Vehicle Import Approval Australia: ROVER, SEVS and Compliance Explained

Quick Answer: How Do You Get Vehicle Import Approval in Australia?

The normal process begins by identifying the exact vehicle and checking which import pathway may apply.

• Confirm the vehicle's identity and eligibility.
• Check the relevant approval pathway.
• Check the SEVS Register and Model Report availability where applicable.
• Create or access a ROVER account.
• Submit the correct application and supporting evidence.
• Pay the applicable application fee.
• Wait for the assessment and respond to any information requests.
• Receive approval before arranging international shipment.
• Complete customs, biosecurity and any required compliance work.
• Complete RAV entry and state or territory registration where required.

What Is Vehicle Import Approval?

A vehicle import approval is permission granted under Australia's Road Vehicle Standards framework to import a particular vehicle, vehicle type or category of vehicle.

It does not necessarily mean that the vehicle:

Import approval is one stage of a broader process.

Depending on the approval pathway, additional work can include:

A vehicle can have federal import approval but still fail to satisfy a state registration authority's requirements. NSW guidance specifically tells buyers to check NSW registration requirements before importing because registration can be refused when those requirements are not met. [3]

• Is ready to drive;
• Has cleared customs;
• Has passed biosecurity inspection;
• Complies with every applicable Australian standard;
• Has been entered on the RAV;
• Or can automatically be registered in every state.
• Customs declaration and tax assessment;
• Cleaning or biosecurity treatment;
• Modifications under an approved Model Report;
• Verification by an approved verifier;
• Entry on the Register of Approved Vehicles;
• State inspection;
• Compliance certification;
• Compulsory insurance;
• And registration.

What Is ROVER?

ROVER is the Australian Government's online vehicle approval portal.

It is used to:

ROVER also provides access to public approval information, including:

Creating a ROVER account does not itself provide permission to import a car. The correct application must be lodged and approved.

Important 2026 ROVER Update From 1 July 2026, RAV submissions for applicable vehicle categories must include motive-power data. ROVER states that submissions for category L, M or N vehicles without this information will fail, except for trailers where the field does not apply. This requirement is mainly relevant to approval holders, workshops and parties submitting vehicles to the RAV, but buyers may encounter delays if vehicle data is incomplete. [4]

• Submit and pay for applications;
• Monitor an application's progress;
• Receive requests for additional information;
• Respond to those requests;
• And receive the final decision.
• Road vehicle type approvals;
• The Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Register;
• Approved Model Reports;
• Registered Automotive Workshops;
• Authorised vehicle verifiers;
• And the Register of Approved Vehicles. [4]

Which Vehicle Import Approval Pathway Applies?

There is no single approval pathway for every imported vehicle.

The appropriate route can depend on:

Vehicle Type Approval

Vehicle type approval is generally intended for commercial supply of an approved vehicle type.

The Department states that a vehicle type approval permits an unlimited number of vehicles of a particular type to be imported and is generally used for commercial importation. [1]

This pathway is different from a buyer importing one specific vehicle.

Concessional RAV Entry Approval

A concessional RAV entry approval may apply to eligible categories including:

A vehicle granted the relevant approval can proceed toward RAV entry after its approval conditions have been satisfied. RAV entry then makes the vehicle available for consideration by a state or territory registration authority, subject to local requirements. [5]

Non-RAV Entry Approval

Some vehicles may qualify for an approval that does not involve entry on the RAV.

These pathways can apply to specific purposes or circumstances and should not be assumed to provide a route to normal road registration. Applications must still be made before import, and the applicant should allow sufficient assessment time. [6]

• Whether one vehicle or multiple vehicles are being imported;
• Whether the vehicle will be sold commercially;
• Whether it is a specialist or enthusiast model;
• Whether it is over 25 years old;
• Whether it is being imported as personal effects;
• Whether it requires modification;
• And whether it will be used on public roads.
• Certain older vehicles;
• Specialist and enthusiast vehicles requiring modification by a Registered Automotive Workshop;
• Some personal-effects vehicles;
• Eligible special-purpose vehicles;
• Certain trailers;
• And other vehicles satisfying the relevant criteria.

What Is the SEVS Register?

SEVS stands for Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles.

The SEVS Register is a public database of vehicle models and variants assessed as meeting specialist and enthusiast eligibility criteria.

It is relevant to many buyers looking for:

Common misunderstanding

A vehicle appearing on the SEVS Register is not the same as having approval to import that vehicle. ROVER expressly states that SEVS entry is not an import approval. A separate approval is still required for the individual vehicle or relevant supply pathway. [7]

Why the Exact Variant Matters

SEVS eligibility can apply to particular variants rather than every version sharing the same model name.

Relevant differences can include:

For example, one drivetrain or model code may appear on the Register while another version of the same vehicle does not.

Therefore, do not check eligibility using only broad names such as:

Check the exact:

• JDM performance vehicles;
• Rare Japanese variants;
• Specialist luxury cars;
• Unique hybrid models;
• Limited-production vehicles;
• Or specifications not generally supplied through the Australian market.
• Engine configuration;
• Transmission;
• Drivetrain;
• Body type;
• Model code;
• Build period;
• And other design characteristics.
• Toyota Crown
• Nissan Skyline
• Honda Civic
• Lexus LS
• Mitsubishi Evolution
• Make
• Model
• Variant
• Chassis or model code
• Build month and year
• Engine
• Transmission
• Drivetrain
• Body type

Does a SEVS Vehicle Need a Model Report?

A vehicle imported through the pathway involving modification by a Registered Automotive Workshop generally needs access to an approved Model Report.

A Model Report contains the information and work instructions needed to bring the covered vehicle into conformity with the applicable requirements.

Government guidance recommends checking whether an approved Model Report exists before purchasing a SEVS vehicle and discussing the proposed vehicle with a Registered Automotive Workshop. [8]

A Model Report may define:

The existence of a Model Report does not mean every condition of every vehicle will be acceptable. The exact car must still match the scope of the report and satisfy the applicable approval conditions.

• The precise vehicles it covers;
• Identification requirements;
• Inspection procedures;
• Required modifications;
• Testing requirements;
• Evidence requirements;
• And instructions for verifying the completed vehicle.

What Is a Registered Automotive Workshop?

A Registered Automotive Workshop, commonly shortened to RAW, is an approved workshop authorised under the Road Vehicle Standards framework to perform applicable vehicle modifications in accordance with approved Model Reports.

For an eligible SEVS vehicle, the process can involve:

The Road Vehicle Standards glossary describes a RAW as an approval holder that can modify applicable vehicles according to Model Reports. [9]

A dealer, importer or ordinary mechanical workshop should not be described as a RAW unless it actually holds the required approval.

• Obtaining the relevant concessional approval;
• Importing the approved vehicle;
• Delivering it to an approved RAW;
• Completing the work required by the Model Report;
• Having the vehicle checked by an Authorised Vehicle Verifier;
• And entering the vehicle on the RAV after successful verification.

What Is an Authorised Vehicle Verifier?

An Authorised Vehicle Verifier, or AVV, independently checks applicable vehicles after the necessary work has been completed.

For a relevant specialist and enthusiast vehicle, the AVV verifies that the vehicle and its modifications conform to the approved Model Report and applicable requirements.

Once verification is successfully completed, the vehicle can be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles.

Government guidance explains that Model Report modifications must be completed and verified before RAV entry. [8]

What Is the Register of Approved Vehicles?

The Register of Approved Vehicles, commonly known as the RAV, is a publicly searchable online database.

It contains vehicles that have met the applicable Road Vehicle Standards requirements and have been approved for provision to the Australian market. [10]

The public RAV search allows a vehicle to be checked using its permanently marked VIN. [11]

RAV entry is important, but it does not replace:

A RAV entry makes a vehicle available for registration consideration, but the final registration decision remains with the relevant state or territory authority.

• Customs clearance;
• Biosecurity clearance;
• State-specific inspections;
• Compulsory insurance;
• Registration fees;
• Or state registration requirements.

Does an Imported Car Still Need a Compliance Plate?

The phrase “compliance plate for imported vehicle” remains common in searches, but Australia's current system uses the online RAV for vehicles approved under the Road Vehicle Standards framework.

Older vehicles approved under the previous Motor Vehicle Standards system may have physical identification plates rather than a modern RAV record.

The government's public RAV search notes that some vehicles approved before the commencement of the current legislation may not appear on the RAV because physical identification plates were used under the earlier system. [12]

Therefore:

• A newer imported vehicle may be verified through its RAV record;
• An older import may have documentation or a physical plate under the previous system;
• And the appropriate evidence depends on the vehicle and its approval date.

Step 1: Identify the Exact Vehicle

Collect the complete vehicle information before bidding or paying a deposit:

Listing photographs and a general model name are not enough for an eligibility assessment.

• Make and model;
• Variant;
• Model or chassis code;
• VIN or chassis number;
• Build date;
• Engine;
• Transmission;
• Drivetrain;
• Body type;
• Seating capacity;
• Current modifications;
• And intended use.

Step 2: Check the Potential Approval Pathway

Determine whether the proposed vehicle may qualify through:

Do not purchase first and investigate the pathway later.

• A vehicle type approval;
• A SEVS and RAW pathway;
• The older-vehicle criterion;
• Personal effects;
• Another concessional RAV entry category;
• Or a non-RAV pathway.

Step 3: Check SEVS and Model Report Information

For a specialist or enthusiast vehicle:

SEVS entry alone is not sufficient approval. [7]

• Search the exact variant on the SEVS Register;
• Confirm the entry is current;
• Check whether an approved Model Report exists;
• And discuss the proposed purchase with an appropriate RAW where necessary.

Step 4: Calculate the Full Budget

Before purchase, calculate more than the overseas vehicle price.

The budget may include:

GST generally applies to most imported road vehicles at 10% of the value of the taxable importation. Customs duty depends on the tariff classification and customs value, while Luxury Car Tax can apply above the relevant threshold. [13]

For the 2026-27 financial year, the published Luxury Car Tax thresholds are A$91,661 for fuel-efficient vehicles and A$80,809 for other luxury vehicles. The LCT rate remains 33% on the applicable value above the threshold, subject to the statutory formula and exemptions. [14]

• Vehicle purchase: Auction or dealer price
• Japan-side costs: Auction fees, inland transport and export documents
• Inspection: Auction sheet, physical inspection and verification
• Import approval: Application and administration costs
• Shipping: Freight and marine insurance
• Customs: Brokerage, declaration and processing
• Taxes: GST, possible duty and possible Luxury Car Tax
• Biosecurity: Inspection, cleaning or treatment
• Compliance: Model Report work, workshop costs and verification
• Registration: State inspection, insurance, duty and registration
• Delivery: Transport to the buyer

Step 5: Submit the Application Through ROVER

The applicant must complete the correct application, upload the required evidence and pay the applicable fee.

Evidence may differ according to the pathway but can include:

The applicant must respond accurately to any request for further information.

• Identification documents;
• Purchase or ownership evidence;
• Vehicle specifications;
• Build-date evidence;
• Photographs;
• VIN or chassis information;
• SEVS entry details;
• Model Report information;
• Evidence supporting an older-vehicle application;
• Or documents supporting another eligibility criterion.

Step 6: Receive Approval Before Shipping

Do not arrange shipment merely because:

Wait until the required approval has been granted and review all conditions attached to it.

Government guidance requires approval before a road vehicle is imported. [1]

• The model appears on SEVS;
• Another example has previously been imported;
• A seller says it is eligible;
• Or an application has been submitted.

Step 7: Purchase and Inspect the Vehicle

When purchasing a Japanese used car, check:

A vehicle that changes materially after approval may create additional complications.

• Auction sheet;
• Mileage evidence;
• Service history;
• Accident and repair history;
• Rust or corrosion;
• Flood indicators;
• Mechanical condition;
• Warning lights;
• Modifications;
• Missing components;
• And whether the vehicle still matches the approved specification.

Step 8: Arrange Shipping and Documentation

Shipping documentation can include:

Keep the documentation consistent. Differences in chassis details, purchase price or vehicle description can cause delays.

• Invoice or bill of sale;
• Export certificate;
• Deregistration records;
• Import approval;
• Bill of Lading;
• Freight and insurance records;
• Inspection reports;
• And ownership evidence.

Step 9: Complete Customs and Tax Processing

When the vehicle reaches Australia, it must be declared to Australian Border Force.

The process may involve:

ABF advises that it assesses the amounts payable when the import declaration is processed. [13]

• Customs valuation;
• Tariff classification;
• Payment of duty where applicable;
• GST;
• Luxury Car Tax where applicable;
• Import processing charges;
• And supporting purchase and freight documents.

Step 10: Complete Biosecurity Clearance

Import approval does not replace Australia's biosecurity requirements.

The vehicle should arrive free from:

Vehicles may require inspection, cleaning or treatment before release. Additional intervention can lead to storage costs and delays.

• Soil;
• Plant material;
• Seeds;
• Insects;
• Animal material;
• And organic contamination.

Step 11: Complete Compliance and Verification

When the approval pathway requires Model Report work:

• The applicable RAW completes the required work;
• The vehicle is checked against the Model Report;
• An AVV performs the required verification;
• And the vehicle is entered on the RAV after successful completion.

Step 12: Complete State Registration

Registration requirements differ by state or territory.

For NSW, the buyer may need:

NSW advises buyers to confirm registration requirements before importing the vehicle. [3]

• Vehicle import approval;
• Appropriate compliance evidence;
• A compliance certificate from a licensed certifier where required;
• Vehicle inspection;
• Proof of identity and ownership;
• Compulsory third-party insurance;
• And payment of applicable registration charges.

Can Vehicles Over 25 Years Old Be Imported?

An older vehicle may qualify under the concessional RAV entry pathway when it was originally built, or significantly modified, more than 25 years before the relevant application.

However, the “25-year rule” does not mean that a vehicle can simply be shipped without approval.

A successful application is still required. The resulting approval can provide permission to import the eligible vehicle and allow it to proceed toward RAV entry. [15]

Buyers should also check:

• Exact build date;
• Originality or modification history;
• Structural condition;
• Asbestos-related issues;
• Parts availability;
• State registration requirements;
• And insurance availability.

Common Vehicle Import Approval Mistakes

Purchasing Before Confirming Eligibility

A low auction price does not make an ineligible vehicle importable.

Checking Only the Model Name

The exact model code, variant and build date can determine whether a pathway is available.

Treating SEVS Entry as Import Approval

SEVS entry is only one part of the process and is not permission to import an individual car.

Ignoring Model Report Availability

A SEVS-listed vehicle may still be impractical to import if no suitable Model Report or workshop pathway exists.

Shipping While an Application Is Pending

An application being submitted does not mean it has been approved.

Underestimating Compliance Costs

Workshop modifications, testing, verification, cleaning and registration can materially affect the final price.

Assuming RAV Entry Guarantees Registration

State and territory requirements still apply.

Modifying the Vehicle Before the Process Is Complete

Non-standard parts can complicate identification, Model Report coverage, compliance, insurance or registration.

Using Inconsistent Documentation

Differences between the invoice, export certificate, chassis number and application evidence can lead to delays or further questions.

Buying an Already Imported Car vs Ordering a Custom Import

Australian buyers generally have two routes.

Buy an Imported Car Already Available in Australia

This may provide:

Before purchasing, verify:

Request a Specific Vehicle from Japan

Custom sourcing may suit buyers who need a particular:

The correct vehicle and approval pathway should be reviewed before bidding or purchasing.

Elite Motor Cars currently positions its service around both available imported vehicles and custom sourcing from Japan, with support described across inspection, shipping, customs, compliance and delivery. [16]

Choose your route

• A faster purchase;
• The ability to inspect a specific car;
• Clearer pricing;
• Less exposure to overseas shipping delays;
• And a simpler buying process.
• The VIN;
• RAV or previous compliance evidence;
• Registration status;
• Mileage evidence;
• Vehicle history;
• Warranty terms;
• And whether the quoted price is drive-away.
• Model;
• Variant;
• Year;
• Colour;
• Drivetrain;
• Mileage range;
• Condition;
• Or specification.

How Elite Motor Cars Supports Buyers

Elite Motor Cars imports and sells selected new and used vehicles from Japan and allows buyers to either browse available stock or request a specific vehicle based on their requirements. [16]

When contacting the team, provide:

The team can then discuss:

Import approvals, workshop modifications and verification must still be completed through the relevant government and approved-party processes.

• Required make and model;
• Exact variant where known;
• Preferred year range;
• Maximum mileage;
• Colour preferences;
• Required features;
• Total budget;
• Delivery location;
• And whether you prefer available Australian stock or custom sourcing.
• Available vehicles;
• Sourcing options;
• Inspection requirements;
• Likely import stages;
• Compliance considerations;
• And the appropriate next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vehicle import approval before shipping a car to Australia?

Yes. A road vehicle generally needs the appropriate import approval before it is imported. Applying for approval is not the same as receiving approval. [1]

Is being listed on SEVS enough to import a car?

No. SEVS entry is not approval to import an individual vehicle. A relevant import or concessional RAV entry approval is still required. [7]

What is ROVER used for?

ROVER is the government portal used to submit, pay for and monitor vehicle approval applications and receive decisions or requests for additional information. [4]

What is a Model Report?

A Model Report contains the evidence and work instructions used for applicable vehicle modifications and verification under the Road Vehicle Standards framework.

What does a Registered Automotive Workshop do?

An approved RAW can modify applicable vehicles according to an approved Model Report so they can progress through the relevant compliance and RAV process. [9]

What is the RAV?

The Register of Approved Vehicles is a public database of vehicles that have met the applicable Road Vehicle Standards requirements and have been approved for provision to the Australian market. [10]

Can I check whether a car is on the RAV?

Yes. The public RAV search allows a buyer to search using the vehicle's permanently marked VIN. [11]

Does RAV entry mean the vehicle is registered?

No. RAV entry and state registration are separate. The vehicle must still meet the requirements of the relevant state or territory.

Can any vehicle more than 25 years old be imported?

No. An eligible older vehicle may qualify under the relevant concessional criterion, but an application and approval are still required. [15]

How much does vehicle import approval cost?

The application fee depends on the pathway and application type. Additional costs can include sourcing, freight, customs, taxes, cleaning, compliance, verification and registration. The current fee should be confirmed in ROVER before applying.

Can an imported vehicle be registered in NSW?

Yes, provided it has the appropriate approval and compliance evidence and satisfies NSW inspection and registration requirements. NSW recommends confirming those requirements before importing. [3]

Is a compliance plate still required?

Current Road Vehicle Standards approvals generally use the online RAV. Older imports approved under the former system may have a physical identification plate instead. [12]

Looking for an Imported Car in Australia? Elite Motor Cars allows buyers to: • browse imported cars currently available for sale; • or request a specific new or used vehicle to be sourced from Japan. Browse Available Imported Cars

Final Checklist Before Buying a Vehicle Overseas

Before authorising a bid or purchase, confirm:

• □ Exact make, model and variant
• □ Chassis or model code
• □ VIN or chassis number
• □ Build month and year
• □ Potential approval pathway
• □ SEVS entry where applicable
• □ Approved Model Report availability
• □ RAW availability where applicable
• □ Full purchase and landed-cost budget
• □ Auction sheet and inspection evidence
• □ Vehicle condition and modifications
• □ Insurance availability
• □ State registration requirements
• □ Approval before international shipment

Looking for an Imported Car in Australia?

Elite Motor Cars allows buyers to: • browse imported cars currently available for sale; • or request a specific new or used vehicle to be sourced from Japan. Browse Available Imported Cars

Request a Car from Japan

Contact details

Phone: +61 466 318 074

Email: sales@elitemotorcars.com.au

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Dealer Licence: MD100405