Looking to import a car from Japan to Australia? Personal Import can help you navigate the process, from checking vehicle eligibility and assisting with import approvals to arranging shipping, customs clearance and compliance. Whether you’re importing a JDM performance car or another eligible Japanese vehicle, our team can guide you through the requirements and help you plan your import.
Japan offers access to sought-after vehicles, including JDM performance cars such as the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7, as well as models and variants that can be difficult to find in Australia.
If you’ve found a vehicle you want to import, Personal Import can help you understand its eligibility, navigate Australian import requirements and arrange the shipping process. We’ll help you identify the necessary steps before you commit to your purchase.
Importing Japanese cars into Australia is not simply a matter of shipping a vehicle over. Australia generally requires an import approval before a road vehicle is imported, and the right approval depends on the vehicle and your circumstances. Three common options for Japanese passenger vehicles are shown below, though other approval types may apply. Confirming which pathway applies, and whether your specific vehicle qualifies, is the essential first step before you commit to a purchase.
Once the required vehicle import approval has been granted, we can coordinate freight forwarding in Japan and arrange shipping to Australia. Depending on the vehicle and shipping requirements, options may include roll-on/roll-off transport or container shipping, with marine insurance arrangements available.
As experienced vehicle import specialists, Personal Import coordinates vehicle import approvals, shipping, customs clearance arrangements, biosecurity requirements and applicable compliance work. We can also assist with the registration process in your state or territory, subject to local registration requirements. Our volume of shipping also means we receive preferential rates for car imports. Used vehicles must meet Australian biosecurity cleanliness requirements. Inspections or additional cleaning may be required before a vehicle can be released.
The total cost depends on the vehicle, its purchase value, shipping method, import approval requirements and destination in Australia. Customs duties and taxes, biosecurity inspections, cleaning, compliance work and registration costs may also apply. Contact our team to discuss the likely expenses and what is included in your import quote.
Importing a car from Japan involves genuine complexity, from confirming eligibility to navigating customs and compliance. Our team supports every stage of the process, so you can focus on the vehicle itself, not the paperwork.
Let Personal Import handle the entire process for you, from shipping to compliance. Contact us today for a seamless car import experience!
Not automatically. Your vehicle needs an import approval, and whether it qualifies depends on the vehicle and your circumstances, for example whether it is listed on the SEVs Register, is old enough to be an older vehicle, or meets the personal effects requirements. We can help confirm which pathway applies before you purchase.
Shipping times vary depending on the departure port, shipping method and available vessel schedules. The overall import process can also involve approval, customs clearance, biosecurity checks and compliance requirements. Contact our team to discuss the arrangements for your vehicle.
We can coordinate the import approval, shipping, customs clearance and applicable compliance arrangements, then assist you with the registration process. Final registration depends on your state or territory’s requirements and the vehicle’s eligibility.
