Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, and protect your personal information

Last updated: August 2025

Your Privacy Matters

At Sunny Imports, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Information We Collect

Personal Information:

  • Name, email address, phone number
  • Mailing address and delivery information
  • Payment information (credit card details, bank account info)
  • Government-issued ID for import compliance
  • Driver's license details for vehicle registration

Vehicle Information:

  • Vehicle preferences and search criteria
  • Auction bidding history and preferences
  • Import and compliance documentation

Automatically Collected:

  • Website usage data (pages visited, time spent)
  • IP address and browser information
  • Device type and operating system
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

Service Delivery:

  • Process vehicle searches and auction bidding
  • Handle payments and financial transactions
  • Arrange shipping and import documentation
  • Provide customer support and communication

Legal Compliance:

  • Meet import/export regulatory requirements
  • Verify identity for high-value transactions
  • Comply with anti-money laundering laws
  • Maintain records as required by law

Service Improvement:

  • Analyse website usage to improve user experience
  • Send relevant updates about vehicles and services
  • Provide personalised recommendations
  • Conduct customer satisfaction surveys

Information Sharing

Third-Party Service Providers:

  • Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal) for secure transactions
  • Shipping companies for vehicle transport
  • Compliance workshops for certification
  • Insurance providers for coverage

Legal Requirements:

  • Australian government agencies for import compliance
  • Japanese export authorities for documentation
  • Law enforcement when legally required
  • Court orders or legal proceedings

Business Partners:

  • Auction houses in Japan (limited vehicle and bidding info)
  • Authorised compliance facilities
  • Registered automotive workshops

We Never Sell:

  • Your personal information to marketers
  • Contact details to third parties for advertising
  • Vehicle preferences to competitors

Data Security & Storage

Security Measures:

  • SSL encryption for all data transmission
  • Secure servers with regular security updates
  • Two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts
  • Regular security audits and monitoring

Data Storage:

  • Primary servers located in Australia
  • Backup systems in secure, encrypted environments
  • Payment data never stored on our servers
  • Access restricted to authorised personnel only

Retention Periods:

  • Active customer data: Duration of business relationship + 7 years
  • Financial records: 7 years (Australian tax law requirement)
  • Import documentation: 7 years (customs requirement)
  • Marketing preferences: Until you opt out

Notifiable Data Breach Response:

  • Immediate investigation and containment within 24 hours
  • Notification to Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) within 72 hours if required
  • Direct notification to affected customers within 72 hours for serious breaches
  • Public notification if breach poses serious harm to multiple individuals
  • Free identity protection services if personal information compromised
  • Detailed incident report and remediation plan provided

Your Privacy Rights

Access Rights:

  • Request a copy of all personal data we hold
  • Obtain information about how your data is used
  • Receive data in a portable format

Correction Rights:

  • Update or correct inaccurate information
  • Complete incomplete personal data
  • Request verification of data accuracy

Deletion Rights:

  • Request deletion of personal data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Note: Some data must be retained for legal compliance
  • Anonymisation when deletion isn't possible

Control Rights:

  • Opt out of marketing communications
  • Restrict certain data processing activities
  • Object to automated decision-making
  • Withdraw consent for optional data uses

How to Exercise Rights:

  • Email: team@sunnyimports.com.au
  • Written request with ID verification
  • Response within 30 days of verified request

Cross-Border Data Transfers

International Transfers:

  • Data transferred to Japan for auction house services
  • Shipping companies may receive delivery information
  • Payment processors may process data internationally
  • All transfers comply with Australian Privacy Principles

Safeguards in Place:

  • Binding contractual arrangements with overseas recipients
  • Equivalent privacy protection standards required
  • Data minimisation - only necessary information shared
  • Regular compliance audits of international partners

Countries We Transfer To:

  • Japan (auction houses and export documentation)
  • United States (payment processing and cloud services)

Your Rights:

  • You can request details of any international transfers
  • Right to complain to OAIC about cross-border transfers
  • We remain responsible for your data even when overseas

Cookies & Tracking

Essential Cookies:

  • Required for website functionality
  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Maintain security during your session
  • Cannot be disabled

Analytics Cookies:

  • Google Analytics for website performance
  • Track popular pages and user journeys
  • Help us improve website design
  • Can be disabled in browser settings

Marketing Cookies:

  • Remember your vehicle preferences
  • Personalise content and recommendations
  • Track effectiveness of advertising
  • Optional - you can opt out

Cookie Management:

  • Browser settings to control cookies
  • Regular clearing of unnecessary cookies
  • Third-party cookie opt-out options
  • Clear explanation of cookie purposes

Questions About Privacy?

If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, we're here to help.