Thinking about bringing a Japanese used car into Australia but not sure where to start? This guide walks you through the rules, costs, and common pitfalls — in plain English — so you can decide confidently whether to buy locally or import from a trusted Japanese exporter like Autocom Japan.
The quick answer
Australia does allow used-vehicle imports, but only through specific pathways and with strict rules. You must get an import approval in ROVER before shipping, clear biosecurity and asbestos checks, and pay GST (and sometimes Luxury Car Tax). Most vehicles must be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) before a state will register them. (Infrastructure and Transport Department, Australian Border Force Website)
Step 1 — Check your eligibility (which pathway fits your car?)
Australia’s Road Vehicle Standards framework offers a few legitimate routes:
- 25-Year Rule (Concessional RAV entry)
If the car is 25 years or older, it can usually be imported under the Concessional RAV entry pathway and then entered on the RAV. This is the simplest path for classics. (Infrastructure and Transport Department) - SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme)
Newer niche models not sold locally — think certain performance, low-emission or rare variants — may qualify only if that exact model/variant is on the public SEVS Register, and compliance will be required before RAV entry. (Infrastructure and Transport Department) - Personal/“Personal Effects” Import
If you’re moving to Australia and have owned and used the car overseas (meet specific criteria), you may bring it in as personal effects; it has its own approval requirements. (Infrastructure and Transport Department) - Non-RAV entry import approvals (temporary/special use)
For vehicles that won’t be used on public roads (or only in exceptional circumstances) — e.g., exhibition, racing, testing — there’s a separate non-RAV approval. This is not for general road use. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
Tip: Whatever the pathway, apply and receive approval in ROVER before you ship. Processing can take up to ~60 business days, so build that into your timeline. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
Step 2 — Understand the RAV (what registration authorities look for)
Australia replaced old compliance plates with the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) — an online database listing vehicles that meet RVSA requirements. State/territory road agencies generally won’t register a vehicle that lacks a valid import approval and RAV entry (where required). You can search the RAV yourself. (Infrastructure and Transport Department, rover.infrastructure.gov.au, Australian Border Force Website)
Step 3 — Biosecurity and asbestos: the deal-breakers people miss
- Biosecurity: Your car must arrive clean and free of soil/seeds/pests inside and out. Vehicles are routinely inspected on arrival; dirty cars can be directed for costly cleaning and delays. (Agriculture and Fisheries Dept.)
- Asbestos: Australia has zero tolerance. Importers must provide assurance/testing that older components (brake pads, gaskets, clutches, etc.) are asbestos-free. ABF can hold and test the car at your expense if they assess a risk. (Australian Border Force Website)
Reality check: Classic imports (pre-2004 parts) often trigger asbestos scrutiny. Budget time and money for pre-export testing/replacement if needed.
Step 4 — What taxes and charges will you pay?
GST (almost always)
Australia charges 10% GST on the Value of the Taxable Importation, which is:
customs value + any duty + international freight & insurance (T&I) + any WET (if applicable). (Australian Border Force Website)
Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
If the car’s GST-inclusive value exceeds the annual LCT threshold, LCT applies at 33% on the amount above the threshold (with a higher threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles). For 2025–26, ABF lists the general threshold at AUD 80,567 and notes changes to the fuel-efficient definition. (Australian Taxation Office, Australian Border Force Website)
Customs duty (often 0% for Japan-origin cars)
Under the Japan–Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA), Australia removed the 5% tariff on Japanese passenger and goods motor vehicles, provided rules of origin are met — which is the usual case for vehicles built in Japan. (You’ll still pay GST/LCT where applicable.) (DFAT)
Step 5 — Shipping from Japan: Ro-Ro vs container (what suits your buy)
- Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off): A budget-friendly, frequent service for running vehicles.
- Container: Best for high-value cars, spares, or where extra protection is desired.
Either way, don’t load personal effects inside the car, and make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned to avoid biosecurity holds. (Agriculture and Fisheries Dept.)
Can I import any car I like?
Not exactly. Here’s the practical filter:
- 25+ years old? Usually yes (Concessional RAV entry). (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
- Newer but on the SEVS Register? Potentially yes, but you’ll need SEVS eligibility and post-arrival compliance before RAV entry. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
- Personal effects and you meet all criteria? Possibly yes. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
- Mainstream late-model car sold locally? Generally no via private import — buy local instead.
Remember: It’s an offence to import new or used road vehicles for first supply to market if they don’t meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Compliance is the backbone of the system. (Australian Border Force Website)
Buying in Australia vs importing from Japan
When buying locally makes sense
- You want immediate availability, local consumer guarantees, and predictable on-road costs.
- The model is widely sold here (no special spec needed).
- You prefer dealer support and finance/trade-in simplicity.
When importing can be the smarter move
- You’re after a rare JDM model (or specific trim/engine/grade) that Australia never got — check SEVS first. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
- Classic (25+ years) where Concessional RAV entry is straightforward — and often better value/condition from Japan. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
- You’re comfortable planning ahead for ROVER approvals, biosecurity cleanliness, asbestos assurance, and shipping lead times. (Infrastructure and Transport Department, Agriculture and Fisheries Dept., Australian Border Force Website)
How to avoid expensive mistakes (a checklist)
- Confirm eligibility first (25+ years, SEVS, personal effects or non-RAV). Apply via ROVER and wait for approval before shipping. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly, inside/out and underneath; remove organic matter and dirt. (Agriculture and Fisheries Dept.)
- Asbestos due diligence on older parts; get credible test reports if there’s any risk. (Australian Border Force Website)
- Budget taxes correctly: GST 10% on CV + duty + T&I (+ WET if applicable); LCT if above threshold. (Australian Border Force Website)
- Plan compliance and RAV entry (for SEVS/other routes) before state registration. (Infrastructure and Transport Department, Australian Border Force Website)
- Use reputable partners: pick a Japanese exporter with a track record; one signal is JUMVEA membership (an industry association recognised by METI). (jumvea.or.jp)
What Autocom Japan brings to the table
As a Japan-based exporter, Autocom Japan helps Australian buyers navigate the practicalities:
- Sourcing: Access to major auctions and dealer networks in Japan, with export-grade inspection and documentation.
- Compliance-minded shipping: Ro-Ro or container logistics organised with biosecurity cleanliness in mind, and guidance on asbestos assurance for older vehicles. (Agriculture and Fisheries Dept., Australian Border Force Website)
- Paperwork support: Helping you stay aligned with the ROVER process and the destination state’s registration steps (RAV entry where required). (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay customs duty on a Japan-built car?
Often no, because JAEPA removed the 5% tariff on Japanese passenger and goods motor vehicles that meet rules of origin — but you still pay GST (and LCT if applicable). (DFAT, Australian Border Force Website)
How is GST calculated on an imported car?
10% of (customs value + duty + international freight + insurance + any WET). (Australian Border Force Website)
What about left-hand drive?
Rules vary by state/territory and often depend on vehicle age/scheme. Check your local authority’s registration requirements once you have RAV entry/approval. (Australian Border Force Website)
How long does the approval take?
The department notes up to ~60 business days for decisions; apply early. (Infrastructure and Transport Department)
Bottom line
If you want a common late-model runabout, buying local is usually simpler. If you’re chasing a 25-year-plus classic or a SEVS-eligible JDM model in better condition/spec than the local market, importing from Japan can absolutely make sense — provided you respect ROVER, RAV, biosecurity, asbestos, and tax rules.
Ready to explore cars in Japan? Autocom Japan can shortlist eligible vehicles, arrange biosecurity-conscious shipping, and coordinate the documentation you’ll need on the Australian side.
Sources and further reading:
- Department of Infrastructure — 8 steps to importing a vehicle; ROVER; RAV; SEVS; Concessional RAV entry; Assessment times. (Infrastructure and Transport Department, rover.infrastructure.gov.au)
- DAFF — Biosecurity for vehicles and machinery (cleanliness requirements). (Agriculture and Fisheries Dept.)
- ABF — Importing a motor vehicle; GST formula; LCT thresholds (2025–26); Asbestos guidance. (Australian Border Force Website)
- ATO — LCT rate (33%). (Australian Taxation Office)
- DFAT — JAEPA: removal of 5% tariff on Japanese passenger & goods motor vehicles. (DFAT)
