Sumotori Japan » SUMOTORI AUTO » Import cars from Japan to Australia

B2B vehicle supply from Japan to Australia

Import cars from Japan to Australia

Source Japanese performance, collector, and commercial vehicles for dealership and resale programs in Australia.

Group experience

Part of a business group working with Japan since 1991.

Licensed exporter

Licensed Japanese exporter and JUMVEA member.

2025 export volume

More than 20,000 vehicles exported in 2025.

Nagoya team

Export operations managed from Nagoya, Japan.

B2B focus

Built for repeat business purchasing.

Why Sumotori Auto

A Japan-side purchasing desk for Australian dealers

Buy directly from Japan without building your own auction, payment, storage, and export operation.

Buying platform

Dealer-only auction access

Search vehicles and review auction data through Yokozuna, our online platform for sourcing, pricing, and analytics.

Auction intelligence

Make informed buying decisions

Use translated auction sheets, grades, photos, statistics, and condition notes before you approve a bid.

Buying control

Control each purchase

Set the required specification and a maximum bid, then review the expected vehicle and logistics costs before buying.

Margin planning

Test the margin before buying

Add your local charges in Yokozuna to compare projected landed cost with the target retail or wholesale price.

Export execution

Leave Japan-side operations to us

We coordinate settlement, domestic transport, export preparation, port handling, and shipping.

Supply planning

Build a repeat supply program

Change the model mix and order volume from one purchasing cycle to the next around specialist, collector, and commercial demand.

Your team chooses the inventory and controls the resale plan while Sumotori Auto manages purchasing and export execution in Japan.

How the process works

From your buying brief to shipment from Japan

Five defined steps keep the specification, bid limit, condition evidence, and export status visible throughout the order.

01

Send your buying brief

Specify the model, chassis code, build date, mileage, grade, budget, volume, Australian port, and preferred delivery terms.

02

Receive a shortlist and purchase terms

We present matching auction lots and stock vehicles with the available condition data, photos, and purchase terms.

Before approval, you receive the agreed service fee, inland transport cost, sailing estimate, and Incoterms.

03

Approve the bid or stock offer

You set the maximum bid or confirm a stock offer. Our team completes the purchase and settlement in Japan.

No vehicle is purchased above the limit or outside the specification you approved.

04

Inspect and prepare the vehicle

After purchase, we complete the agreed Japan-side inspection and export preparation.

The vehicle is deregistered, moved to the export yard or port, and prepared for the agreed shipment method.

05

Book the shipment and receive documents

Once your Australian team gives written clearance to dispatch, we book the vessel, coordinate loading, and provide shipment details.

Your customs broker receives the commercial invoice, export certificate, bill of lading, and other agreed Japan-side documents for entry and clearance.

Australia import check

Confirm the approval pathway before we bid

Nominate your Australian compliance specialist and customs broker before purchase. We provide Japan-side vehicle data and export documents; the importer and appointed specialists manage Australian permissions, border clearance, and registration.

Age rule

Import approval before shipping

A road vehicle needs an import approval under the Road Vehicle Standards laws. Apply through ROVER and receive the approval before the vehicle is shipped to Australia.

Vehicle layout

SEVS, Model Report, and RAW

For an eligible specialist or enthusiast vehicle, confirm that the model is on the SEVs Register, an approved Model Report is available, and a registered automotive workshop can complete the required work. A SEVs listing alone is not permission to import a specific vehicle.

Pre-export check

Vehicles more than 25 years old

A vehicle built, or significantly modified, more than 25 years ago may qualify under the older-vehicle concessional RAV pathway. Build-date evidence is required for the application.

Import preparation

Biosecurity condition

Used vehicles and machinery must arrive clean and free from soil, seeds, insects, and plant or animal material. They remain subject to Australian biosecurity control and inspection on arrival.

Customs value

Customs value and taxes

Duty depends on tariff classification. GST is generally 10% of the taxable importation value, and Luxury Car Tax may apply to qualifying vehicles above the current threshold. Have the broker calculate the exact unit before purchase.

Local budget

RAV entry and local registration

After the approval conditions are met, the vehicle must be entered on the RAV before it can be presented for state or territory registration. Local registration requirements vary by jurisdiction.

FAQ

Before ordering a Japanese vehicle for Australia

Short answers on account setup, business eligibility, and shipping routes.

Send your company registration details and purchasing contact. We will verify the account, explain Yokozuna access, deposits, payment terms, and how to place the first order.

No. Sumotori Auto works with dealers, resellers, and business buyers.

Available ports and shipment methods depend on the vehicle type, carrier service, and current schedules. Share the destination and order profile; we will quote the available route from Japan.

Contact Sumotori Japan

Start cooperation with Sumotori Japan

Fill in the form and our team will contact you to discuss your request, available cooperation options and next steps.

  • Business cooperation requests and project discussions
  • Support for dealers, partners and business clients
  • Japan-based team for sourcing, export, logistics and related services

Contact information

Contact Sumotori Japan

Address
451-0044 Japan, Aichi, Nagoya, Nishi Ward,
2 Chome-20-22 Kikui, Garden Front Kikui 4F
Telephone
Fax
+81 52-526-4182

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