Importing a Kei Truck to New Zealand
New Zealand
Is it allowed?
Yes Kei-class / mini-vehicles (660cc or under) must have been manufactured on or after 1 July 2000 to meet the accepted frontal-impact standard. A kei vehicle built before 1 July 2000 cannot be road-registered in New Zealand. A Suzuki Carry DA63T (produced from 2002) clears this easily.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Right-hand drive (RHD) acceptance
Allowed New Zealand is a right-hand-drive country, so kei trucks fit naturally with no steering conversion — a positive over left-hand-drive markets.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Age / eligibility rule
Mini-vehicles (≤660cc) must be manufactured on or after 1 July 2000 to meet the frontal-impact standard. Anything built before that date is ineligible for road registration — the make-or-break check for older kei models.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Taxes summary
15% GST on the landed value (vehicle plus shipping and insurance), plus a Clean Car Standard (CCS) CO₂ charge or credit administered via the importer's online CCS account.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Registration authority
NZTA / Waka Kotahi (standards, entry certification, and registration); Ministry for Primary Industries (biosecurity); NZ Customs.
Common entry ports
- Auckland
- Christchurch
Buyer notes
Kei-specific documentation: for mini-vehicles (≤660cc) you must provide the original export certificate issued by Japan's Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organisation — not the MLIT export certificate used for larger vehicles — plus the detailed registration-history certificate and an ownership trail. Process: (1) border inspection (often by JEVIC in Japan as MPI's agent); (2) customs and biosecurity (MPI) clearance — NZ biosecurity is strict on soil/contaminants; (3) entry certification, which identifies any repairs required; (4) Clean Car Standard charge or credit based on CO₂; (5) registration. Source: nzta.govt.nz (Used vehicles from Japan; The importing process); NZTA frontal-impact / kei-class guidance.
Step overview
- 1. Source and purchase your kei truck from Japan (auction, dealer, or exporter).
- 2. Arrange export paperwork and shipping (RoRo or container) to New Zealand — common ports: Auckland, Christchurch.
- 3. Clear customs and pay applicable duties/taxes (see Taxes summary above).
- 4. Pass border inspection and MPI biosecurity/customs clearance, then entry certification with NZTA / Waka Kotahi before registration.
- 5. Register and insure the vehicle for road use.
This is a general outline. Confirm the exact sequence and requirements with NZTA / Waka Kotahi (standards, entry certification, and registration); Ministry for Primary Industries (biosecurity); NZ Customs. or a licensed import agent before committing to a purchase.
Related Resources
Ready to import your kei truck?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with export specialists who can make it happen.
Request a Free Quote →