How to Import Mini Trucks to Australia

Importing a mini truck to Australia is a straightforward process that has been done by hundreds of people already. When buying through MT.net, we will connect you to all the parties you need to know to get your truck safely into Australia from Japan. Below, please find information on the two main ways you can go about importing them- anyone can do it!

The Australian import process

For either of the import methods, you need to go through the following steps:
1

Purchase and shipment

First of all, you need to find your mini truck and purchase it in Japan. Minitrucks.net supports you 100% of the way with this step. Our team of experienced buyers inspect all mini trucks before purchase, and our logistics team can organize shipments worldwide. We also translate and prepare all necessary documents for customs clearance. Dereg documents are sent to all parties once the vehicles are paid for and en route to the arrival port. Check out our current inventory to see what we have available.

2

Customs and port clearance

There are two options to handle customs and port clearance: a) Customs Broker: Hire a firm to receive and process all paperwork to get the mini truck through customs. This is the safest and easiest way to get your mini truck imported. b) Self-Submission: Handle all paperwork on your own. This option is possible for anyone and could save you money in customs fees. We will support you and/or your customs broker with all necessary paperwork and information needed to get your mini truck through customs.

3

Domestic transport from port

Our shipping partners can also assist you to get your truck from the port to your home, or directly to your preferred shop that will be completing the compliance process. Alternatively, if you have a trailer and live close to a major port, then you are free to get your truck directly from the port. Customs brokers can aid in getting clearances to retrieve your vehicle from the port.

4

Registration for street use

The final step in the process is to get your truck complied for registration in Japan, and then complete a standard roadworthiness check to get the car registered for road use in Australia. We have a nationwide network of partner shops that can complete the compliance and registration process for you, so you can have assurance that the truck will be ready for the road once it gets to your garage. Contact us today to learn more about shipping, compliance, and registration costs for your next kei truck purchase.


Street legal mini trucks in Australia

In order to register your mini truck to be street legal in Australia, it will need to be on the SEVS list or be 25 years old.

25-year old mini trucks

You can register and drive Japanese mini trucks in most states if they are over 25 years old.

Since most Japanese mini trucks were never sold in the Australian market, they have not been certified by the government for street use. Despite this, recently passed Australian laws exempt cars that are 25 years or older, based on the manufacture date. This means that 25 year old mini trucks are street legal and can be registered and plated.

A silver Suzuki Carry DA16T at the port in Australia.

Under 25-year old mini trucks

In addition to the 25 year law, there is a program called SEVS that allows for special models to be approved for import into Australia.

Please check the chart below to see which mini trucks are included on the SEVS list.

SEVS mini trucks that are street legal in Australia

The following mini truck and van models are legal to import to Australia:

Source: Australian Government

Model Chassis Code Year
Suzuki Carry DA16T 2013-Present
Suzuki Every DA17V 2015-Present
Daihatsu Hijet Cargo S200 Series 1999-2007
Daihatsu Hijet Cargo S321 2008-2020
Daihatsu Hijet Cargo S700 / S710 2021-Present
Daihatsu Hijet Truck S500 / S510 2014-Present
Mitsubishi MiEV Truck U68 2013-Present
Mitsubishi MiEV Van U60 Series 2011-Present