If you want to see every cost component that makes up the estimate, read our Total Landed Cost Guide.

The final price of an imported car isn’t just about what you pay in Japan. By the time the vehicle arrives in Melbourne and is ready for the road, a typical purchase of around ¥1,000,000 (roughly AUD 10,000) will usually land between AUD 19,500 and AUD 23,000. That figure includes shipping, customs duty, GST, quarantine, ADR compliance, registration and other admin costs.

Every car is a little different — shipping methods, compliance work and exchange rates all affect the final bill. To be safe, it’s smart to budget an extra 10–15% buffer on top of the estimate. That way, if there are quarantine delays, storage fees, or extra compliance modifications, you’re covered without any surprises.

Choosing the right vehicle is the first step. If you’re unsure which models are worth importing, see our guide to the best cars to import from Japan to Australia, including hybrids, performance cars and family vehicles popular with Australian buyers.

Want to understand the full timeline? See our detailed guide on how long it takes to import a car from Japan to Australia.

When purchasing from Japanese auctions, understanding vehicle condition reports is essential. Learn how to interpret inspection reports in our guide on how to read Japanese auction sheets.

Step 1 – Check Vehicle Eligibility

Confirm if your car qualifies under SEVS, the 25-year rule, or another pathway. See our Import Eligibility Guide.

Step 2 – Apply for Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)

Submit your application through the ROVER system. We handle the paperwork to save you time. Read our VIA process guide.

Step 3 – Purchase & Arrange Shipping

We help you bid at Japanese auctions or buy from trusted dealers. Shipping options include RoRo for value or container for protection.

Step 4 – Customs & Quarantine

Our team manages customs clearance, GST, and quarantine checks, including asbestos testing where required. At this stage, duty and GST are applied based on the customs value, freight, and insurance.

Step 5 – ADR Compliance & Modifications

Once landed, your vehicle is modified to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) — covering emissions, lights, and safety features.Performance and modified vehicles often require additional engineering checks before registration—see our Modified & Performance Vehicle Imports guide.Electric and hybrid vehicles have additional battery safety and charging requirements—see our EV & Hybrid Vehicle Imports guide.

Step 6 – Registration & Delivery

After compliance is signed off, we organise VICRoads registration and final delivery to your driveway.

Import Eligibility & SEVS Schemes

Not every car from Japan can be brought into Australia — it must fall under an approved import pathway. For most modern vehicles, this is done through the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS), which allows unique or rare models not sold new in Australia. Another option is the 25-year rule, which makes older classics eligible without SEVS approval.

If you’re unsure about your vehicle, start with our Import Eligibility Guide to see if it qualifies and what documentation you’ll need before applying for import approval.

Browse Our Importing Cars.