Importing Japanese Vehicles to New Zealand

Q: Is there import duty on Japanese cars in New Zealand?

No — most used vehicles from Japan enter duty-free. You pay 15% GST on the total landed value (vehicle + shipping + insurance), which keeps NZ among the most affordable markets for Japanese imports.

Q: What is entry certification?

Every used import must pass entry certification: document verification, a structural inspection for vehicles 7+ years old, emissions compliance, and a warrant of fitness. We supply all Japanese documentation in the correct format.

Q: Do hybrids and EVs get any benefit?

Japanese hybrids and EVs (Prius, Aqua, Nissan Leaf) are popular in NZ and may qualify for Clean Car incentives that offset some import cost. We can source eco-friendly models to order.

Q: How long is shipping from Japan to New Zealand?

Around 2–3 weeks to Auckland, with Wellington and Christchurch on regular schedules.

New Zealand is one of the most accessible markets for Japanese cars: no age limit and no import duty on most used vehicles — just 15% GST and entry certification. That, plus right-hand drive, makes NZ a favourite destination for everything from daily Toyotas to hybrids and kei cars.

Browse Vehicles Full New Zealand import guide

Shipping time

2–3 weeks

Main ports

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

Eligibility

No age limit; must pass entry certification (structural check for 7+ yr cars)

Taxes

No duty on most used vehicles; 15% GST

Best Japanese vehicles to import to New Zealand

Toyota Aqua / Prius (hybrids)

Efficient, abundant, and may qualify for Clean Car incentives.

Toyota Hiace

NZ’s default work van and camper base — strong, steady demand.

Mazda Axela / Demio, Suzuki Swift

Affordable, reliable daily drivers with cheap parts.

Kei cars (Suzuki Alto, Daihatsu Mira)

Cheap to import and run; popular city runabouts.

What goes into the landed cost

Vehicle purchase + inland transport in Japan
Shipping (NZD ~1,500–3,000)
15% GST on landed value
MPI biosecurity inspection
Entry certification (NZD ~400–1,000, more for older cars)
Transport within NZ

Why import through Japan Convoy

No customs duty on most used Japanese vehicles — one of the cheapest markets
Vehicles thoroughly cleaned to clear MPI biosecurity
Documentation prepared for entry certification and registration

The import process, step by step

1
Browse & request a quote
Find matching listings on the marketplace and contact verified sellers for pricing, photos, and inspection reports — no on-site checkout, wholesale "contact for pricing".
2
Inspection & confirmation
Our team inspects the item in Japan, verifies condition and documentation, and confirms the final landed-cost estimate for your country.
3
Export documentation
We prepare the export certificate, invoice, bill of lading, and any destination-specific paperwork required for clearance.
4
Shipping
RoRo or container shipping from the nearest Japanese port to your destination port, with tracking the whole way.
5
Clearance & delivery
We hand off to your customs broker with a complete document pack, and coordinate final delivery or collection.

New Zealand Vehicles import FAQ

Is there import duty on Japanese cars in New Zealand?

What is entry certification?

Do hybrids and EVs get any benefit?

How long is shipping from Japan to New Zealand?

Related import guides

Ready to import Japanese vehicles to New Zealand?

Browse verified listings and request a quote — quality inspection and managed export included.

Browse Vehicles How it works