Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to New Zealand?

There is no maximum age cap, but the car must meet New Zealand safety and emissions standards. Vehicles first registered before 1 January 2012 face frontal-impact scrutiny unless they are over 20 years old (20-year exemption) or over 40 years old (minimal requirements). We only source cars that will pass cleanly.

Can I import a left-hand-drive car from Japan to New Zealand?

No. New Zealand is a left-hand-traffic country and only right-hand-drive vehicles can be registered. The good news is that Japan's domestic stock is almost entirely right-hand drive, so you have an enormous selection to choose from.

What taxes do I pay when importing a car from Japan to New Zealand?

You pay 0% customs duty on Japan-origin cars, then 15% GST on the CIF value. At registration the Clean Car Standard may add a fee per gram of CO2 over target — currently NZD 7.50/g in the 2026–2027 reduced-rate period. We quote the full landed cost before you commit.

What is a JEVIC inspection and do I need one?

JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre) is a pre-export inspection required by New Zealand before the car leaves Japan. It covers cleaning, odometer verification and an NZTA border check. We arrange it as part of the standard sourcing process.

How long does shipping from Japan to Auckland take?

Sea freight to the Port of Auckland generally takes around three to four weeks, followed by biosecurity and Entry Certification on arrival. Our team gives you the exact sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked.

Cost to import a car from Japan to New Zealand

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

New Zealand is one of the most welcoming markets for used Japanese cars on the planet. The country drives on the left, which means right-hand-drive Japanese stock is a natural and legal fit — no conversions, no complications. There is no maximum vehicle age cap, but the rules do require cars to meet New Zealand safety (frontal-impact) and emissions standards equivalent to Japan 2005 or Euro 4 and above; vehicles first registered before 1 January 2012 face tighter scrutiny on frontal-impact rules unless they are over 20 years old, at which point an exemption applies. Vehicles 40 years or older face minimal requirements, making classic Japanese imports particularly accessible. The cost picture is genuinely competitive. When you import a car from Japan to New Zealand there is 0% customs duty on Japan-origin vehicles under the general NZ tariff, and you pay 15% GST calculated on the CIF value (commercial value plus freight plus insurance). From 2026 onwards a Clean Car Standard fee applies at registration — NZD 7.50 per gram of CO2 over the target in the current reduced-rate period — so choosing a lower-emission model keeps the total landed cost down. Our licensed team sources the right car at Japanese auction, arranges the JEVIC pre-export inspection, books the vessel to Auckland, and handles biosecurity and Entry Certification on arrival so the car arrives ready for a Warrant of Fitness.

Main ports: Port of Auckland
Import age rule: No maximum age cap, but vehicles must meet NZ safety (frontal-impact) and emissions (equivalent to Japan 2005 / Euro 4+) standards. Vehicles with first registration before 1 Jan 2012 may struggle to meet frontal-impact rules unless 20+ years old (20-year exemption applies). 40+ year vehicles face minimal requirements.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: 0% customs duty (Japan-origin, general NZ tariff) + 15% GST on CIF (commercial value + freight + insurance). Clean Car Standard fee NZD 7.50/g CO2 over target at registration (2026-2027 reduced rate; was NZD 33.75/g).

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to New Zealand

Choose a NZ-compliant car
Tell us your budget and use case. We shortlist right-hand-drive cars that meet New Zealand's emissions and frontal-impact standards — or identify genuine 20+ or 40+ year vehicles that qualify for the relevant exemptions — so the car clears the border cleanly.
We source it from Japan's auctions
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the exact car, reads the auction sheet and grade, verifies the odometer, and confirms real condition before you commit.
Pre-export inspection (JEVIC)
New Zealand requires a JEVIC pre-export inspection at a Japan forwarding yard covering cleaning, odometer verification and an NZTA border check. We arrange it and keep the certificate with your shipping documents.
Ocean shipping to the Port of Auckland
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for Auckland, New Zealand's main entry port. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking link so you always know where it is.
Biosecurity and Entry Certification
On arrival the car goes through a mandatory MPI biosecurity inspection, then Entry Certification by an Approved Inspection Organisation to confirm it meets NZ safety and emissions rules. We manage both steps for you.
Warrant of Fitness and delivery
Once the car is certified, it needs a Warrant of Fitness before it can be driven on New Zealand roads. We arrange the WOF and quote inland delivery to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin or wherever you are.

Import duties & taxes in New Zealand explained

New Zealand charges 0% customs duty on Japan-origin vehicles under the general NZ tariff — there is no preferential trade agreement needed for this rate. On top of that you pay 15% GST on the CIF value (commercial value plus freight plus insurance). At registration, the Clean Car Standard imposes a fee of NZD 7.50 per gram of CO2 over the model's target for the 2026–2027 reduced-rate period, which was previously NZD 33.75/g, so efficiency matters more than ever. State/regional registration and licensing fees are additional but modest. Because the GST base is your actual CIF rather than a schedule, the figure moves with the car's price and freight cost — our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for New Zealand

Honda Fit
A compact hatchback available in petrol and hybrid — the hybrid variant scores well under the Clean Car Standard, keeping registration fees down while delivering excellent fuel economy on New Zealand roads.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
The sensible all-rounder for families — reliable 1.5L engines, right-hand drive, low running costs and widely understood by New Zealand mechanics across both islands.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished compact hatchback whose small engine and tidy emissions profile attract a lower Clean Car Standard fee, making the total landed cost friendlier for budget buyers.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, reliable and easy to resell anywhere in New Zealand — low maintenance costs and a proven parts supply across the country make it a safe first import.
See prices
Daihatsu Mira
New Zealand's urban centres suit kei cars well — low running costs, easy parking and a very small footprint make the Mira a popular budget choice, especially for Auckland city driving.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in New Zealand

Auckland — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $120.
Hamilton — Delivery from Auckland to Hamilton adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
Tauranga — Delivery from Auckland to Tauranga adds roughly $220 for a sedan.
Christchurch — Delivery from Auckland to Christchurch (South Island) adds roughly $280 for a sedan.
Wellington — Delivery from Auckland to Wellington adds roughly $440 for a sedan.
Dunedin — Delivery from Auckland to Dunedin adds roughly $780 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to New Zealand?: There is no maximum age cap, but the car must meet New Zealand safety and emissions standards. Vehicles first registered before 1 January 2012 face frontal-impact scrutiny unless they are over 20 years old (20-year exemption) or over 40 years old (minimal requirements). We only source cars that will pass cleanly.
Can I import a left-hand-drive car from Japan to New Zealand?: No. New Zealand is a left-hand-traffic country and only right-hand-drive vehicles can be registered. The good news is that Japan's domestic stock is almost entirely right-hand drive, so you have an enormous selection to choose from.
What taxes do I pay when importing a car from Japan to New Zealand?: You pay 0% customs duty on Japan-origin cars, then 15% GST on the CIF value. At registration the Clean Car Standard may add a fee per gram of CO2 over target — currently NZD 7.50/g in the 2026–2027 reduced-rate period. We quote the full landed cost before you commit.
What is a JEVIC inspection and do I need one?: JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre) is a pre-export inspection required by New Zealand before the car leaves Japan. It covers cleaning, odometer verification and an NZTA border check. We arrange it as part of the standard sourcing process.
How long does shipping from Japan to Auckland take?: Sea freight to the Port of Auckland generally takes around three to four weeks, followed by biosecurity and Entry Certification on arrival. Our team gives you the exact sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked.