I want to import a car from Japan. What safety standards must it meet?

What the Law Says

The importation of road vehicles into Australia is governed by the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 and supporting rules. Vehicles must comply with applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) unless exempted, and undergo assessment and approval before first use on Australian roads.

All imported vehicles — including those from Japan — must meet the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) that were in force at the time the vehicle was first supplied to market overseas, or the ADRs applying to new vehicles of that type in Australia, depending on eligibility. The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 establishes the legal framework for vehicle safety, emissions, and anti-theft requirements.

The Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 set out specific conditions for importing used vehicles, including age restrictions, required modifications, and evidence of compliance. For example, vehicles older than 30 years may qualify for exemption under certain heritage provisions, but most Japanese imports (e.g., Kei cars or recent models) must fully comply with current ADRs relevant to their class.

Importers must apply for a Road Vehicle Standards Approval (RVSA) before the vehicle enters service. This includes providing evidence of ADR compliance — often via an Independent Certifier Report — and paying the applicable fee. Failure to obtain approval before using the vehicle on public roads is an offence.

Statutory Text

A road vehicle must not be supplied to the Australian market unless it complies with the applicable Australian Design Rules.

— Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, s. 16 — Requirement to comply with Australian Design Rules

Statutory Text

The Minister may approve a road vehicle for supply to the Australian market only if satisfied that the vehicle complies with the applicable Australian Design Rules.

— Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, s. 27(1) — Grant of approval

What to Do

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