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Import process – explained

How to Import a Car from Japan to Australia?

Car Import process explained

How to Import a Car
from Japan to Australia?

If you are wondering how to import a car from Japan to Australia, you’re in the right place. At Fukasawa Imports, we make importing cars from Japan to Australia easy and stress-free. We bring you some of the world’s most sought-after vehicles, including JDM sports cars, luxury models, and family SUVs.

From sourcing and inspections to shipping and compliance, our team handles every step of the process with transparency and care, so you can buy with confidence. Whether you’re chasing a rare collector’s piece or a reliable daily driver, we’ll help you find the perfect match.

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Our Car Import Process in Detail

Having been in the business of Japanese car imports for years, we have been able to refine our car import process, ensuring our clients a smooth, transparent experience from purchase to delivery.
1

Start your Journey

To import a car from Japan to Australia, give us a call or fill out our import request form. Tell us your desired car specs and budget, and we’ll confirm your eligibility for import. Once you’re ready, pay the $250 initiation deposit and sign the import agreement to start your search!

2

Car Search & Bidding

Our team will send you listings from auctions and dealers based on your request. We’ll provide detailed condition reports, photos, and assessments to help you decide. You have full control over which cars to bid on, and you’ll know the exact landed and complied price before placing any bid.

3

Secure the Car

When your bid is successful, we’ll handle the payment in Japan, covering the FOB Japan costs (car price, agent fee, transport, and inland costs). Your car will then be transported to a holding yard, ready for shipping.

4

Shipping

Once the export documents are ready, it’s time to arrange shipping. You’ll pay for shipping, which includes freight insurance. Cars typically ship within a month, and the journey from Japan to Australia takes around two weeks.

5

Customs & Biosecurity

Upon arrival, your car will undergo customs clearance and a biosecurity inspection to ensure it is free of contamination or pests. All clearance costs are included in your “landed and complied” price and will be settled at this stage.

6

Compliance Certification

After clearing customs, your car will go to a compliance workshop for certification, which is required for registration in Australia. The process takes about 10 business days and is included in your final price.

7

Handover & Registration

Once compliance is completed, your car is ready! We’ll arrange a handover and provide all the documents needed for registration. You’ll need to get an RWC certificate and schedule your registration appointment. We can also assist with the RWC and registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you want to know more about the process of importing Japanese cars to Australia, or have questions about compliance or costs, you’ll find the answers here. If you need further assistance or have other questions not answered, reach out to us. Our team is happy to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

How do I verify the car’s condition?
Every car we import from Japan comes with a unique condition report produced by independent mechanical inspectors in Japan. These condition reports include accurate information on the car’s mechanical condition and any body defects, down to the finest details, such as minuscule scratches or untidiness of the interior. Additionally, our cars undergo secondary photographs at our holding yard in Tokyo before shipping for our customers’ peace of mind.
How long does it take to import a car from Japan?
On average, the whole process from importing a Japanese car to Australia takes 5-16 weeks, depending on the car’s availability, ship availability, port clearance, and compliance workshop certification times. Our team always works around the clock to ensure that you get your car delivered as quickly as possible!
Which cars can you import?

Not every Japanese car can be imported into Australia.

To import a car into Australia, it needs to be over 25 years old or listed on the Specialist Enthusiast Vehicles list. If the vehicle is older than 25 years, it can be imported without any restrictions.

If your car is not on the list, don’t worry. We may still be able to import it. Please contact us for more information.

What’s included in the price?
Our prices are landed and complied, meaning your car arrives and undergoes compliance in Australia – all included in the price. You’ll only need to handle RWC and registration yourself.
Am I required to pay the full price for the car upfront?
No. We offer a convenient stage-by-stage payment for our Japanese car import services in Australia, so you don’t have to worry about paying the whole sum upfront!
Can I get finance for the import?

Yes! At Fukasawa Car Imports, we have teamed up with the best finance brokers to provide you with the most convenient financing options. Get in touch today to learn more!

What if I’m worried about rust or condition?
All Japanese cars we import to Australia undergo a thorough inspection for rust, mechanical condition, and overall quality. We provide full repair histories and expert notes to keep you informed.
Will you notify me of any updates on shipping?

Yes! Our team will keep you informed every step of the way, providing real-time updates on your car’s location and estimated arrival. You’ll receive notifications at key stages, including:

  • Pick up from the auction
  • Arrival at our storage yard in Japan
  • Export certificate issuance
  • Shipping booking details (including company and method)
  • Estimated arrival time
  • Departure from Japan
  • Arrival in Australia
  • Biosecurity and customs clearance
  • Ready for pickup
  • We ensure full transparency throughout the process, so you’ll always know where your car is and when to expect it!
How do you differ from other importers?

At Fukasawa Car Imports, we specialise in providing all the true and relevant information about every car in Japan, including proof of genuine mileage and condition. We charge our commission for providing informational services and organising the import process, and this is what makes us so different!

Unlike many other import brokers, we have no direct interest in selling any particular car to our clients. Instead, we are interested in helping you make the best choice in finding your perfect car. Additionally, we offer direct support service just a phone call away, any time you need us for a consultation, with no hidden fees or delays. Contact our team to find out more about the services we offer!

Enquire for a cost breakdown and import process:

Get in touch about your import:
Our specialist team will get in touch
within few days and answer all your
import related questions.
Our specialist team will contact you shortly to get all your questions answered.
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