How to Import a Car from Japan to Australia

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Before you import the car consider the following:

   It needs to be complied by a RAW or Registered Automotive Workshop for that vehicle, and it must be imported in their name, not yours.
   
   They will arrange an import approval from the Vehicle Safety Standard board using the VSB 10 form. #The aircon must be be degassed before import and a certificate supplied. #Compliance costs vary according to what is needed to be done to the vehicle and how many are complied each year, usually the more complied, the less the cost. , It will still need an approved VSB10. ,, Be aware that a lot of american RV's will not pass registration due to excessive rear overhangs.
   
   In Western Australia there is no need to convert a car to LHD if the car is manufactured prior to 1/1/1989. ,, www.caraucjapan.com ,,,,,,,,,, Rego to drive the car to your local Transport centre for rego.
   
   You can also hire a truck to take it there.
   
   Note is some states you are allowed to drive the vehicle straight to the rego office without a permit. ,,,,,,,,,,,,
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   Step 2: All vehicles need an approved Application for Approval to Import a Vehicle- VSB10 from the Department of Infrastructure

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   Step 3: Transport

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   Step 4: Regional Development and Local Government

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   Step 5: If the car is manufactured after 1/1/1989

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   Step 6: it must be included on the SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) register issued by the government.

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   Step 7: If it was built before 1/1/1989

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   Step 8: it is a lot easier

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   Step 9: depending on your state regulations it may not need to be complied

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    Step 10: although there may be changes needed to pass local registration regulations.

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    Step 11: The aircon will need to be degassed and a certificate supplied (if the aircon is an older type of gas

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    Step 12: R-12).

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    Step 13: Unless older than about 1970

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    Step 14: LHD vehicles will need to be converted to RHD with an engineers approval.

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    Step 15: Read up at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/index.aspx

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    Step 16: Taking the above into account you need to find the car you want to import.

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    Step 17: Talk to the RAW of your choice if post 1989 to make sure they are able to comply the particular model variant you are interested in.

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    Step 18: Once you have found your car its time to pay your exporter their fee and the cost of the car FOB (freight on board).

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    Step 19: Your exporter will then give you all of the shipping information.

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    Step 20: Usually the car is shipped out within the next week/ month depending on the destination and booking availability.

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    Step 21: If pre 1989 find a Customs Agent and give them the VSB10 approval

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    Step 22: Degassing Certificate (which may be a stamp on the invoice)

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    Step 23: the vehicle invoice and the freight invoice (which can be prepaid or COD).

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    Step 24: If post 1989 the RAW will usually have their own import agent

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    Step 25: Once the car arrives its time to make the next payment which is for: freight

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    Step 26: import duty

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    Step 27: quarantine

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    Step 28: customs clearance fees.

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    Step 29: Pre 1989

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    Step 30: once the car has been through quarantine you can then pick it up with a release document from quarantine and your Customs Agent .

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    Step 31: Post 1989 your RAW will arrange pickup of the vehicle.

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    Step 32: Once complied by the RAW you will then need a temp.

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    Step 33: An officer will then inspect the vehicle

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    Step 34: the compliance plate and your docs.

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    Step 35: With luck your Japanese car is now registered and can be driven on Australian roads!

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    Step 36: New seat belts are fitted;

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    Step 37: Child restraint anchorage points

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    Step 38: Anti intrusion bars fitted (if not factory installed)

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    Step 39: The filler neck for fuel changed

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    Step 40: New filters are installed

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    Step 41: All vehicle fluids are replaced

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    Step 42: New tires

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    Step 43: An Engineer's inspection is carried out

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    Step 44: Brakes Pads checked

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    Step 45: Once this process is completed and the car meets Australian standards a compliance plate is fitted and the vehicle can be registered.

Detailed Guide

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