Thinking of importing a Japanese car to Australia? It’s doable, but it’s not exactly click-and-collect.
Start by confirming the model is eligible under the SEVS/RAV framework and work with a Registered Automotive Workshop or reputable import agent; lodge your application through ROVER for approval before the car moves an inch.
Budget for purchase and auction fees, shipping (RoRo or container), insurance, quarantine cleaning, compliance, and taxes: GST 10%, plus import duty 0–5% depending on tariff origin (many Japan-sourced vehicles are 0%), and possibly LCT if you’ve treated yourself.
On arrival it’ll face biosecurity inspection, ADR compliance work, then state rego—expect roughly 8–16 weeks door-to-door if paperwork behaves.
Pro tip: buy parts support and history first, car second; a rare JDM badge is fun until you need a water pump on a long weekend.
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