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Import Cars from the UK & Japan to New Zealand

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars and 4x4s directly to New Zealand ports. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to New Zealand. Whether you need a prestige car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK & Japan Car Export Service for New Zealand – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across the UK and Japan trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications.

All cars are thoroughly inspected and assessed for New Zealand import compliance. We verify emissions standards, frontal impact compliance, fuel consumption requirements, and overall standards suitability before purchase.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

  • Comprehensive compliance assessment for New Zealand standards
  • Emissions standards verification
  • Frontal impact standards evaluation
  • Fuel consumption requirements review
  • Electronic stability control (ESC) assessment
  • Full mechanical inspection
  • Thorough cleaning for biosecurity compliance

Car Shipping to New Zealand

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK & Japan to New Zealand car shipping service via major NZ ports, like Auckland Port, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with New Zealand import requirements.

Shipping Options:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping (most economical)
  • Container shipping (dedicated or shared 20ft/40ft)
  • High-level marine insurance included

Shipping Service Includes:

  • Bespoke sourcing, purchase, and inspection
  • Comprehensive compliance verification
  • Thorough cleaning for biosecurity
  • Transport to UK departure port
  • All documentation coordination
  • Entry certifier recommendations

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in New Zealand. We send all required documents to your address or your chosen clearing agent.

UK & Japan to New Zealand Car Import – What You Need to Know

New Zealand Car Import and Regulations

New Zealand has strict rules and regulations regarding emissions and safety guidelines. All vehicles must comply with approved standards before registration and use on New Zealand roads. The process is called "entry certification" and is rigorous and comprehensive.

Key Requirements:

  1. Entry certification: Mandatory inspection and approval process
  2. Right-hand drive: Most passenger cars must be RHD
  3. Emissions standards: Must comply with approved standards
  4. Frontal impact standards: Vehicles manufactured after certain dates must comply
  5. Electronic stability control (ESC): Required for vehicles manufactured after specific dates
  6. Fuel consumption: Certification required for most vehicles
  7. Warrant of Fitness (WoF): Similar to UK MOT, required for registration
  8. Biosecurity clearance: Mandatory quarantine inspection required 9.

Vehicle Eligibility:

New Zealand permits the importation of used and new vehicles from the UK, Japan, and other countries, subject to strict compliance standards.

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

  • Most passenger cars: Must be right-hand drive (RHD)
  • Exceptions: Some vehicles (vans, SUVs, motorcycles) may not require RHD
  • Verify requirements: Check with entry certifier for specific vehicle type

Vehicle Age Considerations:

  • No strict age limit: Vehicles of any age may be imported
  • Over 20 years old: May qualify for exemptions from some standards
  • Special interest vehicles: May qualify for exemptions
  • Immigrant vehicles: Different standards apply for returning citizens/new residents

Emissions Standards:

All vehicles must comply with approved emissions standards. Requirements vary by vehicle type and date of manufacture:

  • Vehicles from Japan: Original export/completion inspection certificate required
  • Vehicles from Europe: EC whole vehicle approval or UN/ECE approval plate/sticker, or statement of compliance
  • Requirements listed in Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual

Frontal Impact Standards:

  • Class MA vehicles (cars): Must meet approved frontal impact standard (with exceptions)
  • Class MB/MC vehicles (SUVs, 4x4s): Must meet standard if manufactured after 1 October 2003 (with exceptions)
  • Exceptions:
    • Vehicles over 20 years old
    • Special interest vehicles
    • Immigrating or returning to New Zealand

Electronic Stability Control (ESC):

  • Required: All MA, MB, MC vehicles must have ESC
  • From Japan: Vehicles with UN/ECE compliance from 1 November 2014 have ESC
  • From Europe: All MA, MB, MC vehicles from 1 November 2014 have ESC
  • Otherwise: Must verify presence of ESC system

Fuel Consumption:

  • Certificate required: All vehicles require fuel consumption certificate
  • From Japan: Original export/completion inspection certificate required
  • From Europe: Fuel consumption certificate from online tool
  • New Zealand: Online tool available to generate fuel consumption compliance information

Brakes Standards:

  • Heavy vehicles: Must comply with approved brake standards
  • Classes MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC: Must provide brake compliance evidence

Kai Mark:

  • Indicates modification: Kai mark after model code indicates vehicle has been modified
  • May not meet standards: Modified vehicles may no longer meet required standards
  • Verification required: Check with entry certifier to ensure compliance

Documents Required for New Zealand Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (UK Cars):

  • Copy of V5 Logbook (original not required for shipment)
  • Copy of valid MOT certificate (if arranging insured driver collection)
  • Commercial Invoice/Proof of purchase
  • Proof of ownership

For Japanese Vehicles:

Motorcycles over 250cc:

  • Original certificate of return vehicle inspection certificate from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)

Small motorcycles (250cc or less, over 125cc):

  • Original mini-vehicle notification certificate from Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association

Passenger vehicles (excluding mini-vehicles):

  • Original export certificate with type designation number (TDN) from MLIT, or completion inspection certificate
  • Must show applicable emissions code in industry model code

Mini-vehicles (660cc or less, Kei-Jidosha):

  • Original export certificate from Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organisation

Heavy vehicles:

  • Original detailed registration history certificate from MLIT
  • Original documents establishing ownership trail (bill of sale, purchase receipts)

For Emissions & Compliance at Entry Certification:

  • Emissions standards compliance evidence
  • Frontal impact standards compliance proof
  • ESC system verification
  • Brake standards compliance (heavy vehicles)
  • Fuel consumption certificate
  • Overall standards compliance evidence
  • Statement of compliance (if required)

For Customs Clearance:

  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Proof of ownership documentation
  • Entry certifier appointment confirmation
  • Certified English translations of all non-English documents

For Temporary Import (Carnet or Customs Bond):

  • Valid Carnet de Passage or Customs Temporary Import entry
  • Original registration documents
  • Proof of vehicle ownership
  • Insurance documentation
  • Warranty of Fitness (WoF) certification
  • ACC licensing premium receipt
  • Tyre stewardship fee payment proof

Entry Certification Process

The vehicle entry certification process in New Zealand begins with thorough research before purchase, including confirming applicable vehicle standards, checking for safety recalls, understanding Clean Car Standard implications, and consulting both a shipping agent and a registered entry certifier. Before shipment, the importer must provide compliance documentation and ensure the vehicle is fully cleaned to meet biosecurity requirements.

Upon arrival, the vehicle undergoes quarantine inspection by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), followed by customs clearance and a formal entry inspection by an approved certifier to confirm roadworthiness and standards compliance. Once approved, the importer completes registration through the appropriate registration agent, finalises any Clean Car Standard requirements, and the vehicle is issued registration plates and a licence for legal road use in New Zealand.

Entry Certifiers Available:

Immigrant Vehicle Exemptions

Eligibility Criteria:

If you are a returning New Zealand citizen or first-time immigrant with permanent residency, you may qualify for exemptions from some standards:

  • Must be returning NZ citizen OR have permanent residency
  • Must have lived outside NZ for 21+ months before return/arrival
  • Must apply within 18 months of arrival
  • Vehicle must have been owned and registered for 12+ months outside NZ
  • Cannot have previously imported another vehicle as "immigrant vehicle"
  • Cannot be importing for third party

Exemptions Available:

  • Exemption from some rigorous standards
  • Exemption from GST (15%) on vehicle import
  • May not have to prove frontal impact compliance
  • May not have to prove emissions standards compliance
  • Must still meet general safety requirements

Restrictions on Immigrant Vehicles:

  • Cannot be sold or used for hire for 24 months from registration date
  • Must sign deed agreeing not to sell for 2 years
  • If frontal impact/emissions non-compliant, must still meet general safety requirements

GST & Duty Exemptions

Goods & Services Tax (GST):

  • Standard rate: 15% on landed value (vehicle cost + shipping + insurance)

GST Exemption Criteria:

  • First-time immigrant with permanent residency, OR
  • Returning NZ citizen living outside NZ for 21+ months
  • Vehicle owned and used by you for 12+ months
  • Willing to sign deed not to sell for 2 years

Import Duty:

  • No duty: Private cars and motorcycles exempt
  • 10% duty: Motorhomes, caravans, vehicles with habitation facilities (sleeping/cooking)

Clean Car Standard:

  • Newer vehicles may receive rebate (up to NZ$12,500)
  • Older/high-emission vehicles may incur charge
  • Processed through online CCS account

Biosecurity Requirements

Mandatory Quarantine Inspection:

All vehicles must pass quarantine inspection by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before release.

Pre-Shipment Cleaning Essential:

Vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned before shipment. Areas frequently overlooked:

  • Wheels, tyres (including spare), wheel arches, mud guards
  • Spare wheel housing and boot
  • Engine bay corners, radiator, cooling fan, battery tray
  • Dashboard, air vents, under seats, checking for cobwebs/pests
  • Interior crevices and hidden areas

Quarantine Matter to Avoid:

  • Soil, plant matter, insects, pests, organic material
  • Any contamination affecting biosecurity

Temporary Vehicle Import

Carnet de Passage (CPD Carnet):

  • Document similar to vehicle passport
  • Obtained from authorised issuer in vehicle's home country
  • Must be obtained BEFORE shipping to NZ
  • Application takes over one month to process
  • Vehicle must be re-exported within 12 months (or carnet period)

Customs Temporary Import Entry:

  • Bond held by NZ Customs authorities
  • Bond covers GST that would apply if vehicle lost/sold
  • The bond amount depends on vehicle type and value
  • Bond refunded when vehicle re-exported within allowable timeframe
  • It is recommended to use customs broker for this method

Requirements for Temporary Import:

  • Importer must NOT be NZ resident or citizen (tourist only)
  • The vehicle must remain licensed in country of origin
  • Must pass Safety Inspection/Warrant of Fitness (WoF) in NZ before use
  • ACC licensing premium must be paid (covers medical bills if accident)
  • Tyre stewardship fee required for regulated tyres
  • Vehicle cannot be sold at any time during stay

Duration:

  • Maximum 12 months for temporary import
  • Vehicle must be re-exported within permitted timeframe
  • Failure to re-export may result in forfeiture of bond

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on New Zealand car import regulations, procedures, and standards, consult these official sources:

New Zealand Government Agencies:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to New Zealand?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to New Zealand. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about importing a car to New Zealand.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll ensure your vehicle meets all New Zealand standards and provide expert guidance through the entry certification process.

Frequently Asked Questions