Frequently asked questions

What can i import?

1

Almost anything you want! We buy cars, parts, motorbikes, machinery, trailers, boats, race cars, agricultural equipment and even merchandise among other things! In essence: If it’s legal to come to Australia, we can bring it here for you. Depending on WHAT it is, will determine HOW we import it. Cars can either be shipped via container, or roll on, roll off freight on a car carrier (known as RORO) First step is to ensure what you’re looking to import CAN be legally brought here, so best to reach out and let our team of experts determine that first up!

where do you buy from?

2

We source not only from the well known auctions, but also dealers, private sellers, limited collections, general retail, ex-govt sales, plus worth of mouth sales and barn finds! Our reach far outweighs what most others are able to gain access to purchase: we often source cars that are not even advertised for sale. It all depends on what it is specifically you’re chasing, so it’s best to get in touch and let us know what you’re after.

how long does it take?

3

This all depends on what the item is and how we send it. We have containers leaving Japan every few months. Some of them fill quickly, others can take a few weeks before completely full and ready to be dispatched. Container ships usually take 8 weeks to get to Australia, depending on how direct the voyage, then there’s always time at both ends to pack/unpack, customs inspections, etc. We can’t give firm dates of exactly when things will turn up as we’re at the mercy of shipping companies and quarantine inspectors that are not always consistent in how long they take to process freight.

what does it cost to import?

4

This all depends on what the item/s are and how we are sending them. Something small and light we might opt to send air freight, other items will go in shipping container and others, like cars, might be sent via RORO. It’s best to get in contact and we can quote up for you what the total cost will be. Some charges (like import duty/GST) are associated with the purchase price of the item, so we’re not able to give flat rates due to many, many variables.

I’ve checked the SEVS list and my car is there, does that mean I’m all good to import it?

5

Many don’t fully understand how the various import schemes work. We often see misguidance and incorrect assumptions on what can and can’t be brought in and driven on the roads in Australia.

SEVs is a specific list of vehicles with listings changing frequently, new ones added and old ones expiring. On top of this, most vehicles are also required to have a valid model report and fit within the strict limitations of both.

So it’s best to get in touch with our team to confirm what is possible before going too far! In fact, it’s pretty much the first thing in the process, even before we discuss any kinds of budget.

  • For cars into NSW and for road use, we typically have the following 3 payment system:

    Payment 1 – Typically 65% of the total budget – due on day of purchase – covers the car, our fee, Japan agent fee, import approval application fee

    Payment 2 – Typically 25% of the total budget – due when ship is approx. 1 week out from port – covers the shipping costs, import duty, quarantine fee, local transport, etc

    Payment 3 – Typically 10% of the total budget – due when the vehicle arrives at our facility and covers compliance and registration costs

    Other items like parts, wheels and tyres, etc are typically paid for up front in total, depending on what it is, how we send it and what the total cost is.

  • Absolutely! We can either source new or used parts for you and take care of shipping them to Australia, or you’re most welcome to purchase yourself and we can provide container space to get them to Australia. Cost all depends on what it is, how heavy it is and how bulky it is.

  • Yes, we are able to take care of the whole process of getting your car registered and on the road for you. We do not however, comply cars that we did not import sorry.

  • Absolutely. We can handle the acquisition and importation, including shipping to your nearest port and local freight to your door, wherever you are located in Australia. However, we can only comply and register vehicles in NSW. So you would need to take care of your specific state’s requirements to register your vehicle. The costs of which vary from state to state, we recommend speaking with your local regulatory body so you’re fully aware of the process and costs in your state before proceeding as we’re unable to provide this component for you.

    All vehicles are provided with the import approval and export certificate/deregistration documents.

  • After first verifying what you’re wanting is eligible for import, we can then check what similar ones have sold for recently which gives us a guide to advise you what it’s likely to be to purchase what you’re after, then we can set about providing an estimate with all other expenses itemised to arrive at a total “Landed Budget” tailored to your specific requirements.

    Often it’s a case of the more you spend, the better condition vehicle you’ll get. Many costs are the same regardless of if we buy and average condition or extremely tidy.

  • Yes, depending on what it is and what else we have in stock, we do offer consignment sales on occasion.

  • Absolutely. We often buy suitable donor vehicles to be dismantled. We can also source a car for this purpose if desired – depending on what it is, it may or may not be able to be road registered

  • Lesser known or discussed uses of importing are special event vehicles, single use, limited use, personal imports or industrial use. Best to reach out so we can discuss what you’re looking to achieve.

  • Lesser known or discussed uses of importing are special event vehicles, single use, limited use, personal imports or industrial use. Best to reach out so we can discuss what you’re looking to achieve.

  • Any or all of these will be provided where applicable

    - Import Approval (VIA)

    - Export Certificate/Deregistration (EC)

    - Service records

    - Auction sheet/inspection report

    - Spare keys

    - Owners manuals

    - Compliance documents

    - Registration documents

    - Any other included documents with the vehicle