Thread: Importing Japanese models of makita tools

If it's brand new in box or looks brand new, it could be hit with an import duty (even if it is in your luggage). Other consideration is that if you are brining in electrical appliances you are the importer and any issues with the product are on your head, eg. calling your mother names or burning your house down. Electrical appliances sold or imported into Australia should meet AS/NZS 3820 or if sold for domestic/non business use, have the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM, the little tick in a triangle).

All that said, it's pretty unlikley customs will give a hoot about a single tool being brought in and as long as you're not using it at a work site or commercially, no one is going to care.

Also, I am not a lawyer.

Edit: If it's by post, expect to get hit for the GST value.

A ex Pom carpenter friend went back to the old country for a wedding and bought a number of tools whilst there to bring back.
He just took them out of the box and used them to dirty them up a bit before returning so they are deemed second hand personal items so did not have to pay duties etc

You need to be aware that it is quite usual for the batteries to be a different fitting for different countries. I worked for a time in the green shed and certainly Dewalt Uk and US and Dewalt Aus had batteries that were not interchangeable. Tradies would come in expecting to do a con job change and were sadly disappointed.
cheers
john

Originally Posted by qwertyu

I want to get this saw

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/HS610D...&s=diy&sr=1-10

A friend is traveling to Japan soon and is willing to put it in the post for me - is that ok? Does Australia have any import restrictions on these sorts of things?

Thanks

The link to Amazon shows a saw that looks pretty similar to what is already available here. Why go to all the trouble?

As said is the battery compatible with the makita charger here. A charger from japan will take 100v supply.
Regards
John

If you want a good laugh, read the translated reviews...

I'd be going for a rear handle saw, they're all the rage at the moment, I feel very uncool without one.

I brought a paslode nailer back in my luggage from the US, no questions asked by customs, at worst you pay GST