Importing vehicles from Japan to Australia involves a series of well-defined steps, each governed by specific regulations and requirements. At Nichibo, we’re here to guide you through every part of this process, ensuring compliance and clarity from start to finish. The visual workflow of Nichibo import process for Australia included in this post outlines the full journey, from placing a bid to clearing customs, providing a snapshot to complement the detailed breakdown below.

1. Vehicle Selection and Bidding

You start by browsing Nichibo’s online auction platform or working directly with our auction inspectors. You’ll have full access to auction sheets translated using AI. You can ask us any questions about the vehicle or the sheet. Our inspectors will physically check the car before the auction and report any discrepancies or concerns so you’re bidding with confidence.

2. Auction Results and Purchase Confirmation

Within 12 to 24 hours of the auction, you’ll receive an update by email and through your AutoSearch Auction Results Menu. If your bid is successful, Nichibo will issue your Purchase Confirmation. This document includes all the essential details required for applying for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) under Australian law.

Note: Importing a road vehicle without an approval is an offence under Section 22 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. – Road Vehicle Standards

3. Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) Application

You’ll need to submit a VIA application through the Department of Infrastructure’s ROVER system. The information Nichibo provides, including detailed photos taken within three working days, will support this application.

Access the ROVER application portal and details here: Government Source – VIA Application Guide.

Below is an example of a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) document.

4. Payment and Commercial Invoice

After receiving your Purchase Confirmation a commercial proforma invoice is issued. We request partial or full payment before booking shipping with the invoice issued when the vehicle departs Japan. This is an important step of Nichibo import process for Australia. All outstanding balances must be cleared before the vehicle will be released at the port of delivery.

5. Shipping Booked and Vehicle De-Registered

Nichibo books space on the next available vessel. Our operations team schedules the vehicle for shipment, and begins coordinating deregistration and pre-export cleaning.

Before shipping, every vehicle must be formally de-registered in Japan. This is a legal requirement handled by Nichibo through Japan’s Transport Bureau. Once processed, your vehicle receives an Export Certificate —a critical document for Australian customs and import procedures.

You’ll receive the electronic Export Certificate first, followed by physical copies once the vessel departs. Nichibo sends all export documentation directly to you and your compliance provider (RAWs) for processing.

Here is an example of a Export Certificate:

6. Biosecurity Compliance

Australia enforces strict biosecurity laws to prevent the import of contaminants. When required, your vehicle will receive BIO Security Cleaning & Heat Treatment. Nichibo handles this on your behalf, ensuring it meets the standards set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

More on vehicle biosecurity requirements: Biosecurity for Imported Vehicles

7. Departure and Documentation

Once your vehicle is on board (average transit: 10–15 days), Nichibo uploads all documentation to your account and can arrange to send you the original documents by express courier as required. These include:

• Commercial Invoice
• Original De-registration Certificate
• Bill of Lading

They are essential for customs clearance when your vehicle arrives in Australia. Unlike some markets, Australia accepts digital copies of key documents like the Export Certificate and VIA for customs and compliance purposes. Nichibo ensures these are available promptly to avoid any delays.

8. Arrival and Customs Clearance

When your vehicle arrives at the Australian port, you or your appointed customs broker need to take over the clearance and registration process using the documentation provided by Nichibo.

9. Compliance & Registration Preparation

After arrival, your vehicle must be processed by a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAWs) before it can be registered in Australia. This compliance step verifies the vehicle matches the approved Model Report for the Australian market and meets all necessary technical specs.

The RAWs workshop uses:

• The Export Certificate (dereg)
• Odometer Certification (e.g. JEVIC)
• VIA (already issued while vehicle is on water)

Once compliance is complete, the RAWs shop issues a Consumer Information Notice (CIN)—your proof that the vehicle is roadworthy and ready for registration.

Note: Model Reports, which are required for compliance, are typically sourced through RAWs workshops. While some dealers may find it complex to obtain these reports independently, Nichibo’s support network and familiarity with the process can help streamline this step for you.

Here is an example of a Model Report document:

Here is an example of an Odometer Certification:

Here is an example of a Consumer Information Notice (CIN):

10. Registration in Your State or Territory

After customs clearance and compliance checks, you can register your vehicle with your local state or territory transport authority—making it road-legal and ready to drive or resell.

Why This Matters

With Nichibo, you’re not just buying a car—you’re gaining a reliable process and a partner who ensures your vehicle arrives smoothly and compliantly. This structured approach saves you time, reduces risks, and protects your margins. Whether you’re gearing up for Australia’s registration peaks or securing hard-to-find stock ahead of the curve, now is the time to act.