How to Find a Car Import Agent in Australia (2026)

Complete Guide. Updated May 2026.

Introduction

Importing a car from Japan to Australia involves navigating multiple government agencies, strict compliance requirements, and a complex logistics chain. For most buyers, working with a professional car import agent significantly reduces the risk of costly mistakes, delays, and compliance failures.

However, not all import agents are equal. Some are fully licensed and accredited and operate transparently. Others charge hidden fees, outsource critical compliance work, or lack the accreditations required to legally complete the import process in Australia.

This guide explains exactly what a car import agent does, what qualifications and accreditations to look for, the right questions to ask before engaging one, and the red flags that should make you walk away.

Before reading further, it is worth reviewing our guide on common mistakes when importing from Japan to Australia so you know what to avoid at every stage of the process.

Note: This guide reflects Australian import regulations current as of May 2026. Regulation, fee structures, and government portals are subject to change. Always verify current requirements via rover.infrastructure.gov.au and consult a licensed professional before importing.

The Legal Framework for Vehicle Imports

All vehicle imports into Australia are governed by the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). Under Section 22 of the RVSA, it is an offense to import a road vehicle into Australia without an approved import approval.

The Department of Infrastructure manages all import approvals through ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator), the government’s centralized online portal for all Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) applications. If a vehicle arrives at an Australian port without a valid import approval, the Australian Border Force (ABF) will not release it from customs control, and the importer is liable for significant storage costs and may ultimately be required to export or destroy the vehicle at their own expense.

From October 2025, ROVER requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) via the Microsoft Authenticator app to access accounts, a security upgrade applicable to all applicants and agents.

Import Pathways: Which One Applies?

Before an agent can submit a ROVER application, the correct import pathway must be identified. For a complete overview of all pathways, see our importing schemes and eligibility guide. The three primary pathways for individual importers are the following:

The 25-Year Concessional Rule

Vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago qualify for a concessional RAV entry approval with simplified compliance requirements relative to the full SEVS process. As of 2026, this pathway applies to vehicles manufactured in 2001 or earlier. There is no restriction on the number of vehicles an individual may import under this pathway, and the compliance process is generally less costly than SEVS. See our complete 25-Year Rule guide for full details.

Key benefit: Vehicles qualifying under the 25-year rule are generally exempt from the Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which can represent a significant saving for collector-grade vehicles valued above the LCT threshold.

Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVS)

The SEVS pathway covers vehicles under 25 years old that appear on the government’s SEVs Register and were never officially sold in Australia as new vehicles (or are a significantly different variant to those that were). The vehicle must be listed on the SEVs Register at the time of both application and decision. Importantly, SEVs register listings expire after three years, so confirming current listing status is essential before purchasing a vehicle overseas. See our complete SEVS guide for full details.

All SEVS-pathway vehicles must be compliant with a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) before they can be registered for road use.

Personal Import and Returning Resident Pathways

Individuals permanently relocating to Australia may be eligible to import their own vehicle under the personal import or returning resident pathway, subject to ownership and residency criteria. Agents can assist with the ROVER application, but the importer remains legally responsible for the accuracy of all information provided regardless of who submits the application.

What Does a Car Import Agent Do?

A car import agent manages some or all of the steps involved in bringing a vehicle from Japan (or another country) into Australia on behalf of the buyer. The scope of services varies significantly between agents. Some offer a full end-to-end service; others handle only specific stages of the process.

Full-Service Import Agents

A full-service import agent handles every stage of the import journey, including:

Partial-Service Agents

Some agents handle only specific stages, for example auction sourcing and shipping only, leaving compliance and registration to the buyer. When engaging a partial-service agent, it is essential to understand exactly which stages are covered and who is responsible for the remaining steps.

Why Use a Car Import Agent?

Many first-time importers underestimate the complexity of the Australian import process. Here is why working with an experienced agent adds genuine value:

Benefit Why It Matters
Eligibility expertise An experienced agent knows which vehicles qualify under which pathway and can confirm import eligibility before you commit funds at auction.
ROVER application management The ROVER application process involves strict documentation requirements. Errors or incorrect pathway selection cause delays. The department has up to 60 business days to assess applications.
Auction access and bid management Most buyers cannot directly access Japanese auction networks. Agents with established Japanese auction relationships can source vehicles across all major networks including USS, JBA, TAA, HAA, and others.
Auction sheet interpretation Japanese auction sheets are in Japanese and use specific condition codes. A professional agent translates and interprets these accurately, reducing the risk of purchasing a vehicle with undisclosed damage. See our guide on how to read Japanese auction sheets.
Biosecurity compliance Japan is listed as a heightened surveillance country for BMSB during the seasonal risk period (September to April). An agent familiar with DAFF requirements manages pre-shipment cleaning and documentation to avoid costly onshore treatment or re-export. See our biosecurity and quarantine guide.
ADR compliance coordination An agent who works with an approved RAW workshop can manage the compliance process efficiently, with known timelines and costs.
Cost transparency A reputable agent provides a fully itemised cost estimate upfront, covering all stages from purchase to registration. See our total landed cost guide for a full breakdown of what to expect.

Source: ROVER Portal, Department of Infrastructure | DAFF BMSB 2025/2026 Season Industry Bulletin

What to Look For in a Car Import Agent

Before engaging any import agent, verify the following qualifications and accreditations:

1. Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) Approval

A Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) is a facility approved by the Department of Infrastructure to carry out ADR compliance work on imported vehicles. This is a mandatory accreditation for any business performing compliance modifications on SEVS and other imported vehicles in Australia.

If your agent does not operate as a RAW or have a direct and established relationship with one, they cannot legally complete the compliance stage of the import process. Always ask for the RAW approval number and verify it directly on the Department of Infrastructure’s website.

Source: Concessional RAV Entry Approvals, Department of Infrastructure

2. ADR Testing Facility Approval

In addition to RAW status, some compliance workshops hold ADR testing facility approval from the Department of Infrastructure. This authorizes the facility to conduct specific ADR compliance tests in-house, rather than outsourcing them to third-party laboratories. An agent working with an ADR-authorized testing facility typically offers faster compliance turnaround and more competitive compliance costs. Read more about Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and what compliance involves.

3. Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT)

If the agent is also selling vehicles (not just acting as a compliance or logistics provider), they must hold a Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) license in their state. In Victoria, this license is issued by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and administered by the Business Licensing Authority (BLA). Under Victorian law, dealing in four or more vehicles per year as part of a commercial activity generally triggers the LMCT licensing requirement. An agent selling vehicles without an LMCT is operating illegally and may face significant penalties, including criminal prosecution.

Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria, Motor Car Traders Licensing

4. Second-Hand Dealer Registration

Agents dealing in used imported vehicles should also hold Second-Hand Dealer registration, which provides additional consumer protections and ensures the business meets minimum legal standards for used vehicle dealing.

5. Established Track Record

Look for an agent with a verifiable track record of completed imports. This includes:

  • The number of vehicles successfully imported and complied with.
  • Years of operation in the Australian import industry.
  • Verifiable Google reviews or testimonials from past clients.
  • Evidence of working relationships with Japanese auction houses.

Questions to Ask Before Engaging an Import Agent

Before signing any agreement or paying any deposit, ask the following questions:

  • Are you an approved Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW)? What is your RAW approval number?
  • Do you hold ADR Testing Facility approval from the Department of Infrastructure?
  • Do you hold an LMCT licence? What is your licence number and in which state is it issued?
  • How many vehicles have you imported and complied in the last 12 months?
  • Can you provide a fully itemised cost estimate covering every stage from purchase to registration, including all government fees, freight, compliance, and registration?
  • Which Japanese auction networks do you have access to, and how do you manage the bidding process on behalf of clients?
  • Do you provide the original auction sheet and an English translation for every vehicle you source?
  • Do you arrange marine insurance as part of your service, and what does the cover include?
  • Who manages the ROVER application, your team directly or a third party?
  • How do you handle biosecurity preparation in Japan, and are you using a DAFF-recognized offshore cleaning and pre-inspection provider?
  • What is your realistic timeline from purchase to registration, and what happens if the vehicle arrives in a condition materially different to the auction description?

Red Flags to Watch For

The following warning signs should give you serious pause before engaging an import agent:

Red Flag Why It Matters
No RAW approval Without RAW approval, the agent cannot legally perform ADR compliance work. They will outsource to a third party, adding cost and reducing accountability.
No LMCT licence (if selling vehicles) Operating as a vehicle dealer without an LMCT is illegal in Victoria and most other states. Consumer Affairs Victoria can prosecute unlicensed traders.
Vague or incomplete cost estimates Reputable agents provide fully itemised estimates. Vague quotes often lead to unexpected charges at later stages of the process.
Guarantees of very short timelines The ROVER process has an assessment period of up to 60 business days. Any agent guaranteeing an unrealistically short timeline is either uninformed or misleading you. See our import timeline guide for realistic expectations.
No verifiable reviews or track record A legitimate import business operating in Australia for any significant period will have verifiable Google reviews, testimonials, or industry references.
Pressure to pay large deposits quickly Reputable agents allow time for due diligence. High-pressure deposit requests are a warning sign.
Inability to provide auction sheets Every vehicle sold through a Japanese auction has an auction sheet. An agent who cannot provide the original sheet and a translation is not giving you full transparency.
No marine insurance offered Shipping without marine insurance exposes you to significant financial risk. An agent who does not offer or recommend marine insurance is not acting in your best interests.
No DAFF biosecurity management Japan is a heightened BMSB surveillance country. An agent who does not manage pre-shipment cleaning through a DAFF-recognised provider exposes you to onshore treatment costs or re-export.

Source: DAFF, ROCIP Scheme | Consumer Affairs Victoria, Motor Car Traders

What Does a Car Import Agent Cost?

Import agent fees vary depending on the scope of services provided. Note that in addition to agent fees, all imported vehicles are subject to 5% customs duty, 10% GST on the landed value, and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) where the vehicle’s GST-inclusive value exceeds the applicable threshold. For a full breakdown of all costs, see our total landed cost guide and our guide on understanding customs duty and GST on imported cars.

2025-26 Luxury Car Tax (LCT) Thresholds

Standard vehicles: AUD $80,567 (LCT rate: 33% on value above threshold)
Fuel-efficient vehicles (under 3.5 L/100km): AUD $91,387

Note: From 1 July 2025, the fuel-efficient threshold applies only to vehicles with combined fuel consumption under 3.5 L/100km. Many hybrid vehicles no longer qualify for the higher threshold. Vehicles qualifying under the 25-year rule are generally LCT-exempt. Always confirm current thresholds and eligibility with a licensed tax adviser or customs broker.

Service Typical Fee Range (AUD)
Full end-to-end import service fee $1,500 to $4,000 depending on vehicle value and complexity.
Auction sourcing and bid management only $500 to $1,500 per vehicle.
ROVER application management only $300 to $800.
ADR compliance and registration (RAW) $3,000 to $8,000+ depending on vehicle and modifications required.
Freight coordination Included in freight cost or charged separately at $200 to $500.

These figures represent agent service fees only. They do not include government fees, shipping costs, import duty (5%), GST (10%), LCT (if applicable), or state registration charges. Always request a fully itemised total landed and complied cost estimate before committing.

DIY Import vs Using an Agent: Which Is Right for You?

Factor Consideration
Experience First-time importers almost always benefit from professional guidance. Experienced importers who understand the ROVER system, ADR compliance, and logistics may be comfortable managing some stages independently.
Vehicle complexity Modified, rare, or non-standard vehicles require more specialised compliance expertise than standard SEVS vehicles.
Time availability Managing an import independently requires significant time for ROVER applications, document preparation, and logistics coordination. An agent removes this burden.
Cost sensitivity Agent fees add to your total landed cost. However, a single costly error in the import process, wrong pathway, missed documentation, or failed biosecurity, can far exceed the agent’s fee.
Risk tolerance Using an experienced, accredited agent significantly reduces the risk of vehicle detention, compliance failure, or unexpected costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I legally need to use an import agent?

No. You can manage the import process yourself, including submitting your own ROVER application and arranging your own compliance. However, ADR compliance work must be performed by an approved Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW). This stage cannot be done without professional involvement.

Can an import agent submit my ROVER application for me?

Yes. A licensed agent or import professional can submit the ROVER application on your behalf after obtaining a signed authority to act. However, you remain legally responsible for the accuracy of all information provided, regardless of who submits the application.

How do I verify an agent’s RAW approval?

RAW approvals are issued by the Department of Infrastructure. Ask the agent for their RAW approval number and verify it directly on the Department’s website or by contacting the Department of Infrastructure.

What is the difference between an import agent and a compliance workshop?

An import agent manages the logistics and documentation of the import process. A compliance workshop (RAW) performs the physical ADR compliance work on the vehicle. Some businesses like Glam Groups operate as both, providing a genuinely end-to-end service under one roof.

What is the BMSB risk and why does it matter for Japan imports?

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest of agricultural concern. Japan has been identified by DAFF as a heightened surveillance country during the BMSB risk season (typically September to April). Vehicles imported from Japan during the risk season face enhanced biosecurity scrutiny. Using a DAFF-recognised offshore cleaning and pre-inspection provider (ROCIP) can reduce the risk of onshore treatment requirements or vehicle re-export at the importer’s expense. See our biosecurity and quarantine guide for full details.

How many vehicles should an agent have imported before I trust them?

There is no fixed threshold, but an agent with fewer than 50 completed imports should be approached with caution for complex or high-value vehicles. Look for agents with a multi-year track record, verifiable reviews, and direct relationships with Japanese auction networks.

Why Choose Glam Groups?

Glam Groups has been importing and complying Japanese vehicles in Melbourne since 2002. We offer a genuine end-to-end service, from Japanese auction sourcing and ROVER application management through to ADR compliance, state registration, and delivery.

Our accreditations include:

  • Approved Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW), authorised to perform ADR compliance on all imported vehicles.
  • Authorised ADR Testing Facility, approved by the Department of Infrastructure to conduct ADR compliance testing in-house.
  • Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT 10210), fully licensed to buy and sell motor vehicles in Victoria.
  • Second-Hand Dealer registration, providing full consumer protection compliance.
  • 1,000+ vehicles successfully imported and complied for clients across Australia.
  • 22+ years of experience in the Japanese vehicle import industry.

Campbellfield, Melbourne • (03) 9303 7252 • sales@glamgroups.com.au

Contact our team today to discuss your import requirements and receive a fully itemised cost estimate.

Sources and References

Disclaimer: Import regulations, accreditation requirements, and fee structures are subject to change. This guide reflects requirements current as of May 2026. Always verify current requirements via rover.infrastructure.gov.au and consult a licensed professional before importing.