Short answer: on top of the auction price and ¥160,000 of Japan-side costs (both converted from yen), budget about $7,700 to $8,500 for freight, compliance and our service fee, plus 10% GST on the car and freight. Japanese-built cars pay no customs duty. Registration is extra.
What makes up the price
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auction price | your winning bid, in yen | Converted at the bank rate plus 1% on the day we pay |
| Japan-side costs | ¥160,000 | Fixed. Auction fee, our inspector's in-person check, transport to port, export papers |
| Freight and landing | $3,200 to $4,000 | At cost. Sea freight to Sydney, customs broker, port charges and biosecurity treatment. Larger cars cost more |
| Import GST | 10% | On the customs value of the car plus freight |
| Customs duty | $0 | Japanese-built vehicles pay no duty under the Japan-Australia trade agreement |
| Luxury Car Tax | only above the threshold | 33% of the amount above $80,809, or $91,661 for fuel-efficient cars (2026-27) |
| Compliance package | $2,300 incl. GST | Import approval and compliance to Australian standards |
| Registration, 3 months with CTP | $450 to $700 | At cost. Stamp duty and blue slip are extra |
| Our service fee | $2,200 incl. GST | Fixed, refunded if we don't buy the car |
Worked example
Say the auction price plus Japan-side costs come to A$20,000 after conversion.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car and Japan-side costs, converted | $20,000 |
| Freight and landing (midpoint) | $3,600 |
| GST 10% on car and freight | $2,360 |
| Compliance package | $2,300 |
| Service fee | $2,200 |
| Landed and complied in Sydney | about $30,460 |
| Registration, 3 months with CTP | $450 to $700, plus stamp duty and blue slip |
The yen amount is converted at the bank rate plus 1% on the day we pay for the car.
What moves the total up or down
- The yen.The car and Japan-side costs are paid in yen, so the exchange rate on the day we pay moves your total.
- Car size.People movers and large SUVs cost more to ship than sedans.
- Price above the LCT threshold.Luxury Car Tax applies only to the part above it.
- Eligibility.Only cars 25 years or older, or models on the SEV register, can be imported. We check this before you bid.
How long it takes
Usually 6 to 8 weeks from the auction to the car being ready in Sydney: purchase and our inspector's check in Japan, export and shipping, customs and biosecurity, compliance, then registration.
Costs people often forget
- Stamp duty when you first register the car in NSW.
- Blue slip inspection before registration.
- Biosecurity treatment in the stink bug season (September to April). This one is already in our freight and landing figure.
Doing it yourself vs using us
You can import a car yourself, but you will need a Japanese exporter, import approval, a customs broker, a compliance workshop and registration, each paid and coordinated separately. With us, our inspector checks the car in person in Japan before we bid, you get the report with photos, and one fixed service fee covers the coordination. If we don't buy the car, the fee is refunded.
FAQ
Is there import duty on cars from Japan?
No. Japanese-built vehicles pay 0% customs duty. You pay 10% GST, and Luxury Car Tax only if the car is above the threshold.
What is the Luxury Car Tax threshold in 2026-27?
$80,809, or $91,661 for fuel-efficient vehicles. The tax is 33% of the amount above it.
Which cars can I import?
Cars 25 years or older, or newer models listed on the SEV register.
How long does importing a car from Japan take?
Usually 6 to 8 weeks.
Is your service fee refundable?
Yes, if we don't buy the car for you.
Can you deliver outside Sydney?
Yes, Australia-wide. Ask us for a delivery price.