โ 25+ years, or SEVSRHD โ no conversion0% duty if Japanese-madeโฑ ~12โ18 days at sea
Yes โ you can import a car from Japan to Australia, but only through one of three routes, and you need government approval before the car is shipped.
Most private buyers use the 25-year rule. Japanese-made cars pay 0% customs duty with proof of origin, plus 10% GST.
Written by Abdur (AZi Champ)Checked against official Australian government pages
Approval
Before shipping
Apply online in ROVER. No approval = the car can be held or sent back.
Age rule
25+ years old
Newer cars only through SEVS or a personal import.
Customs duty
0% if Japanese-made
With proof of origin. 5% without it.
GST + LCT
10% GST
Plus 33% Luxury Car Tax on the part of the value above the threshold.
โ Can you import a car from Japan to Australia?
Yes โ if your car fits one of these three routes. Pick your route first. It decides everything else.
Most buyers
๐
Older vehicle (25-year rule)
For classic and JDM cars
Built 25 or more years before the day you apply.
Cars, vans, motorbikes and light trucks under 3.5 tonnes.
No modification workshop needed to get approval.
๐ง
SEVS (newer cars)
For special models under 25
Only if the model is on the official SEVS Register.
A Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) must modify it to Australian rules.
Check a workshop can do your model before you buy.
โ๏ธ
Personal import
For people moving to Australia
Only for new migrants or returning Australians.
You must have owned and used the car overseas for 12 months in a row, right before you move.
Not a route for buying a car at auction.
๐ซNo route, no import. Bringing in a car without approval is an offence. Customs can hold it, and you may have to export or destroy it at your own cost.
๐ Which Japanese cars can you import to Australia?
25-year rule today
Nov 2001
Cars built in November 2001 or earlier qualify. This line moves forward one month every month.
Counted to the day you apply, not the day you ship.
No build month on the car? It counts as December of that year.
Right-hand drive: Japanese cars are already RHD, like Australia. No conversion needed.
Popular JDM model
Can you import it?
Honda Civic Type R (EK9)Built 1997–2000
All builds
Honda Integra Type R (DC2)Built 1995–2001
Most buildsAll by end of 2026
Toyota Chaser Tourer V (JZX100)Built 1996–2001
Most buildsAll by end of 2026
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)Built 1999–2002
Most buildsAll by 2027
Toyota Supra (A80)Built 1993–2002
Most buildsAll by 2027
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)Built 1991–2002
Most buildsAll by 2027
Nissan Silvia (S15)Built 1999–2002
Most buildsAll by 2027
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIIBuilt 2001–2003
Early buildsAll by 2028
Honda S2000 (AP1)Built 1999–2005
Early buildsAll by 2030
Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33)Built 2002–2008
From 2027
Mazda RX-8Built 2003–2012
From 2028
Check the exact build month of your car โ that decides the date. Newer than 25 years? Only possible through SEVS: check the model on the official SEVS Register.
๐ฐ How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Australia?
The taxes are fixed percentages. The rest depends on the car, the ship and your state.
Car price in JapanAuction price + exporter fee, delivered to the Japanese port.
You choose
Shipping + marine insuranceRoRo ship or container to an Australian port.
Quote
Customs duty0% for cars made in Japan, under the JapanโAustralia trade agreement (JAEPA). You need proof of origin. Without it: 5%.
0%
GST10% of the car's customs value + duty + shipping and insurance.
10%
Luxury Car Tax (LCT)33% of the amount above the threshold: $91,661 for fuel-efficient cars (3.5 L/100km or less), $80,809 for others (2026โ27 financial year โ the ATO updates it every 1 July). Most JDM imports are well under it.
33% above
Import approvalSmall application fee, paid in ROVER before assessment starts.
Fee
Cleaning + biosecurity inspectionSteam clean before shipping, inspection on arrival. You pay both.
Quote
Port, broker and storageWharf fees, customs broker, and storage if anything is delayed.
Quote
SEVS workshop (SEVS only)Modification and checks by a Registered Automotive Workshop.
Quote
State registrationRoadworthy check, stamp duty, rego and CTP insurance. Different in every state.
By state
Worked example: a Japanese-made car
Example figures in AUD. Your own numbers will differ.
Car price in Japan (at the port)$17,000
Shipping + insurance$3,000
Customs duty (made in Japan, with proof)$0
GST โ 10% of $20,000$2,000
Luxury Car Tax (under the threshold)$0
Landed, before local costs$22,000
Without proof of origin, the same car pays 5% duty ($850) and a little more GST. You don't calculate the final amount yourself: after you lodge the import declaration, Customs (ABF) sends an Outstanding Payment Advice with the exact figures.
๐งฎ Live Landed-Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Australia โ including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes โ in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.
Estimate only. Actual cost depends on auction fees, current FX, port charges, and customs valuation. Always confirm with a licensed broker before purchase.
๐ค AI Import Advisor
Tell us the car you're considering and our AI will give you an honest assessment specific to Australia's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.
Your inquiry is sent to Google Gemini AI for analysis. Don't include personal information. Free to use, 5 queries per hour.
AI-generated guidance — not a substitute for a licensed customs broker. Verify auction sheet, current duty rates, and import permits before purchase.
Something went wrong.
๐ How to import a car from Japan to Australia, step by step
1
Pick your route. 25-year rule, SEVS or personal import. If the car fits none, stop here.
2
Check the car before you pay. Get the original Japanese auction sheet โ grade, real mileage, damage and rust โ and get it translated.
3
Set up ROVER and apply for import approval. The ID check can take a couple of weeks. A complete application is assessed within 30 business days.
4
Wait for the approval email. Do not book shipping before you have it.
5
Prepare the car in Japan. Steam clean inside and out, check it is asbestos-free, and remove the air-con gas if needed.
6
Ship it. Main car ports: Melbourne, Port Kembla (for Sydney), Brisbane, Fremantle (for Perth) and Adelaide. About 12โ18 days at sea.
7
Clear customs. Lodge the import declaration (or use a customs broker), then pay duty, GST and LCT from the Outstanding Payment Advice.
8
Pass the biosecurity inspection. Book it at the arrival port. You or your broker may need to attend.
9
Meet the approval conditions and register. SEVS cars go to the workshop first. Then roadworthy, rego and insurance in your state.
๐ Documents you need
๐Import approval from ROVER โ before shipping
๐Japanese Export Certificate โ original, with an English translation
๐Proof of Japanese origin โ for 0% duty
๐Bill of lading and commercial invoice
๐Asbestos-free assurance โ if Customs asks for it
๐Air-con gas details โ type and amount
๐Cleaning record โ if the car was cleaned in Japan
๐งฝ Biosecurity, asbestos and air-con gas
๐งผ Clean car, or no releaseIt must arrive clean inside and out โ no soil, seeds, plants or insects. It is inspected on arrival, at your cost. A dirty car means extra cleaning fees.
๐ฏ๐ต Clean it in Japan (optional)Approved cleaning providers in Japan can clean and pre-inspect the car before it ships, so there is less to do on arrival.
๐ชฒ Stink bug season: 1 Sep โ 30 AprJapan is an "emerging risk" country. In these months, expect more random checks on cars from Japan.
โ ๏ธ Asbestos is bannedOlder Japanese cars can have it in brake pads, clutches or gaskets. Get proof the car is free of it before shipping, or Customs can hold and test it at your cost.
โ๏ธ Air-con gasTell Customs the gas type and amount before import. Remove it before shipping if needed.
๐ Registration is separateImport approval does not guarantee state registration. Check your state's roadworthy rules before you buy.
๐ Check the auction sheet before you buy
Most cars for Australia come from Japanese auctions. These marks on the sheet cost you money after import:
S ยท C
Rust and corrosionUnderbody rust means repair bills and slower cleaning. Common on cars from snowy areas.
ๅ ๆฐด
Flood damageA flooded car is a bad buy anywhere. This note is written in Japanese, so get it translated.
โ / ?
Mileage doubtThe real mileage is unknown. The price should reflect it.
R / RA
Repaired accidentBoth mean the same thing โ the auction house picks the letter. Check what was repaired.
XX ยท W
Replaced or repaired panelsOne is normal. Several on one side, or near a pillar, point to a bigger past impact.
0 ยท 1
Grade 0, 1 or "as-is"Major problems, or not graded at all. Only buy with a full translation and a repair quote.
Shipping before approval. The car is held, and you pay storage โ or worse.
Counting 25 years to the ship date. It counts to the day you apply.
Buying a SEVS car before checking a workshop. Being on the register does not mean a workshop can do your car.
No proof of origin. You pay 5% duty you didn't need to pay.
Shipping a dirty car. Re-cleaning and re-inspection fees on arrival.
Skipping the auction sheet. Rust, flood and accident history show up after you have paid for everything.
๐ Recent rule changes
Sep 2026Stink bug season started (1 Sep โ 30 Apr). Japan stays an "emerging risk" country: more random checks, no mandatory treatment.
Jul 2026Luxury Car Tax thresholds rose to $91,661 (fuel-efficient) and $80,809 (other cars).
Jul 2025"Fuel-efficient" for LCT now means 3.5 L/100km or less (it was 7 L/100km).
โ Questions buyers ask
Can I import a car from Japan to Australia?
Yes, if the car fits a route: it is 25 or more years old, it is on the SEVS Register, or you are moving to Australia and have owned it for 12 months. You need import approval before it ships.
What is the 25-year rule?
A car built 25 or more years before the day you apply can be imported without meeting today's design rules. If the build month is unknown, it counts as December of that year.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Australia?
The car, shipping and insurance, then 10% GST on top. Customs duty is 0% for Japanese-made cars with proof of origin. Add cleaning, inspection, port and broker fees, and state registration. See the worked example above.
Is there import duty on Japanese cars in Australia?
Not for cars made in Japan, if you can prove the origin โ the JapanโAustralia trade agreement removed the 5% duty. Without proof, you pay 5%. GST of 10% always applies.
Can I import an R34 Skyline GT-R?
Yes, once that car is 25 years old. R34s were built from 1999 to 2002, so every R34 qualifies from 2027 — earlier cars already do. Check the build month of the exact car.
Can I import a newer car from Japan?
Only if the model is on the SEVS Register and a Registered Automotive Workshop modifies it โ or through a personal import if you are moving to Australia.
How long does it take?
Plan for a few months: ROVER ID check (up to a couple of weeks), approval (up to 30 business days), about 12โ18 days at sea, then customs, inspection and registration.
Do I need a customs broker?
No, you can lodge the import declaration yourself. Most first-time importers use a licensed broker to handle customs, biosecurity and port bookings.
๐ Official sources
Every rule above comes from these Australian government pages. Rules change โ confirm with your broker before you ship.
We use cookies to provide essential site functions, analyze traffic, and (with your consent) personalize ads on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Google. See our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy.
Cookie preferences
Choose which cookies you allow. You can change your choices anytime by clicking "Cookie settings" in the footer. Read our Cookie Policy for full details.
Strictly Necessary
Required for the site to function โ login, checkout, security, fraud prevention. Cannot be disabled.
Used by: JP Sheet session, payment processors
Analytics
Helps us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it. Anonymized IP, no personal identification.
Used by: Google Analytics 4
Marketing & Advertising
Used to show you relevant ads on social media and search platforms, and measure ad performance.
Used by: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Pixel, TikTok Pixel, Google Ads conversion tracking
This Page Has Been Verified
Our Australia import rules were last checked on 1 October 2026 against current official sources, and every change was reviewed by our team before it went live.
5-Point Verification
โResearched against official Australia customs and transport sources
โChecked for budget and policy changes up to October 2026
โDuty, age limits, documents and steps compared line by line with our previous guide
โEvery change reviewed and approved by our team before publishing
โOfficial sources listed on the page so you can check them yourself
Review Schedule
Last Verified
Oct 1, 2026
Next Review
Dec 2026
Spotted an error? Help us keep this guide accurate. Local importers know best.
Share feedback
About this Australia guide
โ
Thank you!
We've received your feedback and we'll review it shortly. If you provided your email, we may follow up with questions.
