Import Cars to Australia from Japan

Everything you need to import a used car from Japan to Australia — the age rule, shipping options, taxes and the vehicles currently available at a fixed One Price. Vehicles 25 years and older qualify — model year 2001 or earlier for 2026.

Australia Import Regulations

Shipping & Logistics

ETA: Ocean transit approx. 3-4 weeks. Add 1 week for clearance. Total ETA: ~4-5 weeks.
Ports: Brisbane, Port Kembla (Sydney), Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle.

Customs & Costs

Duty: Up to 5% (often 0% for Japanese cars under JAEPA).
GST: 10% (calculated on Car Value + Freight + Insurance + Duty).
LCT: Luxury Car Tax is 33% (ONLY if value exceeds ~AU$80,000).
Fees: Asbestos testing is strictly enforced (~AU$900). Est. Ocean Freight + D2D is AU$2,250.

Age & Import Restrictions (CRITICAL)

Cars & Motorcycles: Vehicles 25 years or older can be imported easily. Newer vehicles can ONLY be imported if approved on the SEVS register.

Heavy Machinery: No strict age limits, but must pass extremely strict DAFF (Quarantine) inspections (must be 100% clean of all soil/plant material).

Disclaimer

The import regulations, taxes, and age restrictions provided below are gathered from public internet sources for general guidance only. We do not bear any legal responsibility for the accuracy of this information. It is your sole responsibility to verify how to clear customs, homologate, and register the vehicle in your country. We are only responsible for shipping the vehicle to your requested port.

Frequently asked questions

Australia allows importing vehicles that are at least 25 years old. In 2026 that means a model year of 2001 or earlier. Newer cars are generally not eligible for standard private import.

Yes. Every order includes Japanese export de-registration, the English export certificate, marine insurance and shipping from Japan to Australia by RORO or container. Our export team prepares the documents your customs broker needs.

Each vehicle ships with the original Japanese auction sheet, our own inspection report with photos, and the export certificate. Mileage and condition are stated as recorded at the Japanese auction.