A set of JDM wheels, a pair of bucket seats or a factory aero kit can be a great buy in Japan. Getting it to Australia or New Zealand is where the cost and the rules come in. Here's what you need to know before you buy.
Size and weight: what fits in the post
Japan Post is the cheapest way to send small parts, but it has hard limits (as of October 2026):
| Destination | Max weight | Max length | Length + girth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (air or surface parcel) | 20 kg | 1.05 m | 2 m |
| Australia (EMS) | 20 kg | 1.05 m | 3 m |
| New Zealand (parcel or EMS) | 30 kg | 1.5 m | 3 m |
Girth is the distance around the box at its widest point. As a rough guide:
- Wheels: one or two per box depending on size and weight.
- Seats: a single bucket seat can fit; a bench or a seat with a big base often won't fit in the post.
- Gauges, trim, lights and small aero (lips, wings in pieces): usually fine.
- Bumpers, bonnets, full aero kits, doors: too big for the post to Australia.
Big boxes: our courier rates make the difference
For heavy or bulky boxes we use our business courier accounts with DHL and ECMS Express. Couriers are door to door and fully tracked, but booking one yourself from Japan is expensive.
Real example: DHL's published 2026 rate for an 18 kg box from Japan to Australia is Ā„73,500 before the fuel surcharge, or over Ā„100,000 (around A$900+) with fuel. With our business rates, the same 18 kg box to Melbourne costs about Ā„25,600 (around A$250).
| 18 kg box, Japan to Australia | Price |
|---|---|
| DHL published rate including fuel surcharge (approx.) | Ā„100,000+ |
| With Emdawg's business rates | about Ā„25,600 |
Courier prices are based on actual weight or box size (whichever is greater), so we measure every item and compare carriers before we quote. Packing is A$10 per box, and our service fee is 15% of the item price (minimum A$35) ā see our import service pricing.
Things that can't be posted
Some parts can't go by Japan Post at all, even by sea mail:
- Engines (internal-combustion engines are on Japan Post's restricted list)
- Airbags, airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners
- Batteries
- Fuel, flammable paint, thinners and aerosol sprays
Couriers have their own restricted lists. Engines, gearboxes on a pallet and very large body parts go by freight forwarder or sea freight instead. It's slower and has more fixed costs (port, customs and delivery fees), so it's only worth it for bigger or higher-value items, or several items sent together.
Biosecurity: used parts must be clean
Australia and New Zealand treat used vehicle parts as a biosecurity risk. Used parts must arrive free of soil, mud, sand, seeds, plant material and insects. In Australia, built-up grease and oil also need to be removed because dirt sticks to them. Inspectors look closely at:
- Wheel rims and brake areas
- Tyres (new or used, loose or fitted)
- Engines and gearboxes
- Underbody parts and anything that has been near the road
If a posted item fails inspection in Australia, treatment costs A$94 per item, and items that can't be fixed are destroyed or sent back. New Zealand has similar rules, and used tyres generally need treatment. We clean used parts before they leave Japan.
Asbestos: watch old brakes, gaskets and clutches
Australia has banned importing goods containing asbestos since 2003, and this applies to car parts of any age. The parts most often caught are brake pads and shoes, gaskets and clutch linings. A seller's note saying "asbestos-free" isn't accepted as proof, and testing is at the owner's cost. New Zealand also bans importing products that contain asbestos.
Our advice: buy brake, gasket and clutch parts new, ideally genuine, rather than used from old cars.
Is it worth it?
Often, yes. Japanese prices for used wheels, seats and interior parts can be much lower than in Australia, and some parts simply aren't available here. With our shipping rates, even big boxes can make sense. Add up the part, shipping and any GST before you commit (see how to import car parts from Japan for the GST and duty rules).
Get a quote
Send us the listing or part details and we'll check the size, weight and shipping options, and tell you up front if something can't be sent. Request an import quote.
FAQ
Can you send a whole engine?
Not by post. Engines need freight, and they must be drained and clean. Ask us for a freight quote.
Can I import used tyres?
Used tyres are allowed into Australia with conditions: they must be clean, and they can be inspected and treated. New Zealand generally requires treatment.
What about seats with airbags?
Side airbags must be removed before shipping, as Japan Post won't accept airbags.