Guide
What it costs to import a JDM car to Australia
Australia allows private imports of used cars mainly under two pathways: the older-vehicle rule (25 or more years old) and the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) for listed models under 25. An import approval from ROVER is needed before the car ships.
Here is the full cost stack for an example ￥3,000,000 car at ¥110.34 per AUD. The estimated total is $41,248, with a likely range of $35,448 to $47,048. Rules last checked 2026-09-30.
| Line | AUD |
|---|---|
Vehicle price Hammer or FOB price converted from JPY. Exporter fees and Japanese inland transport are extra (roughly ¥50,000 to ¥150,000). | $27,189 |
Shipping to Australia (RoRo)est. Roll-on roll-off to Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Fremantle is at the high end. Containers cost more. Typically $1,500 to $4,500 | $3,000 |
Marine insurance(1.5%) Optional, but the border includes an insurance amount in the taxable value either way. | $408 |
Customs duty (JAEPA, Japanese-built)(0%) 0% for cars built in Japan under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement. Must be claimed on the import declaration with an origin document; otherwise the general rate is 5%. | $0 |
GST(10%) 10% of the value of the taxable importation: vehicle plus freight, insurance and duty. Typically $2,910 to $3,210 | $3,060 |
Luxury car tax(33%) 33% of the amount above the threshold, GST-exclusive. The LCT value includes freight, insurance, duty and GST. Applies on first import whatever the car's age. | $0 |
ROVER import approval (older vehicle) Concessional RAV entry approval for 25+ year vehicles, includes the RAV charge. SEVS route is $95 plus $109 RAV charge instead. | $42 |
Port handling and customs brokerest. Wharf and unloading fees plus a broker to lodge the import declaration. Typically $700 to $1,800 | $1,250 |
Biosecurity inspection and cleaningest. DAFF inspects used vehicles on arrival and charges per 15 minutes. Dirt, seeds or insects mean paid steam cleaning and re-inspection. Typically $200 to $1,400 | $800 |
Asbestos assuranceest. Zero tolerance at the border for any age of vehicle. Pre-2000s cars are most at risk; test or replace gaskets, brake and clutch material before shipping and keep records. Typically $200 to $3,500 | $1,850 |
Compliance (older vehicle: roadworthy, VIN, engineer)est. 25+ year cars need no workshop modification, just state roadworthy and paperwork. Cars under 25 on the SEVS register need a Registered Automotive Workshop: budget $3,000 to $10,000 instead. Typically $1,800 to $3,500 | $2,650 |
First registration and CTPest. Varies by state. Excludes state stamp duty on first registration (roughly 3% to 4.2% of value), which can add thousands on a $50k car. Typically $500 to $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Estimated total landed | $41,248 |
| Excludes exporter commission, Japanese inland transport, state stamp duty and any repairs needed to pass roadworthy. Duty, GST and LCT follow official rates; other lines are typical market ranges. | |
Where these numbers come from
- Shipping to Australia (RoRo): Industry figures from Australian importers published in 2026, not official. source (checked 2026-09-30)
- Marine insurance: Industry: 1.5% to 2% of value, about $350 minimum. source (checked 2026-09-30)
- Customs duty (JAEPA, Japanese-built): Schedule 3 Ch.87 general rate 5% for used passenger cars; Schedule 11 (Japanese originating goods) lists no 87xx exception so rate is Free. Preference code JEPA. source (checked 2026-09-30)
- GST: Paid to ABF before release from customs control. source (checked 2026-09-30)
- Luxury car tax: 2026-27 thresholds: $80,809 other vehicles, $91,661 fuel-efficient. Since 1 July 2025 fuel-efficient means 3.5 L/100 km combined or better, so petrol JDM cars use the lower threshold. source (checked 2026-06-01)
- ROVER import approval (older vehicle): Fees document published May 2023 and still the linked schedule; confirm in ROVER at payment time. source (checked 2023-05-09)
- Port handling and customs broker: Industry ranges. ABF import processing and DAFF declaration charges are small and usually bundled. source (checked 2026-09-30)
- Biosecurity inspection and cleaning: Pre-export cleaning by a Recognised Offshore Cleaning Provider in Japan avoids most delays. source (checked 2025-07-10)
- Asbestos assurance: No official fee. Industry: $200 to $500 for basic pre-shipment testing, up to $3,500 for full test-and-certify packages. source (checked 2022-11-01)
- Compliance (older vehicle: roadworthy, VIN, engineer): Industry ranges, not official. source (checked 2026-09-30)
- First registration and CTP: Industry summary of state fees. source (checked 2026-06-24)
Can you import it?
- Older vehicle (25-year rule). Vehicles whose build date is at least 25 years before the date of the ROVER application can be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles without modification.
- SEVS register. Vehicles under 25 years old can be imported if the exact make, model and variant is on the SEVs Register and a Registered Automotive Workshop holds an approved Model Report to comply it.
- Personal effects (migrants and returning Australians). Only for people moving to Australia who owned and used the car overseas for at least 12 months. Not available for a car bought at auction from Australia.
Gotchas first-timers miss
- Get the ROVER import approval before the car ships. Account ID checks can take weeks and assessment up to 30 business days.
- The 25-year test runs from the build date to the date of your ROVER application, and where only the year is known the month counts as December.
- JAEPA 0% duty is not automatic: claim preference code JEPA with an origin document, or you pay 5%.
- LCT value includes freight, insurance and GST, so a car around A$70k landed can trip the threshold.
- Air-conditioned vehicles can trigger refrigerant (ODS/SGG) import licence rules; check the DCCEEW exemption before shipping.
- A RAV entry does not guarantee state registration: states set their own rules and charge stamp duty on top.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rates change; confirm with a licensed importer or compliance workshop before you buy.
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