Importing Cars from Japan to Australia

If you’re importing a vehicle from Japan to Australia AUTOHUB makes it easy. We offer a door-to-destination port (D2D) fixed price importing service to make shipping a vehicle from Japan to Australia straightforward and stress-free.

AUTOHUB Services

Once you have received your APPROVED VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT (VIA), we can take care of the rest. Our comprehensive Door to Destination Port (D2D) service for vehicles being imported from Japan to Australia includes:

• A Gate-In survey and photos in Japan when we take control of the vehicle.
• Steam cleaning of the vehicle. (providing the vehicle, Quarantine Risk Material falls into the Approved pre-cleaning scheme)
• Removal of air conditioning gas (if required).
• Testing and removal of asbestos (if required).
• Odometer check.
• Japan Port Service Charges.
• BAF (Bunker Fuel Charges).
• Payment of any duties and taxes owed.
• The organisation of Australian Customs Clearance.
• Quarantine inspection through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
• Full insurance while the car is in our care.

For vehicles over 20m3, please provide AUTOHUB the exact dimensions of the vehicle and we will provide a quote.

Compliance Requirements in Australia

To import a vehicle into Australia, you need to first apply for approval under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) laws for a single road vehicle approval. Most vehicles can be imported through the Register of Approved Vehicles which is a database of vehicles that have met the requirements of the RVS legislation and are approved for provision to the Australian market.

Who can apply for approval under RVS laws:

• Car enthusiasts who want to import specialist or older vehicles.
• People moving to Australia and want to bring their car with them.
• Manufacturers or importers of special purpose vehicles.

Please note: You’ll need to apply even if you’re not intending to use the vehicle on public roads, for example, for exhibitions, races, or test vehicles, or if you’re reimporting a vehicle previously approved for use on Australian roads.

To begin the process of importing a vehicle into Australia you will need to complete an online application through their online portal ROVER. Processing of this application can take up to 60 days.

Insurance cover

Customers choosing to import vehicles from Japan to Australia with our D2D package are covered by our TOTAL LOSS cover.

Comprehensive / Full risk insurance is available via Autohub Australia. This must be purchased PRIOR to shipping. Cost for comprehensive / full risk insurance is 1.5% of the Purchase price + Freight costs. Minimum AUD$250.00.