Import Approval for Cars in Australia: Eligibility & How to Apply (2026 Guide)

One of the biggest questions people have when considering importing a car into Australia is:

“Is this vehicle actually eligible for import?”

Many people find a car they love, only to give up on the whole idea because they simply couldn't figure out whether it qualified. If that sounds familiar, this article is for you.

In this article, we’ll explain in detail how to determine whether a vehicle is eligible for import into Australia and how the Import Approval process works.

What Kind of Cars Can Be Imported?

There are broadly two categories of vehicles you can import into Australia.

• Vehicles that are 25 years or older from the date of manufacture

• Vehicles listed on the SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) — a government-approved register

https://www.rover.infrastructure.gov.au/

For vehicles over 25 years old, there are still a few things to watch out for — such as asbestos regulations — but in most cases, these vehicles can be imported without major issues.

Technically, vehicles listed under the Australian Government’s SEVS register are eligible for import.  However, the reality is often far more complicated than simply checking whether a car appears on the list.

Note: There is also a scheme called Personal Import, which allows Australian citizens or permanent residents to import a vehicle they have personally owned in Japan for over a year. However, since this applies to a limited number of people, we won't cover it in detail here.

Can You Really Import Any Car on the SEVS List?

Short answer: No — not every vehicle on the SEVS list can actually be imported.

The SEVS list includes the following information for each vehicle:

• Model name

• Eligible manufacture date range

• Vehicle type/variant code

• Expiry date

However, even if a vehicle appears to meet all of the above criteria, there are several additional factors to consider:

Manufacturing Date vs Registration Date

One of the most common mistakes is confusing the vehicle’s registration year with its manufacturing date.

Australian import eligibility is based on the manufacturing month and year, not the registration date shown on the Japanese registration certificate (shakken).

This means a car registered in 2010 may have actually been manufactured in 2009 — which could affect import eligibility.

• Expiry dates — Each listing has an expiry date. If you purchase a vehicle close to that deadline, there's a real risk the import process won't be completed in time.

• Additional restrictions — Some vehicles have mileage limits, and in certain cases only wheelchair-accessible (welfare) versions are eligible for import.

Because of this, simply checking the SEVS list is often not enough to accurately determine whether a vehicle can be imported.

Purchasing a vehicle before properly confirming eligibility can involve significant risk.

How to Apply for Import Approval

Once you've confirmed a vehicle is eligible, you must obtain an Import Approval before importing it into Australia.

The application must be submitted by the consignee (the person receiving the vehicle in Australia), and in most cases this is handled by a compliance centre.

Processing time: approximately 2–3 weeks.

It's essential to apply for Import Approval immediately after purchasing the vehicle, and only arrange shipping after approval has been granted.

Important: If the vehicle arrives at an Australian port before Import Approval is issued, it will be held in storage at the port until approval comes through — at a cost of around $100 per day in storage fees.

Documents & Information Required for Application:

• FOB (Free on Board) price

• 3 photos of the vehicle (front diagonal, rear diagonal, interior)

• Japanese deregistration certificate 

• Month of manufacture

• Odometer reading

  
  

Even after Import Approval is granted, the vehicle will need to go through compliance work once it arrives in Australia.

Receiving an Import Approval and being able to register the vehicle are assessed under separate criteria.

Compliance refers to the inspection and modification process required to meet Australian safety standards and ADR (Australian Design Rules).

→What Is a Compliance Inspection for Imported Vehicles from Japan?

Need Help Confirming Import Eligibility?

Determining whether a vehicle is import eligible can be extremely complicated, especially with SEVS regulations constantly changing.

Our company works closely with:

• Japanese auction houses

• Australian compliance centers

• Import dealers across Australia

By utilizing our offices in both Japan and Australia, we are able to carefully assess vehicle eligibility from every angle before purchase.

If you have a vehicle you are interested in importing, feel free to contact us anytime.