Importing a Kei Truck to Australia

🚙 Is it allowed?

Yes Australia has two separate import pathways for kei trucks. Pathway 1 (age exemption): kei trucks 25 years or older from month of manufacture can be imported and registered for public road use — no SEVS listing required. Pathway 2 (SEVS): kei trucks newer than 25 years can still be imported, but only if the specific model and variant appears on the current SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) Register of Approved Vehicles, and only through a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) that handles compliance modifications to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) before a Used Import Plate is issued. Always verify your exact model and variant against the current SEVS list before purchasing — not every kei truck variant qualifies, and the list changes.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

🔄 Right-hand drive (RHD) acceptance

Allowed Australia drives on the left — RHD is the standard configuration, so kei trucks need no steering conversion. This is a configuration advantage over LHD markets.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

📅 Age / eligibility rule

Two pathways. Pathway 1 (age exemption): 25 years or older from month of manufacture qualifies for import and road registration with no SEVS requirement. Pathway 2 (SEVS): trucks under 25 years old require their specific model and variant to appear on the current SEVS Register of Approved Vehicles, and must pass through a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) for compliance modification to meet Australian Design Rules before a Used Import Plate is issued. Caution: in 2024, some kei car models including the Suzuki Hustler were found not to meet Australian side-impact crash-safety regulations and had their import approval suspended — a direct illustration of why the SEVS list must be checked at the time of purchase, not assumed from older information.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

💰 Taxes summary

Import duty applies on the customs value; GST (10%) is charged on the customs value including freight and insurance. The Luxury Car Tax (LCT) is unlikely to apply to kei trucks given their values. SEVS-pathway imports also incur RAW compliance modification costs — budget AUD 1,000–2,000+ for required upgrades to meet Australian Design Rules, on top of the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) application fee of approximately AUD 50. Age-exemption (25-year) imports generally avoid RAW compliance costs. Always confirm current rates with your import agent and the Department of Infrastructure.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

🏛️ Registration authority

The Department of Infrastructure handles the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) and the SEVS/RAWS compliance framework. Once a truck has its Used Import Plate (SEVS pathway) or has cleared the age exemption, state registration is handled by: Service NSW, VicRoads (Victoria), TMR Queensland, or equivalent authorities in other states.

⚓ Common entry ports

• Melbourne VIC
• Sydney NSW
• Brisbane QLD
• Fremantle WA