Cars imported from Japan require specific documentation.
Importing a car from Japan to Australia can be time-consuming and complicated because Australian authorities impose strict conditions on vehicle imports. If you’re immigrating from Japan to Australia or are a returning Australian citizen, your car can be imported under the Personal Imports Scheme, but there are stringent criteria that you should research carefully before making a decision. An Australian licensed customs broker can advise you on the eligibility of your car and the procedures involved in importing a car to Australia. Owners of cars registered in Japan must provide the Australian authorities with specific documents related to tax, insurance and parking approval.
Instructions
Research and Preparation
1. Download and study a copy of the information booklet provided by the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, known simply as Infrastructure. The booklet is called "Importing Vehicles to Australia" and contains extensive general information about importing cars and specific details about importing cars from Japan.
2. Find your local Land Transport office in Japan.
Contact the vehicle registration authority to deregister your vehicle in Japan. Ensure that you also obtain a copy of your Japanese parking approval and your compulsory tax and insurance documents, as this documentation is required by the Australian authorities. There are local Land Transport offices all over Japan where you can do this. A map showing the location of the offices can be found on the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
3. Contact an Australian licensed customs broker who will assess your car for import eligibility, give you advice about the required procedures and obtain customs clearance when the car arrives in Australia. Customs brokers are licensed by the Customs Service and you can find an up-to-date list of brokerages on the Customs Service website.
4. Download and complete an application form for a Vehicle Import Approval from the website of Infrastructure. Section 10 refers to the Personal Imports Scheme. Attach the required documentation to the application, which should include proof that you have been the registered owner for 12 months before importing the car and that you have approval to live permanently in Australia. You must also attach your driver’s license and copies of all pages of your passport, including the blank ones.
5. Arrange to ship your car once you receive your Vehicle Import Approval.
Wait for your Vehicle Import Approval to be issued. This must be mailed to an Australian address and usually takes around three weeks to arrive. Once you have received this, you can contact shipping agents in Japan and arrange to ship the car.
Before Shipping
6. Ask your customs broker to submit an import declaration with the Australian Customs Service at the relevant port of entry.
7. All vehicles are subject to an AQIS inspection.
Make contact with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). There are regional offices at all ports of entry and any vehicle arriving in Australia must undergo a strict quarantine inspection. Inspectors can advise you beforehand about requirements and costs. Once you know your arrival date, you should book an AQIS inspection.
8. Prepare your car for its AQIS inspection by having it thoroughly steam-cleaned just before it is shipped. The car must be free of what is called quarantine risk material such as soil, mud, animal and plant material. For import purposes, the vehicle must be cleaned as if it was new.
When the Car Arrives
9. Obtain customs clearance for your vehicle.
Obtain customs clearance at the port of entry. A licensed customs broker can do this for you. You will need your Vehicle Import Approval to complete this step. It contains four parts: One is required for customs clearance, one to obtain your Personal Import Plate, one to register the car and the remaining copy is for you to keep.
10. Submit your car for an AQIS inspection.
11. Pay taxes and duties on the car. You must pay customs duty, which is 5 percent of the customs value, and Goods and Services Tax, which is 10 percent of the sum of the customs value, the duty payable and shipping and insurance costs. As of 2010, if the customs value exceeds AUD $57,180, the surplus also attracts Luxury Car Tax at 33 percent.
12. The Personal Import Plate shows that your car is an approved import.
Apply for a Personal Import Plate from the relevant vehicle registering authority. This plate shows that your car has been approved for import. You will need one copy of the Vehicle Import Approval to obtain this from the plate contractor. The car must be roadworthy and meet minimum safety standards.
13. Register your car with the relevant state or territory vehicle registering authority. You will need another copy of your Vehicle Import Approval to apply for registration. The final copy should be kept with the vehicle.
