Both the United States and Australia let you import cars that were never sold there new once they are 25 years old or more. The classic Mini is a perfect candidate: Japan kept buying late Rover Minis until 2000, so many well-kept 1.3i Coopers are now crossing the 25-year line.
Which years qualify (in 2026)
Any Mini built in 2001 or earlier is now more than 25 years old. The rule counts from the date of manufacture (month and year), not the model year, so a car built late in 2001 becomes eligible in late 2026. We confirm the build date from the chassis plate before you buy.
United States
- Over-25-year cars are exempt from FMVSS (safety) and EPA (emissions) compliance for import.
- File the CBP entry with the HS-7 (box 1) and EPA 3520-1 (code E) forms.
- Duty is 2.5% on cars.
- Left-hand drive is not required. RHD Minis register in all states, though some states have their own inspection rules.
Australia
- Cars over 25 years old can use the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) concessional pathway for older vehicles. Apply for an import approval before shipping.
- Expect a quarantine inspection and cleaning (no soil or seeds), customs duty, GST and possibly LCT on expensive cars.
- RHD matches Australian roads.
What to check
- Rust and originality. See our classic Mini buying guide.
- Automatic vs manual: many Japanese Minis are automatic.
Price
The table below shows which countries accept how many of our Minis, and the delivered price where we have a freight rate. See also the United States and Australia pages, or WhatsApp us.