Importing a Car to Australia: The Complete 2025 Guide

Everything you need to know about ROVER approvals, luxury car taxes, and shipping from Japan to Australian ports.

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Road Vehicle Standards (RVS)

Cars must meet the Road Vehicle Standards Act. Most imports enter via the SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme) or as Personal Imports if you have lived abroad.

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Asbestos Testing

All vehicles must be certified asbestos-free before shipping. Australia has a zero-tolerance policy; any presence of asbestos will result in seizure or expensive cleaning. (Asbestos Test $250 – $500 Mandatory). Zero-tolerance for asbestos in all used cars.

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Drive Side

Australia is a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) market. While Japan is RHD, you must ensure the vehicle meets Australian Design Rules (ADRs) regarding lighting and safety equipment.

Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Fremantle. Quarantine (DAFF) inspections

Port of Entry

Major arrival ports include Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Fremantle. Quarantine (DAFF) inspections are strict regarding soil and organic matter.

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Why Choose Japanese Cars for Australia?

Australia and Japan share a love for high-quality engineering and Right-Hand Drive configurations. From iconic JDM performance cars to reliable family SUVs, Japanese imports offer better specs and lower mileage than domestic equivalents. Our streamlined process ensures your vehicle meets all Australian customs and safety standards.

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We only use Telegraphic Transfer (TT) through verified corporate bank accounts. Nexuss Int’l never asks for payments to personal accounts or via unverified mobile apps. Your payment is your contract.

Check if the vehicle is on the SEVS Register.

How to apply for a Single Road Vehicle Approval.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vs. Container shipping options.

Ensuring the car passes Border Force and DAFF requirements.

Locating a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) for local compliance.

We are a dedicated, expert-led team that specializes in personally managing the global export of Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles. Everything we do is built on a foundation of lasting customer trust, because we know that real success in this business comes from relationships, not just transactions. You’ll always receive honest, competitive pricing with complete transparency from auction to delivery—no hidden fees, and no unexpected charges without your prior approval. We treat every client the way we would want to be treated: with clarity, respect, and integrity at every turn.

Alert

Duty & Tax Breakdown

The “30-Year Rule”

Vehicles older than 30 years are Duty-Free regardless of where they were made.

LCT

33% (Only if value exceeds $80,567 ($91,387 for fuel-efficient).

Import Duty

0% – 5% (0% for Japanese cars via JAEPA (with Certificate of Origin).

GST

10% (Applied to: (Car Price + Duty + Shipping + Insurance).

ROVER Fee

$35 – $95 Mandatory Govt application fee for import approval.

Calculate Australia Import Duty

Nexuss Japan | Australia Import Portal 2025

CIF, Duty & GST Estimator (All Ports: BNE, SYD, MEL, PER)

25-Year Rule: This vehicle qualifies for easier import as a “Classic/Historic” vehicle.

Estimated Landed Cost (AUD)

$0.00
CIF (Cost+Insurance+Freight): $0.00

Australian Government Charges:

Import Duty (5% of FOB): $0.00
GST (10% of CIF + Duty): $0.00
Luxury Car Tax (33%): $0.00
Port & Quarantine Fees: $1,200*

*Estimate excludes state registration and RAW compliance workshop fees.

Understanding the “25-Year Rule” & SEVS

Most enthusiasts import vehicles via the 25-year-old rule, which simplifies the process for vintage JDM icons. For newer models, the vehicle must be listed on the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme (SEVS) and handled by a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW).

DAFF/Quarantine is Non-Negotiable

Australia has the world’s strictest bio-security laws. Every car is inspected for seeds, soil, and insects. We highly recommend a professional steam-clean in Japan prior to shipment to avoid massive cleaning surcharges and delays at the Australian border.