February 2025 Update, SEVS

February 2025 Update: Best Compliance & Import Practices

Chamod Guna

February 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Welcome to our February 2025 update! We hope you had a wonderful start to the year, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued partnership. This February 2025 update covers some important compliance changes you’ll want to know about.

In this post, we have some important updates and changes that we want to make sure you’re aware of:

Important Update Regarding VIN Number Engravings for Registration in Victoria


We’ve received an important update from VicRoads regarding VIN number engravings for car registration in Victoria. As of yesterday, we have been advised that all VicRoads now require the full VIN to be engraved on the vehicle, and they will no longer accept just the prefix engraving in front of the original chassis. This change now affects all offices statewide.

If any of your vehicles have only the prefix engraved, they will need to be re-engraved with the full VIN before they can be registered.

If this affects any of your vehicles, please contact us to arrange a time for re-engraving. We’re happy to help ensure that everything is compliant with the new requirements.

If you’re at all unsure whether your vehicle is affected, our experienced team can check this for you before you book a registration appointment.

February 2025 Update: Updated List of Eligible Cars


Please find a link to view our updated list of cars eligible for import at the bottom of this post, which now includes the SEVs expiry dates for each model. While Rover has now confirmed that import applications can be submitted and paid for right up until the SEVs entry expiration date, we strongly recommend submitting your car details as early as possible. Early submission will help ensure that you have enough time to address any unexpected delays (such as issues with your Rover account or other administrative matters).

This February 2025 update reflects the latest SEVS eligibility changes we’ve seen so far this year. As always, checking the current list before purchase remains the easiest way to avoid delays.


Notable Model Updates:

February 2025 Update: Compliance & Import Insights
Honda Freed GT5 GT6 GT7 GT8 2024 White Japanese Import Van for Sale

  • Toyota C-HR is now eligible for import again, but please note that the build range has changed. Be sure to review the updated eligibility details in the list.
  • ZVW52 Prius Plug-in Hybrid now has a new SEVs entry with an amended build range (02/2020 – 12/2022).
  • New Test Car Option: We’re excited to announce that there is now a SEVs entry for the Honda Freed e-HEV (LEB-H5 hybrid drivetrain, Build range 04/2024 – Current). The model codes are GT5, GT6, GT7, and GT8. Let us know if you’re interested in being the first to import this model into Australia!

*Before purchasing a test car, please reach out to us to confirm that we can take on the job and to ensure you have a clear understanding of the process.

We’re always working to expand the import list and keep you up to date with new opportunities. If you’re interested in any of the latest models or have any questions about your current import plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to helping you achieve continued success in 2025.

Submit a new import application with us here: https://discover.garageapex.com.au/application

Stay Ahead With Our February 2025 Update

Compliance requirements shift often, and this February 2025 update is a reminder to check current rules before you commit — whether it’s VIN engraving standards or SEVS eligibility.

At Garage Apex, we track every change so you don’t have to. Get in touch if you need help staying compliant.

*Garage Apex – 54 Miller Street, Epping VIC 3076 | 1300 112 220 | VicRoads approved, ISO9001 certified*

Chamod Guna

1 year ago

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Chris Salisbury
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(Translated by Google) They were even more attentive and meticulous in choosing the car than I was, constantly giving me advice and replying to my messages on the weekend. I finally found my dream car within a week, and it was shipped across state lines in just three days. And importantly, the price was low! What reason would a customer have not to support such a car dealership? They’re the one to choose for buying your car!

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J L
2 months ago

Garage Apex helped me import a Mercedes S400h, and the service was exceptional. Communication was clear, the entire process was seamless, and the vehicle is exactly what I was hoping for. I’m extremely satisfied and grateful to Garage Apex for their professionalism and support.

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Awindra Prasad
3 months ago

A great place to get your JDM imports. The staff were very friendly especially David who looked after me throughout the whole process. They are a one stop shop so no third party to deal with. I am very pleased with their help in sourcing my NBox. I highly recommend them if you are looking for your own JDM imports.

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bokeh7
4 months ago

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Forge Motors
4 months ago

Honestly had such a great experience with Garage Apex! David and the team are so knowledgable and kept me up to date throughout the whole process. Could not recommend these guys enough.

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Hao Nguyen
4 months ago

Shoutout to David for helping me import and register my 08 GTR. Super easy to deal with and helped me find the perfect one with the specs I wanted. Will be coming back for my next!

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Krishna Kula
5 months ago

David and the team ant Garage Apex are just fantastic to deal with. From beginning to end everything promised was delivered and within the projected timeframe. David is honest and a great communicator.
The van was in better condition than described and all paperwork provided when or before required.
I would happily use Garage Apex again without hesitation and recommend them to others!

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Scott Vincent
5 months ago

Such a fantastic company to deal with. Professional, friendly and really good at communicating with the client. I love my new little town car that we imported from Japan and I have Garage Apex to thank for it! Seamless process from beginning to end and I would highly recommend 👏🏼🙏🏼

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Em Nicholson
5 months ago

I couldn’t be happier with my experience using Garage Apex to import my Daihatsu HiJet into Melbourne.

From start to finish, the service was absolutely sensational. The vehicle arrived on 28 January 2026 in excellent condition, exactly as described, and drives exceptionally well. The quality of the car exceeded my expectations, and the whole process saved me around $4,000–$5,000 compared to buying locally from a dealership.

The timing was also perfect — my mum and I returned from Vietnam on the same day the van arrived, and I was able to meet the team in person and collect the vehicle smoothly and without any issues. Everything was organised, transparent, and stress-free.

David and the team were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire import process. Communication was clear, expectations were well managed, and they genuinely care about delivering the right vehicle for their customers.

The full end-to-end service from Garage Apex was outstanding, and I’m extremely happy with my Daihatsu HiJet. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Garage Apex to anyone looking to import a vehicle into Australia — they truly deliver what they promise.

Thank you again to the whole team at Garage Apex.

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6 months ago

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