Import Japanese Cars to New Zealand

Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide

Mature RHD JDM market. Quality, biosecurity and standards gates, not an age ban....

Export to New Zealand

Market access

Open import

Last verified: August 2026

Quick Navigation

Year Rules

Ports

Inspection

Taxes

Documents

Official sources

Year Restriction

No maximum age (standards + biosecurity + entry cert)

Shipping Time

5-8 weeks

Year Restrictions

No maximum age (standards + biosecurity + entry cert)

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, etc.), then entry certification in NZ, then register. Untreated Japan vehicles may be denied landing. Clean Car Standard charges/credits apply.

Destination Port & Shipping Information

Main Destination Port

Auckland

Alternative Ports:

Auckland
Wellington
Lyttelton
Tauranga

Auckland is the main Japan used-car port. Biosecurity is cleared with the Japan MPI-approved system.

Shipping Duration:

5-8 weeks

Japan–Auckland is among the shortest JDM trades (often ~2 weeks at sea) plus entry cert.

Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines

Shipping Frequency:

Weekly / frequent RoRo

Preferred Shipping Lines:

NYK
MOL
K Line
Hoegh Autoliners

Inspection Requirements

Inspection is Required

Inspection Type:

MPI biosecurity system in Japan + NZTA border inspection + entry certification

Inspection Cost:

Japan biosecurity + border check (quote) plus NZ entry certification

Inspection Details:

Approved Japan organisations listed by NZTA include JEVIC, Automotive Technologies Limited, Bordercheck, KMA. Entry certifiers then issue MR2A / WoF. Proof of ownership is the Japanese export trail.

Last verified & official sources

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

NZTA: importing a vehicle

Official calculator / procedures

Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty

Usually 0% duty on used cars (confirm NZ Customs tariff) — GST still applies

VAT

15% GST on Customs value

Other Taxes

Clean Car Standard charge or rebate. Registration, licensing, WoF.

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:

Japanese Export Certificate (with type designation)
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Biosecurity / border inspection
Fuel consumption certificate as required

Important Notes

Official: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/importing-a-vehicle and used vehicles from Japan evidence page; MPI biosecurity. Entry certification is mandatory before road use.

Helpful Tips

1) Use an MPI-approved Japan system — untreated cars can be refused. 2) Check ESC/emissions for the manufacture date. 3) Model Clean Car charges before you bid.

Import Regulations Overview

Mature RHD JDM market. Quality, biosecurity and standards gates, not an age ban.

Step by step: (1) Check standards + CCS. (2) Buy. (3) Japan biosecurity/border inspect. (4) Ship to Auckland. (5) Customs/GST. (6) Entry cert. (7) Register.