Can You Import Any Car from Japan to Australia?
Australia has one of the most regulated vehicle import systems in the world. Unlike New Zealand, you cannot freely import any used Japanese vehicle. Australia's import rules are strict, but there are clear legal pathways for the right vehicles.
There are three main routes for importing a used Japanese car into Australia:
- SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme): Import a vehicle on the approved SEVS register
- 25-Year Rule: Vehicles manufactured 25+ years ago can be imported as classic/historic vehicles
- Personal Import Scheme: For returning Australian residents who owned the vehicle overseas for 12+ months
Route 1: SEVS — Most Common Path
The Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) allows certain vehicles to be imported if they are on the SEVS register maintained by the Australian Government. Vehicles must be assessed as not having been supplied new to the Australian market in sufficient numbers.
Popular Japanese vehicles that have been approved for SEVS include:
- Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34)
- Toyota Supra (JZA80)
- Honda NSX
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (various)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (certain variants)
- Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (certain spec)
- Various JDM-only vans and commercials
To import via SEVS, you must use a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) who will modify and inspect the vehicle to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Budget AUD 3,000–8,000 for RAW compliance work on top of purchase and shipping costs.
Route 2: 25-Year Classic Import Rule
Vehicles that are 25 years or older at the time of import are eligible under the Concessional Register. These can be imported by a RAW or an approved importer. For 2026, this means any vehicle manufactured in 2001 or earlier qualifies. This pathway is popular for JDM classics — early Skylines, Supras, NSX, AE86, and others.
Route 3: Personal Import
If you have lived overseas for 12+ continuous months and owned a vehicle during that time, you may import it to Australia as a personal import. The vehicle must comply with Australian standards or be modified by a RAW after arrival.
Customs Duty and Taxes
- Import Duty: 5% of the customs value (CIF)
- GST: 10% on CIF + Import Duty
- Luxury Car Tax (LCT): 33% on the value exceeding the LCT threshold (~AUD 80,567 for fuel-efficient vehicles, ~AUD 69,152 for others in 2026)
- ACBPS Import Processing Charge: AUD 88–192 depending on value
Biosecurity — Critical Step
The Australian Department of Agriculture requires all imported vehicles to be thoroughly cleaned. Before shipping, the vehicle must be cleaned of all:
- Soil, mud, and organic material from undercarriage, wheel arches, and engine bay
- Plant seeds and insects from interior and boot
- Any prohibited biological material
On arrival in Australia, DAFF biosecurity officers inspect all vehicles. Contaminated vehicles are fumigated or cleaned at the importer's cost before release. Cleaning failure can result in the vehicle being re-exported.
Shipping to Australia
Japan loading ports: Nagoya, Yokohama, Osaka. Australian destination ports: Melbourne, Sydney (Port Botany), Brisbane, Fremantle (Perth), Adelaide. Transit time: 18–28 days. Both RoRo and container shipping are available. High-value or classic vehicles often use container shipping for better protection.
Required Documents
- Original Bill of Lading
- Japanese Export Certificate
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Marine Insurance Certificate
- SEVS approval documentation (if applicable)
- RAW agreement letter
- Biosecurity cleaning certificate
Key Tips for Australian Importers
- Check the SEVS register before purchasing — not all Japanese vehicles are eligible
- Get RAW cost estimates before committing to a purchase
- Ensure the vehicle is professionally cleaned before shipment for biosecurity
- Factor LCT carefully — it significantly impacts total cost on higher-value vehicles
- Work with a customs broker experienced in vehicle imports at your chosen Australian port
Browse Verified Japanese Exporters
Japanese Auto World works with verified exporters who understand Australian import requirements and can supply SEVS-eligible vehicles and documentation. Browse verified exporters and enquire directly — no agent commission charged.
