Importing a Car to Australia: Japan, UK, and Overseas Vehicles

Car Imports in Australia

Australia has a unique relationship with imported vehicles. For decades, Japanese imports (particularly through the compliance workshop system) were a significant part of the used car market. The rules have evolved over time, and today's import regulations are more restrictive than they once were, but importing specialist, enthusiast, and certain other vehicles remains possible.

Understanding the current rules is essential — importing a vehicle that does not meet the requirements can result in it being re-exported or destroyed at your expense.

Before purchasing any vehicle, always verify its history with a VIN check.

The Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS)

The primary pathway for importing used vehicles into Australia is the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS). This scheme allows the import of vehicles that are not available on the Australian market — either because they were never sold here or because they have unique characteristics.

To qualify for SEVS, a vehicle must:

• Be on the SEVS register (a list of eligible models maintained by the government)
• Meet the eligibility criteria (significantly different from the Australian-delivered version, or not sold in Australia at all)
• Be imported through a licensed SEVS importer
• Be brought into compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) by an approved workshop

Vehicles that do NOT qualify for SEVS generally cannot be imported as used vehicles. New vehicles can be imported if they meet ADR requirements.

What Australians Import

Japanese Vehicles

Japan is historically the largest source of imported vehicles for Australia. Both countries drive on the left side of the road, so Japanese cars are right-hand drive — perfect for Australian roads. Popular Japanese imports include Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34), Toyota Supra (JZA80), Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX STI (JDM-spec), Toyota Land Cruiser variants, performance-spec vehicles not sold in Australia, and specialty vehicles (campervans, kei trucks).

UK Vehicles

The UK is another natural source because of the shared right-hand drive configuration. British imports include classic and vintage vehicles, performance variants not sold in Australia, Land Rover and Range Rover models in UK specification, and luxury vehicles.

European and American Vehicles

Left-hand drive vehicles can be imported under SEVS if they qualify, but they require conversion to right-hand drive by an approved workshop. This adds significant cost and complexity. Common left-hand drive imports include classic European sports cars, American muscle cars and trucks, and specialty vehicles not available in any right-hand drive market.

Vehicles Over a Certain Age

Vehicles over a specific age threshold may qualify for import under the pre-SEVS classic vehicle pathway. These vehicles are typically imported for restoration, collection, or enthusiast purposes. Check the current age requirement with the Department of Infrastructure.

The Import Process

Step One: Check SEVS Eligibility

Verify your target vehicle is on the SEVS register. If it is not listed, it cannot be imported as a used vehicle under SEVS.

Step Two: Find a Licensed Importer

All SEVS imports must go through a licensed SEVS importer. The importer handles the import approval, customs clearance, and initial processing. You cannot import a SEVS-eligible vehicle independently.

Step Three: Purchase and Ship

The vehicle is purchased overseas and shipped to Australia by sea — typically in a container or via roll-on/roll-off shipping.

Step Four: Customs and Quarantine

Upon arrival, the vehicle goes through Australian customs (duty and GST are assessed) and biosecurity/quarantine inspection. Quarantine is strict — any organic material (dirt, seeds, insects) must be removed. Vehicles that fail quarantine inspection must be cleaned at the importer's expense.

Step Five: Compliance

The vehicle is delivered to an approved compliance workshop that modifies it to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs). This can include fitting compliant seatbelts, modifying lighting, installing child restraint anchor points, emissions testing, speedometer calibration, and structural modifications if required.

Compliance is the most expensive and time-consuming part of the process. Costs vary significantly depending on the vehicle and the extent of modifications required.

Step Six: Registration

After receiving the compliance plate, the vehicle can be registered in your state. Each state has its own registration requirements including roadworthy inspection, CTP insurance, and standard registration fees.

Costs to Expect

Importing a vehicle to Australia involves the purchase price, international shipping, customs duty (a percentage of the vehicle's customs value), GST (on the customs value plus duty plus shipping), quarantine/biosecurity fees, SEVS importer fees, compliance workshop costs (often the largest variable cost), state registration and inspection, and insurance.

The total cost can be substantial. Compliance alone can range from moderate for straightforward vehicles to very expensive for complex modifications. Always get a detailed quote from the compliance workshop before committing to a purchase.

Common Pitfalls

• SEVS eligibility. Do not purchase a vehicle before confirming it is on the SEVS register. If it is not eligible, you will not be able to import it
• Compliance costs. Get a firm quote from the compliance workshop before committing. Unexpected compliance issues can double or triple the cost
• Quarantine. Vehicles with organic contamination (mud, grass, insect nests) will fail biosecurity inspection and require professional cleaning
• Asbestos. Some older vehicles may contain asbestos in brake pads, gaskets, or clutch components. Asbestos is banned in Australia — vehicles containing it will not pass compliance
• Odometer fraud. Japanese auction odometers are generally reliable, but verify through auction sheets and service records
• Shipping damage. Insure the vehicle for the full replacement value during transit

For a thorough inspection of any vehicle, see our used car buying guide.

Is It Worth Importing?

The decision to import depends on whether the vehicle is available locally (if it is, local purchase is usually simpler), the price difference after all import costs, the complexity and cost of compliance, your willingness to navigate the process, and the rarity or desirability of the specific vehicle.

For enthusiast vehicles not available in Australia, importing is the only option. For common vehicles available locally, the savings rarely justify the effort and risk.

Where to Find Vehicles

Browse vehicles for sale on Tuble.vip — listings across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and all of Australia. Need auto parts? Check our parts section.