Import Japanese Cars to Australia

Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide

RHD. 25-year rule for classics; newer cars need SEVS/RAW or another concessional pathway. Not an open used-car market....

Market access

Restricted / permit

Last verified: August 2026

Quick Navigation

Year Rules

Ports

Inspection

Taxes

Documents

Official sources

Year Restriction

25-year older-vehicle pathway, or SEVS/RAW for newer

Shipping Time

6-10 weeks plus ROVER wait

Year Restrictions

25-year older-vehicle pathway, or SEVS/RAW for newer

Australia is RHD. You cannot import a road vehicle without approval (Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 s.22). 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 (strict criteria). Ordinary 5–10 year JDM daily drivers are not a free import class.

Destination Port & Shipping Information

Main Destination Port

Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane

Alternative Ports:

Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
Fremantle

Import approval (RAV/ROVER) should exist before the car is shipped. DAFF biosecurity: cars must arrive clean.

Shipping Duration:

6-10 weeks plus ROVER wait

Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines

Preferred Shipping Lines:

NYK
MOL
K Line
Hoegh Autoliners

Inspection Requirements

Inspection is Required

Inspection Type:

ROVER/RAV approval + biosecurity + state registration inspection

Last verified & official sources

Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.

Importing a vehicle to Australia

Official calculator / procedures

Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty

Customs duty on passenger cars (often 5% — confirm ABF) plus LCT if applicable

VAT

10% GST on importation (ABF)

Other Taxes

Luxury Car Tax if the GST-inclusive value exceeds the LCT threshold. State stamp duty at registration.

Treat stacked percentages as a planning range only. Use the official calculator or procedures page or a licensed clearing agent before you bid.

Required Documentation

Required Documents:

ROVER concessional RAV approval
Export Certificate
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Biosecurity cleanliness
Identity documents

Documents for Company Importers:

Import License Required: Companies must obtain an import license before importing vehicles.

Important Notes

Official: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/importing-road-vehicle-australia and 25-year older vehicle pathway on the same department site. Apply in ROVER first.

Helpful Tips

1) Do not buy a 2018 JDM hatch expecting the 25-year rule. 2) Build date, not first registration, drives the 25-year test. 3) Keep the car stock if using comparable standards later.