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Looking to Import Car Japan to NZ?

Pioneers of the door-to-door service, Daiwa is constantly expanding and innovating their services. In turn, ensuring their customers’ needs are met in the most cost-effective and efficient way in order to import car Japan to NZ.

Load Ports

Moji, Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama

Discharge Ports

Auckland, Lyttleton, Wellington, Nelson

Estimated Time

16-33 days

Shipping Methods

Roll On/Roll Off (RO/RO) & Containerised

Import Cars from Japan to New Zealand

Import Cars From Japan To New Zealand

Japan to New Zealand Contact Form:

    Import Car Japan to NZ:

    In the Japanese Used Car Market, to import cars from Japan to NZ is one of the highest volume destinations. In 2018 116,253 used vehicles were shipped by Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) and Container to import cars from Japan to New Zealand. In fact, Japan to NZ car shipping via a RO/RO vessel is the most common transport method. However, car shipping Japan to NZ via a container is a specialised option usually preferred for luxury vehicles.

    Daiwa Logistics Co., Ltd. is a complete service provider of international transport and logistics to import car Japan to NZ. We have an experienced team that handles the complete process at competitive rates. Starting from pick up at your Auction House of choice in Japan, right through to Compliance. Lastly, delivery to your Yard, throughout New Zealand. 

    Most importantly, to make sure that when you import cars from Japan to New Zealand, it aligns with Vehicle Compliance Regulations. For more information, you can refer to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

    http://www.dolphinshipping.co.nz/

    Daiwa can help you not only direct import cars Japan to NZ but import vehicles from Japan of any kind. In other words, anything from heavy machinery, motorhomes, motorbikes & more. Daiwa is your one-stop shop to import vehicles from Japan. Therefore, whether you are a private individual looking at importing a car from Japan or a vehicle dealer that regularly import cars Japan to NZ, look no further.

    Import Cars Japan to NZ – Door to Door Shipping Service Explained:

    Step One: Daiwa will begin to import used cars from Japan to New Zealand by gathering the required documentation from your supplier. Our team will then arrange transport to the nearest international car transport processing yard.

    Step Two: Daiwa provides a Pre-Export Inspection which helps importers and internet buyers. It is a licensed and independent assessment of a cars overall condition before you import car Japan to NZ.

    Step Three: Daiwa will prepare export clearance and book space on a vessel that can import car from Japan to New Zealand. The car is then inspected pre-export by an authorised agent such as JEVIC. They check matters like odometer verification, biosecurity inspection, vehicle documentation and heat treatment if needed.

    Step Four: The car is then loaded into an international car carrier. However, this is subject to space availability and shipping schedules that can import car Japan to NZ. Daiwa Logistics can put you in direct contact with our New Zealand freight agent Dolphin Shipping. They will help form a smooth transition point once the vessel arrives.

    Step Five: Once the car arrives at a New Zealand port, it is inspected and transported to a compliance centre. They will check if your car complies with New Zealand road regulations. Once approved and registered, your car will be delivered to your chosen destination in New Zealand.

    In addition to Daiwa Logistics’ service to import cars Japan to NZ, Dolphin Shipping New Zealand can arrange nationwide transport. We believe that car shipping Japan to New Zealand is about providing a completely hassle-free process. Through their Dolphin Cartage website, you can place bookings for New Zealand-wide transport.

    https://www.dolphincartage.co.nz/

    New Zealand Compliance & On-Road Standards:

    New Zealand has strict compliance and on-road standards. Below is some information that you should read before importing a car from Japan into New Zealand.

    Fasttrack Compliance is Daiwa’s New Zealand Compliance partner. After importing a car from Japan, Fasttrack arranges a mandatory inspection on all “Fresh Imports”. When the vehicle passes inspection, it receives a WOF “Warrant of Fitness”. More Information on Fasttrack Compliance is listed below.

    https://fasttrackcompliance.co.nz/

    ESC “Electronic Stability Control”

    Importantly, ESC is required on all vehicles. Therefore, to import cars Japan to NZ you must ensure they meet ESC requirements. For reference, below is some information from the NZ Transport Agency on what ESC looks like for different manufacturers.

    https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/entry-certification/technical-bulletins/esc-id

    Takata Airbag Recall

    Before you import vehicles from Japan, you must ensure that there are no required Takata Airbag Recalls outstanding on the vehicle. Before you export car to New Zealand, Daiwa Logistics’ Export Inspection Company, JEVIC, ensures that the recalls are processed.

    https://www.jevic.com/jevic-initiatives/customer-site/takata-airbag-recall-search.html

    Alternatively, the NZTA lists further information on Airbag recalls on the below link.

    https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/entry-certification/technical-bulletins/takata-airbag-recall

    FAQs – Vehicle Import / Import Cars from Japan to New Zealand

    How long does shipping cars from Japan to NZ take?

    Car shipping Japan to New Zealand using Daiwa usually takes between 16 to 33 days. However, this depends on the cars specifications, shipment schedules, and the port of entry in New Zealand. New Zealand’s ports of entry when you import cars from Japan to New Zealand are Auckland, Lyttelton, Wellington, and Nelson. Daiwa is known to direct import cars from Japan to NZ promptly due to shipping line connections. Once you have proceeded with payment, your car will be on the next available Japan to NZ shipping vessel. However, the length of time could change when you import cars from Japan to New Zealand. Depending on the car going through New Zealand Customs and Compliance.

    What extra charges are there when you import cars from Japan to New Zealand?

    When you import cars from Japan to New Zealand with Daiwa, there are no hidden costs with our comprehensive package. However, you will have to cover the import tax (GST) personally for import cars from Japan to New Zealand. An import car Japan to NZ is exempted from the tariff duty and subject to goods/services tax (GST) of 15%. This tax is charged on all goods entering New Zealand including, import cars from Japan to New Zealand. The customer will have to personally cover this cost on top of the vehicle and Japan to NZ car shipping. 

    Import cars from Japan to New Zealand can end up being more than you initially budgeted. Especially, if you don’t research and calculate the tax before you import cars from Japan to New Zealand. Most people who import cars from Japan to New Zealand prefer the help and services of a dealer or a shipping company. Both can arrange the appropriate documentation and car shipping Japan to New Zealand. An import car from Japan to New Zealand, depending on the dealer, might incorporate the goods and services tax (GST).

    Exemptions for Duty and Tax free imports

    An immigrant or a New Zealander returning after more than 21 months could get concessions on vehicles, boats and planes. This concession means that you might not have to pay GST and duties on certain items if you are eligible. You are allowed more than one duty-free import car from Japan to New Zealand if you meet the requirements. Consequently, you cannot sell or dispose of any direct import cars from Japan to NZ under concession within two years. If you sell the import car from Japan to New Zealand within two years, you must pay Duty/Tax. To qualify for a duty-free import car from Japan to New Zealand, you will need to meet government requirements. For example, owning the vehicle for over a year for car shipping Japan to New Zealand to qualify.

    Duty and Tax Calculations

    • Private boats, yachts and other vessels: 5% GST
    • Motor vehicles for transporting more than 10 people: 5% GST 
    • Camper vans, ambulances and motor homes: 10% GST

    Can Daiwa import car from Japan to New Zealand if I have already purchased the car from a different supplier and what services do we provide?

    Yes, Daiwa can ship your car even if you have purchased it from another Japanese used car supplier. You will have to inform the supplier to choose Daiwa as your preferred Japanese used car exporter. Daiwa has the ability and relationships to coordinate used car export with any of the major vehicle suppliers in Japan. Therefore the process is straightforward for exporting cars from Japan to New Zealand. Daiwa import car Japan to NZ while offering innovative services to ensure their customer’s needs are met. Daiwa services include:

    • All direct import cars from Japan to NZ are offered transportation from the Auction House to Daiwa’s closest Forwarding yards.
    • Pre-shipment photographs of all direct import cars from Japan to NZ before leaving port. 
    • An import car Japan to NZ requires pre-export inspections, which Daiwa provides.
    • Export clearance for Japan to NZ car shipping.
    • Japan to NZ car shipping schedule and booking arrangements.
    • The de-vanning/stuffing of container shipments for Japan to NZ car shipping.
    • An import car Japan to NZ comes with marine insurance.
    • Repairs & Maintenance is provided for all import car Japan to NZ. 
    • The loading of your vehicle onto a vessel that can import cars from Japan to New Zealand 
    • When you import car Japan to NZ, Daiwa will track and report the entire journey for you.

    What documents and information do you need from me to import cars from Japan to New Zealand?

    Import used cars from Japan to New Zealand will need to present documentation to New Zealand Customs and Daiwa. Documents might be required throughout the process of car shipping Japan to New Zealand. Daiwa advises checking and gathering information before the process of car shipping Japan to NZ begins. As a guide, here are some of the information you need to import cars from Japan to New Zealand:

    • A Purchase Invoice (Proof of Legal Title) is needed for all direct import cars from Japan to NZ.
    • You will need to provide the full details of the seller, buyer, and vehicle (make, model, year, and chassis number) when you direct import cars from Japan to NZ.
    • An import car from Japan to New Zealand will need proof of emission standards, frontal impact standards, and overall stand.  
    • A fuel consumption certificate for any import car from Japan to New Zealand.
    • The import car from Japan to New Zealand must meet the light-vehicle brake test for electronic stability control (ESC).
    • When you import cars from Japan to New Zealand over 660cc you will need to provide an original export certificate. It will need to be issued by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). 
    • Import cars from Japan to New Zealand less than 660cc need a certificate issued by the Light-Motor Vehicle Inspection Organisation.

    Documents for import cars from Japan to New Zealand will need to be in English for New Zealand Customs. For more information on car shipping from Japan to New Zealand please go to the New Zealand Customs website. Daiwa can help you import cars from Japan to New Zealand by declaring vehicles on your behalf into New Zealand.

    New Zealand Customs: https://www.customs.govt.nz/

    Is it safe to import cars from Japan to New Zealand?

    Vehicle import from Japan to New Zealand started over 30 years ago, providing a cheaper car option. It allows New Zealanders to have access to better value and a wider model range. Used import vehicles from Japan are known for having lower kilometres and better specifications than other second-hand cars bought overseas. Daiwa helps you import car Japan to NZ safely by supporting you through every step from supply, purchase, and distribution. Daiwa is also one of the highest qualified Japanese exporters. Our team can provide car shipping Japan to NZ with a complete door-to-door service. The Japanese used car market is acknowledged worldwide to be consistent, reasonable, and forever increasing. The import car from Japan to New Zealand market gives New Zealanders the best combination of quality, price and safety.

    Most import cars from Japan to New Zealand are acquired online through a Japanese Auction House. As a result, it is easier to purchase a vehicle online while opening you up to internet fraud. Our team at Daiwa advises you to research the website or Auction House before purchasing a car. Daiwa can suggest reliable Auction Houses that specialise in import cars from Japan to New Zealand. Daiwa goal is to help customers safely import cars from Japan to New Zealand by offering knowledge and assistance. Daiwa even includes marine insurance when car shipping Japan to New Zealand. Marine insurance takes care of the loss or damage of your import car from Japan to New Zealand at sea. 

    When car shipping Japan to NZ, how are the cars transported?

    Daiwa is capable of doing a range of jobs. For example, private individuals who want to import car Japan to NZ for the first time. But also vehicle dealers that repeatedly import cars from Japan to New Zealand. Daiwa can help you not only direct import cars from Japan to NZ but import vehicles from Japan of any kind. For example heavy machinery, motorbikes, boats, motor-homes & more. Daiwa frequently securely packs and transports vehicles via containers or Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) when they import car Japan to NZ. These are flexible options that load onto most major ports like New Zealand. 

    Car shipping Japan to NZ via Roll-On/Roll-Off is an economical option when you import car from Japan to New Zealand. Dealers car shipping Japan to NZ via Roll-On/Roll-Off can import more than one car on the same vessel. Another option Daiwa provides is to direct import cars from Japan to NZ using a container. An import car from Japan to NZ using a container is usually for emigrants and luxury import cars from Japan. However, for emigrants car shipping Japan to NZ we suggest filling up the container to make it worthwhile. No matter if you choose to import car Japan to NZ via containers or Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) Daiwa will quickly be able to commence the car shipping Japan to NZ process quickly.