IMPORTING CAR AUSTRALIA
What You Need To Know
So your importing car Australia. Well before you start to make any decisions, STOP and do your research.
I have put together some information and links to get you started and help you to avoid making an exensive mistake.
The information contained on this page is only a selection of information available about importing your car to Australia and is to be used as a guidance only. So please don’t use as your only resource and make sure to confirm with the correct authority and not re ly in the information contained in this page..
The importing your car to Australia details below are for general information only and not complete.
CAN I IMPORT MY CAR TO AUSTRALIA?
People who are allowed to import their car to Australia includes:-
- Australian Nationals and;
- those with Residence Visas
NB: You can not import your car to Australia if you hold an Australian temporary or visitor visa
Imported Cars Need To Meet Certain Criteria
Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989 may be imported without restriction Vehicles Vehicles built during 1989 (or later) will need to qualify under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS),and the required Australian Design Rules(ADRs)
Before you can take your car to Australia you will need to obtain an Import Approval for your vehicle.
GETTING IMPORT APPROVAL FOR MY CAR
The Import Permit needs to be obtained from the DoTaRS in Canberra.
Vehicle Safety Standards
GPO Box 594
Canberra ACT 2602
Phone: 00612 62747506
Fax: 00612 62746013
Email: Vimports@dotars.gov.au
As long as the importing criteria is met, approval is normally a formality and is obtained by sending the Import Approval form and A$50 (cheque/credit card) to Australia with copies of:-
- car,
- ownership documents,
- and passport documents.
Approval normally takes about 4-6 weeks.
Importation takes place when a vehicle has landed within the port of intended discharge and not once the vehicle clears customs control. If the import application is not approved, you will have to either export the vehicle or have it destroyed at your own expense. Destruction will need to take place under Customs supervision.
Importing car Australia manufactured before 1 January 1989 may be imported without restriction
WHAT IS THE CUSTOMS VALUE OF MY CAR?
Very occasionally the UK Purchase Price is used as the Customs value. In most instances the Customs Value is based on an ‘as landed’ valuation carried out at the Australian port.
This value is normally about half the Australian Market value. The Red Book is a of vehicle identification and pricing information in Australia. They have been researching the motor market for over 50 years.
HOW MUCH TO TAKE MY CAR TO PERTH??
When importing car Australia you need to be aware that there are several more expenses than just buying the car. Here’s a list of some extra expenses that may apply when importing a car (approximate only):
Costs you will need to consider include:-
- The cost of Shipment and Shipment Protection from departure through to the Australian Port.
- There are two main taxes. For most cars Australian Import Duty of 10% is levied on the Customs Value (5% for 4WD SUV vehicles). GST (VAT) of 10% is levied on the Customs Value + Duty + Shipping Cost.
- Import Approval $50
- Vehicle Cleaning $100
- Dock Transfers $40
- Compliance $3000
USEFUL LINKS
Australian Customs
The Red Book
Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989
Road Vehicle Certification System
Vehicle Standards Bulletin
Australian Quarantine Inspection Service