Leslie Massey
Importing a car from Japan to Australia involves a range of steps and costs, and it is important to be aware of the relevant regulations and requirements. The process involves multiple government agencies, and it is the responsibility of the importer to understand and comply with the rules. All vehicles imported to Australia must be eligible with the administrative ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator) system, and applications for approval must be made online through this system. The process can be lengthy, with assessment times of up to 60 business days, and additional time required for quarantine and compliance. It is also important to consider the costs involved, which can include shipping, storage, delivery, approval application fees, taxes, and modification costs to meet Australian standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | Importing a car from Japan to Australia can take anywhere from 20-30 days for shipping alone, but the entire process can take several weeks or even months. |
| Cost | Costs for Roll-on/Roll-off shipping start from around $3000 from Asia to Australia. Using a shipping container can cost upwards of $6000. If the vehicle originates from a country with a free trade agreement with Australia, the imported vehicle is taxed at 10% (GST). |
| Compliance | All imported vehicles require compliance, but not all vehicles can be imported. The make and model of the vehicle determine which compliance companies you can use, as they must be registered and approved for that specific make and model. A roadworthy certificate is required to register the vehicle, verifying that it is safe to drive on Australian roads. |
| Import approval | Before importing a road vehicle into Australia, you must obtain import approval through ROVER, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts' online application and approval portal. |
| Vehicle type | If you wish to import a vehicle that's less than 25 years old, it must be listed on the Special Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme register. If the vehicle is over 25 years old, there is no list, and you can import any vehicle you like. |
| Language barrier | Auctions are the most common way of purchasing from Japan as the sites are available in English, and buying privately has a language barrier. |
| Companies | DAZMAC and Clarke Global are two companies that can help with importing a car from Japan to Australia. |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a car: Consider make, model, year, and condition
- Compliance and regulations: Ensure the car meets Australian standards and regulations
- Import approval: Obtain necessary approvals and documentation
- Shipping: Select a shipping method and consider insurance
- Registration and insurance: Register the vehicle and obtain insurance before driving
Choosing a car: Consider make, model, year, and condition
When choosing a car to import from Japan to Australia, there are several factors to consider, including the make, model, year, and condition of the vehicle.
Firstly, let's talk about the make and model. Japan is known for its wide selection of vehicles, including rare and high-performance models that may not be available at local dealerships in Australia. Popular Japanese car brands include Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru. It's important to note that the make and model of your chosen vehicle will determine which compliance companies you can use, as they must be registered and approved to comply with the specific requirements of your car.
Next, consider the year of the car. If you're looking to import a vehicle that is less than 25 years old, it must be listed on the Special Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme register, which is a government-approved list of eligible vehicles. On the other hand, if you're interested in importing a vehicle that is over 25 years old, there is no specific list, and you can import any vehicle you like, including left-hand-drive cars.
Finally, assess the condition of the car. It is crucial to ensure that the vehicle complies with Australian standards for safety and emissions. The car must meet the requirements set by the Australian Government, and you may need to make modifications to the vehicle to meet these standards. This could include things like asbestos testing and removal, as the importation of asbestos is prohibited in almost all circumstances.
Remember, importing a vehicle can be a complex process, and it's important to stay informed about the current import laws and regulations, as they can change over time. It is your responsibility to ensure that your chosen vehicle meets all the necessary requirements for import into Australia.
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Compliance and regulations: Ensure the car meets Australian standards and regulations
Compliance and regulations are key aspects of importing a car from Japan to Australia. It is essential to ensure that the vehicle meets all the necessary Australian standards and regulations to avoid any legal issues and delays in the importation process. Here are the key considerations:
Firstly, it is important to understand the requirements of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) and the associated Road Vehicle Standards Rules of 2019. Under this legislation, it is an offence to import a road vehicle into Australia without obtaining the necessary approval. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts manages the approval process through ROVER, their online application and approval portal. It is crucial to select the import approval application that aligns with your specific circumstances. The approval must be secured before the vehicle arrives in Australia, as the Australian Border Force (ABF) will not release a vehicle from customs control without it, resulting in significant storage costs.
Secondly, you need to obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government. This approval is required regardless of the value of the vehicle. It is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) to import, sell, or present new or used imported road vehicles to the Australian market for the first time unless they meet the National Standards. The RAV, a database of vehicles that have met the requirements of the RVS legislation, outlines the approved vehicles for the Australian market. If your vehicle does not require road registration, such as a quad bike or golf cart, you are exempt from obtaining a VIA, but you may still apply for an Advisory Notice to facilitate the customs clearance process.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the applicable taxes and duties. Customs duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and luxury car tax (LCT) may apply, depending on the value of the vehicle. High-value vehicles may attract higher taxes. To gain customs clearance for your imported road vehicle, ensure you meet the requirements set by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). This includes obtaining quarantine clearance after the vehicle arrives at the port of entry.
Furthermore, modifications may be necessary to comply with Australian standards. The make and model of the vehicle will determine which compliance companies you can use, as they must be registered and approved for your specific vehicle. These companies will guide you in ensuring your vehicle adheres to Australian requirements.
Lastly, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the requirements of each government agency involved in the importation process. Multiple agencies are responsible for different aspects, and understanding their specific criteria will help ensure a smooth and efficient importation process.
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Import approval: Obtain necessary approvals and documentation
To import a car from Japan to Australia, you must obtain import approval from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. Under Section 22 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA), it is an offence to import a road vehicle into Australia without approval.
The department manages the approval process through ROVER, its online application and approval portal. There are several types of import approval applications, and you should select the option that suits your circumstances. Applications for approval to import a road vehicle must be made through ROVER. If your road vehicle arrives in Australia without import approval, the Australian Border Force (ABF) will not release it from customs control, and you will be responsible for the considerable storage costs.
Vehicle type approvals allow an unlimited number of vehicles of a particular type to be imported. This option is generally used for commercial importation requirements. Single road vehicle options are suited to importing either one vehicle or a small number of vehicles. You can include up to 30 identical vehicles in one single road vehicle application, except for trailers, which are limited to four. If granted, you will get approval for each vehicle.
There are several types of single road vehicle applications. A concessional RAV entry approval allows certain types of road vehicles to be imported and entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). A concessional RAV entry approval means that you have an import approval for that vehicle. Vehicles that may be eligible for importation under this application type include vehicles to be modified by a registered automotive workshop.
The RAV is a database of vehicles that have met the requirements of the RVS legislation and been approved for provision to the Australian market. The RAV replaces the requirement for vehicle identification plates under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA). A non-RAV entry import approval may be suitable if the vehicle will not be used on Australian roads or only in exceptional circumstances. Non-RAV vehicles may be approved for certain purposes, including testing or market evaluation. Significantly modified vehicles (e.g. hot rods) or vehicles imported temporarily may also be eligible under this import type.
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Shipping: Select a shipping method and consider insurance
When it comes to shipping a car from Japan to Australia, there are a few options to consider. The first step is to obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Australian government's Department of Infrastructure. This is crucial, as without this approval, you cannot legally import a road-going car. The application for VIA usually takes around 20 business days to get approved and costs $50.
Once you have obtained the VIA, you can start looking into shipping methods. There are two main shipping agents into Australia: Autohub and Dolphin. Autohub offers a door-to-destination port (D2D) fixed-price importing service, which includes a Gate-In survey and photos when they take control of the vehicle in Japan. They also offer comprehensive/full-risk insurance, which must be purchased before shipping. The cost of this insurance is 1.5% of the purchase price plus freight costs.
Another option is to use a company like Iron Chef Imports or Import Monster, which have expertise and resources to make the process smoother. These companies charge a fee for their services (around $1200) but can help you avoid unexpected costs and errors.
When choosing a shipping method, you should also consider the size of your vehicle. If it is larger than 20m3, you may need to provide exact dimensions to ensure accurate pricing and shipping requirements. Additionally, some commercial vehicles or machinery may incur additional customs duties.
It is also important to be aware of the requirements and regulations for importing a vehicle into Australia. This includes ensuring your vehicle meets national road vehicle standards (Australian Design Rules). Modifications may be necessary, which can incur additional costs. Compliance with border requirements is essential to avoid delays or costs associated with intervention by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Finally, it is advisable to obtain comprehensive insurance that covers both the vehicle and potential liabilities before driving your imported car in Australia.
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Registration and insurance: Register the vehicle and obtain insurance before driving
Registering and insuring your imported car is a crucial step in the process of importing a car from Japan to Australia. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:
Registration:
To register your imported car in Australia, you must ensure that it complies with the Australian government's safety and emission standards. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DIT) outlines these requirements, which you can find on their website. It is essential to familiarise yourself with these standards before importing your vehicle.
If your vehicle is a road vehicle, you must obtain import approval from the Australian government. This process is managed through ROVER, the department's online application and approval portal. It is an offence to import a road vehicle into Australia without this approval, and your vehicle will not be released from customs control. Allow sufficient time for your application to be assessed, which can take up to 60 business days.
However, if your vehicle is not a road vehicle, such as a motorised wheelchair, quad bike, or golf cart, you are exempt from obtaining a road vehicle import approval. Instead, you may apply for an Advisory Notice, which confirms that your vehicle is not a road vehicle and can help clear customs.
To register your vehicle, you will need a roadworthy certificate, verifying that it is safe to drive on Australian roads. With this certificate and the necessary compliance documentation, you can register your vehicle with the relevant State or Territory if you plan to use it on public roads. Provide proof of identity, residency, and the vehicle's import approval during this process.
Insurance:
Before driving your imported car in Australia, it is crucial to arrange suitable insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance is advisable to protect your vehicle and cover potential liabilities. Additionally, consider marine insurance, especially when importing high-value or rare cars, to safeguard your vehicle during the shipping process.
By following these steps for registration and insurance, you can confidently drive your unique Japanese vehicle on Australian roads, complying with all the necessary legal requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
The process involves multiple government agencies. You must obtain an import approval through ROVER, the department's online application and approval portal. You must also ensure the vehicle complies with Australian standards and regulations. It must meet safety and emission standards set by the Australian Government. You can use a company such as DAZMAC to handle the shipping process.
Costs involved include shipping, storage, delivery, approval application, taxes, Customs duties, cleaning for quarantine purposes, asbestos testing/removal, quarantine inspection costs, modification costs, State or Territory registration and insurance requirements, etc. Roll-on/Roll-off shipping from Asia to Australia starts from around $3000. Using a shipping container can cost upwards of $6000. If the vehicle originates from a country with a free trade agreement with Australia, the imported vehicle is taxed at 10% (GST).
Importing a car can take several weeks or even months. Shipping times can vary but it usually takes around 20-30 days to ship a car from Japan to Australia.
The vehicle must meet Australian safety and emission standards. If the vehicle is less than 25 years old, it must be listed on the Special Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme register. If it is older than 25 years, there is no list and you can import any vehicle, including left-hand-drive cars.
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