Before you fall for a specific car, the first question is whether you can legally import it into Australia. There are two pathways, and between them they cover almost every JDM hero.
Pathway 1 — the 25-year older-vehicle rule
A vehicle manufactured 25 or more years ago is eligible under the Road Vehicle Standards Act's older-vehicle pathway, with an import approval applied for via ROVER. This is the simplest route and covers the classics:
- Toyota Supra Mk4 (1993–2002) — eligible.
- Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1989–1994), R33 (1995–1998) — eligible; R34 (1999–2002) rolling in through 2027.
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I–VII — eligible; later Evos following.
- Nissan Silvia S13/S14/S15, Mazda RX-7 FD, Honda NSX — eligible by build date.
Pathway 2 — SEVS for newer cars
The Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme covers a curated list of newer performance cars, imported through a Registered Automotive Workshop that performs the compliance work. Relevant SEVS-listed cars include the R35 GT-R, Evo X and various Honda Type R and Nissan Z variants.
Then: asbestos, always
Whichever pathway applies, every car must be certified asbestos-free before it clears customs — see the asbestos rule. We handle it on the New Zealand side.
Ready to cost one up? See how much it costs to import to Australia, or your state: Queensland, NSW, Victoria, WA.
Frequently asked questions
Which JDM cars can you import to Australia?
Vehicles manufactured 25 or more years ago are eligible under the Road Vehicle Standards Act's older-vehicle pathway — Supras, R32/R33 GT-Rs, Evos and Silvias qualify today, with R34s rolling in through 2027. Newer performance cars on the SEVS list come in through a Registered Automotive Workshop.
What is the 25-year rule in Australia?
It's the older-vehicle import pathway: a car built 25 or more years ago can be imported with an import approval (applied for via ROVER) rather than full compliance. It's the simplest route and covers most JDM heroes.
What is SEVS and which cars use it?
The Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme is a curated list of newer performance cars eligible for import through a Registered Automotive Workshop, which handles compliance and fits an identification plate. It covers cars like the R35 GT-R, Evo X and various Type Rs.
Do all imported cars need asbestos certification?
Yes — regardless of pathway, every imported vehicle must be certified asbestos-free before clearing Australian customs. We handle this in Auckland before the car ships.
