New Zealand is one of the world's most established markets for used Japanese vehicles. It drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive (RHD) cars, which makes Japanese domestic stock a natural fit, and a long-standing import trade keeps a steady flow of fuel-efficient hatchbacks, wagons and EVs arriving each year.
There is no blanket maximum age limit, but New Zealand applies strict entry standards rather than relying on age alone. Imported vehicles must meet frontal-impact safety and emissions requirements and pass entry certification, alongside a thorough border and biosecurity inspection. Cars are often steam-cleaned to remove soil and pests before they are allowed in, so it pays to choose a vehicle that already meets the relevant standards.
Overview
- Age limit
- No fixed limit
- Main ports
- Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton
- Drive side
- RHD
- Currency
- NZD
- Inspection
- Border / biosecurity inspection + entry certification (e.g. emissions & frontal impact standards)
Indicative duties & taxes
How import taxes stack up on the CIF value.
| FOB | $10,000 |
| Ocean freight | $0 |
| Marine insurance | $150 |
| CIF value | $10,150 |
| GST | $1,523 |
| Estimated taxes | $1,523 |
| Estimated landed cost | $11,673 |
Estimates only, based on indicative rates. Request a formal quote from ASTONISHING CARS for exact figures.
Required documents
- •Commercial invoice and proof of payment
- •Original bill of lading (B/L)
- •Japanese export certificate (deregistration) with translation
- •Import entry / customs declaration
- •Biosecurity cleaning certificate
- •Entry certification and compliance records
Popular models
Import process
- 1Choose an RHD vehicle that can meet New Zealand emissions and frontal-impact standards.
- 2Have the car cleaned to biosecurity standards before shipping from Japan.
- 3Ship to Auckland, Wellington or Lyttelton and obtain the bill of lading.
- 4Pass border and biosecurity inspection and clear customs, paying GST.
- 5Complete entry certification (compliance) and register the vehicle for the road.
Buying & import guides for New Zealand
Model picks and import know-how for the New Zealand market.
Best Japanese Cars for the New Zealand Market
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Read moreFrequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for importing cars into New Zealand?+
There is no blanket age limit, but vehicles must meet strict frontal-impact, emissions and entry-certification standards, so older cars may not comply.
Why is biosecurity such a big deal?+
New Zealand strictly controls soil, plant matter and pests. Cars are inspected and often steam-cleaned at the border, and dirty vehicles can be held or sent back for cleaning.
Where can I confirm the current rules and rates?+
Confirm current standards, duties and GST with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and New Zealand Customs. The figures here are indicative only.
Figures are indicative and change frequently. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official customs authority before importing.
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