Import a car from Japan to NZ
Looking to source quality Japanese vehicles for your dealership? We can help. At Davey Japan, we bring the best of Japanese automotive excellence straight to New Zealand’s shores. Your entire importing journey – from researching and sourcing the right stock, auction bidding and shipping vehicles, all the way through to New Zealand border compliance, is all managed by our experienced team.
Eligibility for importing vehicles to New Zealand
There are specific vehicle import regulations imposed by the New Zealand government that have to be followed in order to successfully import a car into New Zealand. As experienced importers, we’ve been through the process thousands of times and have worked with dealers all around NZ to successfully get vehicles into the country.
We can handle all of the paperwork associated with Japanese import cars, but it’s important for dealers to be aware of the following:
Compliance
Vehicles sent to NZ undergo compliance checks on arrival into the country, the key areas are rust, previous damage history and structural integrity. It’s vital to have Davey Japan’s expert staff on hand inspecting vehicles prior to purchase to ensure they meet these strict criteria.
Local regulations
The latest regulations in NZ stipulate cars newer than 2012 onwards are eligible for import and subject to government registration fees based on the vehicles C02 emissions. These are a constantly moving goal post, so it’s vital to have our experienced staff on hand to keep you up-to speed. Vehicles must also have factory fitted ESC to be eligible.
Biosecurity
Due to New Zealand’s strict biosecurity regulations, cars need to be thoroughly cleaned and heat treated (depending on season) prior to leaving Japan, and will be inspected on arrival to NZ. Davey Japan handles all this for you prior to the vehicle leaving the country.
Ready to build an inventory that sets your dealership apart?
Talk to the Davey Japan team today.
Davey Japan simplifies importing to the NZ
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Source
Stocking your yard with the right vehicles at the right price is everything. Davey Japan gives NZ dealers direct access to Japan’s largest auctions, backed by an experienced team. Our dealer auction platform gives you exclusive digital access to the auction house listings that are closed to the general public.
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Secure
Our on-the-ground team are your eyes and ears on the ground in Japan. Japanese car auctions are closed to the public, so you need insiders who can attend these trade-only events to gain access to the vehicles. Our experienced team inspect the cars you’re interested in, send you detailed notes and photos, and when you’re ready, bid on your behalf.
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Ship
Getting your stock from Japan to your yard is easy and hassle-free with Davey Japan. Our team has over 20 years of experience with importing cars from Japan to NZ, and handle all of the paperwork, customs, clearance and routing. Our global network of shipping partners and customs brokers means your shipment arrives as quickly as possible – so you can start selling.
Why dealers choose Davey Japan as their Trade Partner?
We work with dealerships all over New Zealand who need a reliable partner to help them buy cars from Japan. Luckily, our experienced team has exported more than 70,000 cars all over the world, and our importation process is tried & tested.
End-to-end import management
We’re there to support your business every step of the way, from initial auction sourcing to vehicle selection, inspection and purchase. When it’s time to ship your purchases to NZ, we handle the logistics, shipping and compliance to minimise delay in getting your new stock ready to sell.
Vehicle selection
Whatever your budget and expectations, our buying team can help you find what you’re looking for. We keep abreast of the latest market trends and any changes to import regulations to ensure you’re sourcing the ideal vehicles for your customers in NZ.
Local experts
When it comes to Japanese car exporters to NZ, you need to look for partners on the ground locally in Japan. We go to all the major car auctions daily, across the country, to inspect and bid on the cars you’re interested in purchasing. Not only do you get the best deal, you can rest assured that our experienced team spot any opportunities or risks at the buying stage.
Keep up to date with digital auction alerts
Japanese auction houses are closed to the public, but the Davey Japan app has an exclusive auction tool that gives you real-time access in just a few steps. Get started by registering today.
FAQs about importing cars from Japan to NZ
Are vehicles from Japan compatible with New Zealand standards?
We have decades of experience exporting Japanese vehicles to New Zealand and know exactly what it takes to get your car in the country. We ensure our vehicles meet New Zealand’s strict importation standards. This means that when your vehicle arrives, you’ll be on the road fast.
How do I know I'm getting a good-quality vehicle?
At Davey Japan, our team of experts thoroughly inspects every vehicle at auction to ensure it meets our high standards of quality before we make a purchase. We go above and beyond by providing our customers with detailed inspection reports and high-quality photos of each vehicle so they can make well-informed decisions.
How is the auction process handled?
Our team will provide you with a list of vehicles that fit your requirements, and you can choose which ones you want to bid on. We will then use our knowledge of the market and negotiation skills to secure the best deal for you at auction.
How long does it take to ship a car to New Zealand?
Generally, standard shipping can take up to 4-6 weeks. However, delivery times may vary based on the carrier and the nature of the shipment – these factors also impact the cost of shipping. There is also a compulsory compliance process upon landing in New Zealand, which may take an additional 2-6 weeks, depending on conditions. The shipping time to New Zealand also depends on various factors, such as the shipping method (for example, roll on roll off), distance, customs clearance, and weather conditions.
Can Davey Japan assist with New Zealand import paperwork?
Yes, we provide all required Japan-side paperwork and translations for importing vehicles from Japan to New Zealand. Additionally, we have a long-lasting partnership with compliance centres and partners in New Zealand that can assist you with the import process and get cars to your yard legally and efficiently.
What is the cost of importing a car from Japan to NZ?
Costs do vary so it’s best to speak to an expert like Davey Japan for a customised quote. The cost of importing a car from Japan to NZ can depend on a lot of variables – such as the vehicle itself, the documentation required, shipping option, time of year, shipping route and ports. You also need to consider insurance and freight of the vehicle once it lands in NZ if you aren’t driving it from the port the car arrives to.
Need more information?
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you have. Get in touch today, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. You can also check our our frequently asked questions below.