Car Import Calculator — Australia 2025-26
Importing a vehicle? See the total landed cost.
Estimate the total landed cost of importing a vehicle into Australia, including duty, GST, LCT, compliance, shipping, and registration so you can see the real on-road cost.
Australia Car Import Notes
Australian vehicle-import costs are often driven by duty, GST, luxury-car tax, shipping, and compliance work before the vehicle can be registered locally.
This version is tailored to Australian import planning, where landed cost can move materially depending on origin, compliance pathway, and luxury-car thresholds.
Australian version note: this car import keeps the calculation anchored to AUD amounts, local product names, Australian tax language, and the way banks, employers, agencies, or advisers usually describe the inputs.
Local cues stay visible where they matter: ATO, PAYG, superannuation, Medicare levy, stamp duty, kilometres, comparison rate, APRA, Centrelink, GST, and Australian-dollar results are not rewritten into overseas vocabulary.
Use the output as an Australian estimate first, then sanity-check it against local quotes, lender criteria, government thresholds, state rules, or professional advice before relying on the number.
Estimates only. Duty rates vary by country of origin — check FTA eligibility. LCT 2025-26: $76,950 standard · $91,387 fuel-efficient. Always consult a licensed customs broker.
Select the question that matches where you are right now.
Your result shows the total cost of getting an imported vehicle onto Australian roads. Import taxes alone (duty + GST) typically add 15–20% to the vehicle price; RAWS compliance adds another $3,500–$15,000 depending on the vehicle. For luxury vehicles, LCT can add another $10,000–$50,000+.
All Australian import taxes are calculated on the CIF value — Cost + Insurance + Freight. Make sure your shipping and insurance quote is included in the CIF calculation. A customs broker can confirm the exact customs value the ABF will use for your specific vehicle.
If you are importing from Japan, South Korea, USA, UK, Thailand, ASEAN, or China, your import duty is likely 0% under an Australian Free Trade Agreement — not 5%. Change the duty rate to 0% if your vehicle qualifies. This saves $2,000 on a $40,000 car. Always verify with your customs broker.
Before buying any vehicle overseas, contact an ABF-approved RAWS workshop and get a compliance quote. The compliance cost can vary enormously and a $2,000 difference in quotes is common. Some vehicles are significantly harder to comply than others — particularly European vehicles with more ADR differences. This is the step most first-time importers skip and later regret.
Luxury Car Tax (LCT) is the most expensive surprise for importers of high-value vehicles. At 33% on the amount above the threshold, it can add $20,000+ to your costs.
Standard vehicles: $76,950 (2025-26). Fuel-efficient vehicles (under 7L/100km): $91,387. If your vehicle is a hybrid, EV, or highly efficient petrol, use the higher threshold — it can save $4,800 in LCT. Use Detailed mode and select "Fuel-efficient vehicle" to apply the higher threshold.
LCT is not calculated just on the purchase price — it applies to the total taxable value including CIF, duty, and GST. This means a car with a CIF of $68,000, $3,400 duty, and $7,140 GST has a taxable value of $78,540 — above the $76,950 threshold even though the purchase price was below it. Always run the full calculation.
There is no legal way to avoid LCT on vehicles that genuinely exceed the threshold when imported for personal use. Some strategies that do not work: understating the purchase price on customs documents (illegal — ABF verifies values), buying through a company (LCT still applies), or claiming it is a commercial vehicle when it is not. The only legitimate threshold reduction is the fuel-efficient rate if the vehicle genuinely qualifies. Businesses registered for GST can claim the GST back (but not the LCT).
Australia has Free Trade Agreements with most major car-producing nations, meaning most vehicles qualify for 0% import duty. This saves 5% of the CIF value — typically $2,000–$8,000.
Japan–Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA, 2015) eliminated duty on Japanese-origin vehicles. This means any vehicle manufactured in Japan by a Japanese brand (not their overseas plants) qualifies for 0% duty. Set the duty rate to 0% in this calculator. This covers: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Suzuki (made in Japan).
All have 0% duty under bilateral FTAs. However, the vehicle must actually originate in the FTA country — not just be shipped from there. A Toyota made in the USA (many Camrys, Corollas) qualifies; a Japanese-branded car made in Mexico does not. Check the certificate of origin for your specific vehicle. Vehicles assembled in third countries but with sufficient FTA-country content may still qualify — your customs broker can advise.
To claim 0% duty under an FTA, you need a certificate of origin or preferential tariff declaration from the exporter. Your overseas agent or auction house should be able to provide this. Without documentation, ABF will apply the standard 5% rate. Plan for this before you ship — retrospective claims are possible but slow and complex.
Importing a car involves multiple agencies, significant paperwork, and 3–6 months of waiting. Here is what the process looks like end to end.
Before buying, confirm the vehicle can be legally imported. Check if it is on the SEVS list at infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports. If not on SEVS, contact a RAWS workshop with the VIN and confirm they can compliance the specific model and year. Get a written compliance quote. Do not buy until you have this — some vehicles cannot be complied at any cost.
In Japan, use an established auction agent (Goo-net Export, Japan Car Direct, Be Forward, etc.) who understands Australian export requirements. In Europe or USA, use a licensed vehicle export agent. Your agent handles: export deregistration, export permit, bill of lading, and invoice documentation for Australian customs. Poor documentation at export causes delays and extra costs at Australian customs.
A licensed customs broker handles your ABF import declaration, duty and GST payment, AQIS (biosecurity) clearance, and delivery from port to your RAWS workshop. Customs broker fees are typically $400–$800 — money very well spent. They know which documents are needed, what valuation ABF will accept, and how to minimise delays at the border. Going unrepresented through Australian customs without experience is possible but highly inadvisable — a single error can mean the vehicle sits at port for weeks at significant storage cost.
CIF value, 5% import duty, 10% GST, and Luxury Car Tax explained
Step 1: CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
All Australian import duties and taxes are calculated on the CIF value — the overseas purchase price plus shipping and insurance to an Australian port. This is also called the "customs value". CIF = vehicle purchase price + international shipping + marine insurance.
Step 2: Import duty (5%)
Australia levies a 5% customs duty on imported motor vehicles. The duty is calculated on the CIF value. Note: Australia has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, USA, UK, and others — some vehicles from these countries may qualify for reduced or zero duty. Verify at abf.gov.au/tariff-working-pages before purchasing.
Step 3: GST (10%)
GST of 10% is applied to the sum of CIF value + import duty. Formula: GST = (CIF + duty) × 10%. This means GST is calculated on the duty-inclusive value — you pay GST on the duty itself.
Step 4: Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
LCT of 33% applies to the total taxable value of vehicles above the LCT threshold. For 2025-26: $76,950 for standard vehicles; $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles (under 7L/100km). LCT = (taxable value − LCT threshold) × 33%. Taxable value includes the CIF, duty, and GST. LCT can add $10,000–$50,000+ to high-value imports.
| Tax/cost | Rate | Applied to |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 5% (may be 0% under FTA) | CIF value |
| GST | 10% | CIF + duty |
| LCT (if above threshold) | 33% | CIF + duty + GST above threshold |
| RAWS compliance | $3,500–$15,000 (varies) | Fixed cost per vehicle |
| State registration | $500–$1,500 (varies by state) | Fixed cost |
What RAWS compliance involves, how to find an approved workshop, and the SEVS alternative
What is RAWS?
RAWS (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme) is the process by which vehicles not originally manufactured for the Australian market are assessed and modified to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Only ABF-approved RAWS workshops can issue the compliance plate that allows registration.
What compliance typically involves
- ADR assessment — identifying which Australian standards the vehicle does not meet
- Speedometer conversion (km/h if needed)
- Headlight adjustment/replacement (dipped beam alignment)
- Emissions testing (if applicable)
- Safety modifications (seat belts, side intrusion, airbag systems)
- Engineer certification for structural modifications
- Asbestos inspection (for older vehicles)
- Compliance plate issuance and ABF final approval
Typical RAWS costs by vehicle type
| Vehicle type | Typical RAWS cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese RHD (standard) | $3,500–$6,000 | Few ADR issues — most common import |
| Japanese RHD (performance) | $5,000–$8,000 | More ADR work, possible engineer cert |
| European RHD | $6,000–$12,000 | More complex ADR differences |
| LHD vehicle (US/Euro) | $15,000–$30,000+ | RHD conversion required — often not viable |
| Very old vehicle (pre-1989) | May be ADR exempt | Check eligibility at abf.gov.au |
SEVS — Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme
SEVS is an alternative pathway for vehicles on the approved SEVS list (rare or performance vehicles not available new in Australia). SEVS vehicles can be imported under a slightly different process and are often imported by specialist dealers. The SEVS list includes vehicles like certain Nissan Skylines, Toyota Supras, Honda NSXs, and other sought-after models.
From purchasing overseas to driving on Australian roads — the full import process
Step-by-step import process
- Check eligibility: Confirm the vehicle can be legally imported — check the SEVS list or confirm it meets ADR requirements. Contact a RAWS workshop first.
- Purchase overseas: Buy through a trusted dealer or auction (Japan: USS, BDS, TAA, Goo-net). Use a licensed importer/exporter agent in the source country.
- Pre-purchase RAWS assessment: Send VIN/details to your chosen Australian RAWS workshop for a compliance quote before buying.
- Shipping: Arrange RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) or container shipping. RoRo is cheaper (~$1,500–$2,500 from Japan); container gives more protection (~$3,000–$5,000).
- Australian Customs clearance: Your customs broker handles duty (5% of CIF) and GST. If over LCT threshold, LCT also paid at this point.
- AQIS (biosecurity) inspection: Australian Biosecurity Authority inspects the vehicle for pests, soil, plant material. Cleaning may be required (~$200–$800).
- RAWS workshop: Vehicle goes to ABF-approved workshop for ADR compliance work and compliance plate issuance.
- State registration: With compliance plate issued, register in your state as a used vehicle.
Typical total timeline
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Purchase to shipping (Japan) | 2–6 weeks |
| Shipping (Japan to AU) | 2–4 weeks |
| Customs clearance + AQIS | 1–3 weeks |
| RAWS compliance work | 4–12 weeks |
| Registration | 1–2 weeks |
| Total typical timeline | 3–6 months |
Which countries have reduced or zero duty on vehicle imports to Australia
Australia FTA duty rates for motor vehicles (2025-26)
| Country of origin | Import duty rate | FTA |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 0% (reduced to zero) | JAEPA (2015) |
| South Korea | 0% | KAFTA (2014) |
| Thailand | 0% | TAFTA (2005) |
| USA | 0% | AUSFTA (2005) |
| United Kingdom | 0% | A-UKFTA (2023) |
| ASEAN countries | 0% | AANZFTA |
| China | 0% | ChAFTA (2015) |
| India, Canada, most EU (excl. UK) | 5% (standard rate) | No FTA on vehicles |
Rules of origin
To qualify for the reduced FTA rate, the vehicle must originate in the FTA country — meaning it was manufactured there, not just transshipped through. For Japanese vehicles, this means factory origin is Japan (Nissan, Toyota, Honda, etc. — not their overseas plants). Verify with your customs broker before assuming 0% applies.
Temporary import (Personal Effects)
Returning Australian residents who have lived overseas for 12+ months can import a vehicle duty-free as personal effects under certain conditions. Contact the ABF for details — strict requirements apply including continuous ownership and use overseas.
❓ Frequently asked Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to import a car to Australia?
Total import costs on top of the car's purchase price typically range from 30–60% of the vehicle value. For a $40,000 Japanese car: import duty (0% from Japan under JAEPA) + GST ($4,000) + RAWS compliance ($4,000–$6,000) + shipping ($2,500–$3,500) + registration ($800) = approximately $12,000–$16,000 on top. For a European luxury car above the LCT threshold, add 33% LCT on the excess — costs can exceed 70% on top of car price.
Can I import any car to Australia?
Not all vehicles can be imported. The main pathways are: (1) RAWS — for vehicles that can be made ADR-compliant; (2) SEVS — for specialist/enthusiast vehicles on the approved list; (3) RAW (Registered Automotive Workshop) scheme for pre-1989 vehicles which may be ADR-exempt. Left-hand drive vehicles face additional barriers — RHD conversion is required and costs $15,000–$30,000+. Contact an ABF-approved RAWS workshop before purchasing any overseas vehicle.
What is the import duty rate on cars in Australia?
The standard import duty rate on motor vehicles is 5% of the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). However, Australia has Free Trade Agreements with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, USA, UK, ASEAN, and China — vehicles originating from these countries typically qualify for 0% duty. Always verify the duty rate applicable to your specific vehicle's country of manufacture before calculating costs.
Does Luxury Car Tax apply to imported cars?
Yes — LCT applies to imported cars just as it does to locally purchased new cars. The LCT threshold for 2025-26 is $76,950 for standard vehicles and $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles (under 7L/100km). The LCT rate is 33% of the value above the threshold. The LCT is calculated on the total taxable value including CIF, duty, and GST — so it applies to the full landed cost, not just the purchase price. LCT significantly increases the cost of importing luxury or performance vehicles.
Where these figures come from
Every threshold and tax rate on this page is taken from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) — the source of record for Australian income tax, Medicare levy, HECS/HELP repayment, and capital gains tax.
- Individual income tax rates (2025–26, Stage 3) — ATO — Individual income tax rates.
- Medicare levy & surcharge — ATO — Medicare levy.
- HECS/HELP repayment thresholds — ATO — Study and training support loans.
- Capital gains tax rules — ATO — Capital gains tax.
- GST rules — ATO — GST.
- Tax offsets & LITO/LMITO — ATO — Tax offsets.
Last checked: April 2026. Rates and thresholds are reviewed against the source of record each November, when annual adjustments for the following tax year are published.