The most common mistake in importing is budgeting for the auction price and treating everything else as incidental. Everything else is not incidental.
This article does not quote figures, because they change constantly with exchange rates, shipping availability and the specific vehicle. What it does is list every cost that exists, so nothing arrives as a surprise.
In Japan
Vehicle price
What the car sells for at auction, or the agreed price if bought from a dealer.
Auction and bidding fees
Auction houses charge a fee on every successful bid. If bidding through an agent, the agent's fee sits on top.
Domestic transport within Japan
Moving the vehicle from the auction house to the port. Distance matters.
Deregistration and export documentation
The vehicle must be deregistered in Japan and an export certificate issued, confirming the odometer reading.
Port and loading charges
Handling at the Japanese port before the vehicle is loaded.
Getting It Here
Shipping
Roll-on roll-off is generally cheaper. Container shipping costs more but the vehicle is enclosed.
Marine insurance
Optional but worth considering. Covers the vehicle while at sea.
Arriving in Australia
Customs duty
Applied to the value of the vehicle. Rates depend on vehicle type and age.
Goods and services tax (GST)
Calculated on the combined value of the vehicle, the shipping and any duty.
Luxury car tax
Applies only above a threshold that changes each financial year. Where it applies, it is substantial.
Biosecurity inspection and cleaning
Vehicles are inspected on arrival. If contamination is found, cleaning is required at the owner's cost.
Wharf and port handling
Charges for unloading and holding the vehicle. Storage fees accumulate if the vehicle sits waiting for paperwork.
Customs broker
Clearing a vehicle through customs requires a licensed broker unless you hold that licence yourself.
Making It Road Legal
Compliance
The vehicle must meet Australian Design Rules. This is generally the largest single cost after the vehicle and shipping.
Modifications required for compliance
Depending on the vehicle and its age: lighting, seatbelts, child restraint anchorages, tyres, speedometer, emissions work.
Roadworthy inspection
Required in most states before registration.
Before You Can Drive It
Registration
Standard state registration fees.
Stamp duty
Calculated on the vehicle's value and varying by state. Often overlooked in early budgeting.
Compulsory third party insurance
Required for registration in every state.
Delivery
If the vehicle is being sent interstate from the port of arrival.
The Two Things Worth Remembering
Taxes are calculated on the landed value, not the purchase price.
Duty and GST apply to the combined value of the car and the cost of getting it here. A cheaper car with expensive shipping is not as cheap as it looks.
Compliance cost varies by vehicle, not by price.
Two cars bought for the same amount can differ substantially in what they need to become road legal. Establishing that before bidding, not after, is the difference between a good purchase and an expensive lesson.
Any importer worth using will provide a full written breakdown before you commit, covering every item above. If a quote consists of one number, ask what it excludes.
Get a Full Cost Breakdown
Use our Import Cost Calculator to estimate every cost involved in bringing your vehicle from Japan to your driveway.
