1
Engage an NZ-based import agent
An agent handles border arrival, entry certification, and compliance. Fees typically NZ$600–1,000.
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Importing a Kei Truck to New Zealand
No hard age cap; entry-cert and compliance-plate process at port.
Duty 0%
Eligibility: No age cap — older vehicles may face structural and emissions documentation requirements.
Step-by-Step
2
Pay deposit and ocean freight
Yokohama to Auckland or Tauranga, 14–17 days transit. Container freight runs NZ$3,600–4,400 per 40ft HC.
3
Customs clearance
0% duty for most kei imports. 15% GST applies on the CIF-plus-port-cost base. Border charges typically NZ$200–400.
4
Border MPI biosecurity check
Ministry for Primary Industries inspects for biosecurity contamination. Pre-wash the chassis before shipping to avoid fumigation fees.
5
VINZ or VTNZ entry certification
Border-arrival vehicle inspection certifies the kei is roadworthy. Fees NZ$300–500. Any required repairs add to the timeline.
6
Compliance plate and rego
Compliance plate fitted, then register with NZTA for the road. Annual WoF (Warrant of Fitness) applies thereafter.
Key Documents
- ✓Japanese export certificate
- ✓Bill of Lading
- ✓Commercial invoice
- ✓NZ Customs entry
- ✓MPI biosecurity declaration
- ✓VINZ/VTNZ entry certificate
Estimated Costs (NZD)
| Line Item | Indicative Range |
|---|---|
| auction average | JPY 350,000–550,000 (NZ$4,100–6,500) |
| ocean freight | NZ$3,600–4,400 per 40ft HC (split across 4 keis) |
| duty | 0% |
| gst 15pct | 15% of CIF-plus-port base |
| agent clearance | NZ$600–1,000 |
| entry cert | NZ$300–500 |
| indicative total | NZ$10,000–16,000 landed and registered |
Watch Out For
- !Vehicles arriving with mud or plant matter face NZ$300+ fumigation fees. Pre-washing the chassis before shipping is cheaper than the fee.
- !Some older keis fail the entry-cert inspection for structural reasons — request a pre-export inspection photo set.
Sourcing Partner
JapanCarDirect — strong NZ track record
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