What is the age restriction on imported cars in New Zealand?

Vehicles should not be older than 25 years in order for them to be imported in New Zealand.

Do I need a license from the government to import cars in New Zealand

No. There is no requirement for a license by the government. However, you need to obtain an import approval for both the importation of the automobile and the supply of the automobile within the New Zealand market.

How much car import tax must I pay when importing a vehicle from Japan to New Zealand?

Taxes and duties applied depend upon the country of origin. If the vehicle originates from a country with a free trade agreement with New Zealand, such as Japan, then only a 10% tax is charged.

Can I import a Japanese car to New Zealand?

Japanese cars can be imported in New Zealand through its seaports.

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Import Regulation

Year Restriction

No Restriction

Shipping Port

Auckland

Time to Ship

3 to 4 weeks

(can vary)

Pre-shipment inspection

Yes

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Used Cars Import Rules and Regulations in the New Zealand

Age Restriction

There is no age restriction for car import in New Zealand.

Right-Hand Drive Vehicles

You can import right-hand drive vehicles into the country

There are restrictions on the import of left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles, and left-hand drive vehicles (LHD) are converted to right-hand drive vehicles before registering and driving on the road in New Zealand.

Inspection

Before importing a vehicle into New Zealand from Japan, JEVIC and Quarantine inspection (MAF Biosecurity) must be done in Japan.

Moreover, all the used vehicles from Japan need to pass through Biosecurity clearance as they might contain several biosecurity contaminants, including high-risk pest species such as the Lymantria diaper (Asian gypsy moth). This is done to determine the type and degree of slippage.

Road Worthiness Check

The vehicles must undergo compliance checks before they can be driven on New Zealand roads. Keep in mind that if your vehicle has chassis damage, it will fail the compliance check, and you will have to pay a massive amount in repair costs.

Import Duties and Taxes on Used Cars in New Zealand

Generically, no tariff duty is applied on automobiles, and they are only subjected to a 15% sales tax.

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in New Zealand

Original commercial invoice
Original certificate of registration and title
Bill of lading (BL)
Original invoice
ID card/passport copy
Vehicle license document or insurance certificate
New Zealand Customs Client Code Application.

Used Cars for Sale in New Zealand - SAT Japan

Welcome to SAT Japan, your top destination for high-quality Used Cars for Sale in New Zealand. We take pride in offering an extensive selection of reliable, Whether you're looking for a compact car for city driving, a spacious family vehicle, or a powerful SUV, SAT Japan has the perfect car for you

Why Choose SAT Japan?

At SAT Japan, we are dedicated to offering our customers in New Zealand with the best car buying experience. Here's why choose us:

Wide Selection of Vehicles: Our inventory includes a variety of Used Cars for Sale in New Zealand, ensuring that you'll find the perfect car to suit your needs and budget.
Quality Assurance: Each vehicle undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets our high standards for quality and safety.
Competitive Prices: We offer competitive pricing on all our vehicles, making it easier for you to own a top-quality used car.
Expert Support: Our team of knowledgeable professionals is here to assist you every step of the way, from selecting the right car to arranging shipping to New Zealand.

Easy Shipping to New Zealand

No matter where you are in the world, SAT Japan ensures a smooth and hassle-free shipping process. We have established partnerships with reliable shipping companies to deliver your vehicle safely and on time. Our team will handle all the necessary documentation and logistics, so you can enjoy your new car without any worries.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

At SAT Japan, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to exceed your expectations by providing exceptional service and high-quality Used Cars for Sale. Don't just take our word for it - read what our satisfied customers in New Zealand have to say about their experience with SAT Japan. Browse our inventory of Best Japanese Cars and discover why discerning drivers choose SAT Japan for their Japanese used car needs.

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Customer Reviews

Audi A8

I really liked the category section of the site. It is helpful in an easier experience buying exactly what I wanted.

Lucas Clark

Jul 23, 2024

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Nissan X-TRAIL

Thanks to SAT for an amazing experience while buying my new Nissan. The service was great and the Nissan is even better.

Jack Johnson

Jul 23, 2024

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Toyota PASSO

Efficient and fast experience when buying my Toyota Passo. The teams were really helpful in scoping out exactly what I needed.

Carlos Fernández

Jul 23, 2024

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Toyota PROBOX VAN

For me this Toyota Probox is like hardworking friend. Every day I use it for movement and business things, and it keeps doing the job without complaint. The best thing is space. I can put many items inside and still drive comfortably. Car is not luxury type, that is true. Seats are little basic and road noise can enter sometimes when driving fast. But honestly, for this price and purpose, I think it is acceptable. Reliability is more important for me than fancy features. SAT Japan experience was smooth because they keep updating me during process. I was checking shipment and documents without stress. They also answered questions quickly which helped me feel relaxed. Fuel economy is very nice and maintenance cost is low. This car may look simple outside, but performance and usefulness are very strong. Good option for daily work and long-term use.

Aisha Ramathan

May 12, 2026

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Toyota VOXY

This vehicle surprised me in good way. I didn’t expect it to feel so comfortable while driving. Even on busy roads it stays stable and calm. SAT Japan helped me choose the right model for my needs instead of just selling random car. That made experience better. Very reliable vehicle and worth the money.

Iminza Elungata

May 12, 2026

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Toyota ALPHARD

The Alphard feels more like a luxury lounge than a normal car. The comfort level is outstanding and the ride quality is very smooth on both city roads and motorways. SAT Japan gave me confidence because they shared detailed information about the car before I committed. Their communication was professional and very polite throughout the process. Passengers have loads of space inside. Fuel economy is also surprisingly good for such a large MPV because of the hybrid system. This vehicle is perfect for family travel or executive use. Very refined and enjoyable to drive.

Laura Fletcher

May 11, 2026

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Toyota VOXY

This Voxy hybrid is brilliant for family travel. The cabin space is huge and the seats are very comfortable. Even with many passengers inside, the drive still feels smooth and quiet. SAT Japan impressed me with how organised they were. Everything from inspection reports to delivery timing was handled professionally. It felt like they genuinely cared about customer satisfaction. The hybrid system helps save fuel, especially in town driving, which surprised me for a vehicle this size. Visibility is excellent and parking sensors make driving easier than expected. Overall, this is one of the best family vehicles I have owned. Spacious, efficient, and extremely comfortable.

Walter Kensington

May 11, 2026

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VolksWagen GOLF TOURAN

I bought this Golf because I wanted something reliable and easy to drive, and so far it has done exactly that. The handling feels stable and the car stays comfortable even on rough roads. SAT Japan helped by making the import process much easier than I expected. They explained shipping and documents clearly, which removed a lot of stress for me. The car is not flashy, but it feels dependable. Fuel usage is reasonable and maintenance has not been difficult. For daily driving and family use, this car is a very smart choice.

Galbo Jirma

May 11, 2026

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VolksWagen GOLF

The Golf feels solid on the road and much more refined than I expected. Steering is sharp, suspension feels balanced, and the cabin is comfortable even on longer drives. It gives a nice premium feeling without being too expensive to maintain. My experience with SAT Japan was smooth from beginning to end. I appreciated the regular updates and the honesty about the vehicle history. It made me feel confident during the purchase. Fuel economy is decent and the engine responds well in traffic. This is a car that feels enjoyable every single day. Very practical and still fun to drive.

Nakwo Galgalo

May 11, 2026

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Import Regulation

Year Restriction

Shipping Port

Time to Ship

Pre-shipment inspection

Show More

Used Cars Import Rules and Regulations in the New Zealand

Age Restriction

Right-Hand Drive Vehicles

Inspection

Road Worthiness Check

Import Duties and Taxes on Used Cars in New Zealand

Documents Required for Import of Vehicle in New Zealand

Additional Information

Emission Standards

Entry Certification

Roadworthiness Check

Necessary Documents

Used Cars for Sale in New Zealand - SAT Japan

Why Choose SAT Japan?

Easy Shipping to New Zealand

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Why Choose SAT

Transparency

Affordability

Extensive Selection

Unmatched Customer Service

Customer Reviews

Audi A8

Nissan X-TRAIL

Toyota PASSO

Toyota PROBOX VAN

Toyota VOXY

Toyota ALPHARD

Toyota VOXY

VolksWagen GOLF TOURAN

VolksWagen GOLF

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