosecurity system in Japan + NZTA border inspection + entry certification. A Japan auction grade does not replace the destination inspection.
Main discharge is Auckland. Typical window: 5-8 weeks. Confirm the current sailing before you buy.
Other destinations
All destinations
Import a Japanese car to New Zealand
Send the chassis so we can check ESC/emissions for the manufacture date and Clean Car cost.