8 Steps to Import a Vehicle in Australia
Here is an overview of all steps involved in importing a vehicle into Australia. This process involves a number of government agencies. You should familiarise yourself with the requirements of these agencies prior to importing a vehicle into Australia.
- Determine if vehicle can be imported into Australia or not. Check http://www.raws.com.au/SEVSRegC.asp
- Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). A Vehicle Import Approval is required before a road vehicle is shipped. The vehicle will not be released from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service unless it has a Vehicle Import Approval. All costs incurred in this process are the responsibility of the importer.
- Receive VIA.
- We will arrange Shipping once payment is received
- Custom Clearance
- Meet Australia Quarantine Requirements
- Make Vehicle compliant to Autsralian regulations
- Register the vehicle
1. Conduct Research
- Is the vehicle eligible to enter Australia?
- Which Import options can I apply under?
- What costs are involved? (eg shipping, storage, delivery, permit application, taxes, Customs duties, cleaning for quarantine purposes, quarantine inspection costs modification costs, State or Territory registration and insurance requirements; etc)
- What are the timeframes involved for getting the permit and other necessary arrangements?
- What documentation do I need?
- What are the requirements for each government agency?
- Do I need to use a broker?
- Will I need to have modifications done to meet Australian standards?
- What are the risks involved with importing a vehicle?
2. Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval
- Decide which option to apply under
- Read all related materials
- Download and complete the application form at infrastructure.gov.au
- Check you have all the necessary information and attachments
- Send off the application and all necessary attachments to the Department of Infrastructure & Transport
- Check email address regularly in case the Department needs to seek further information from you
- Government agency: Department of Infrastructure & Transport
3. Receive Vehicle Import Approval
- Receive hard copy of Vehicle Import Approval in the mail
- Approval may contain conditions for vehicle use
- Department of Infrastructure & Transport
4. Arrange shipping of vehicle
- Prior to shipping, ensure car is steam cleaned inside and outside to remove any materials that may pose a quarantine risk
- Prior to shipping, ensure any air-conditioning gas is removed if necessary
- Ensure export conditions of country of origin are met
- Government Agency: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
5. Get Customs clearance
- Lodge an import declaration
- Pay Customs duty
- Pay Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Pay Luxury Car Tax, if required
- Government agency: Australian Customs & Border Protection Service
6. Meet Australian quarantine requirements
- Lodge a Quarantine Entry with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
- Arrange inspection appointment (you or your broker may need to be present)
- Government agency: Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service
7. Meet Import Approval Conditions
- Arrange for modification of vehicle if necessary
- Conduct testing and develop evidence of compliance
- Apply for identification plate approvals or supply to the market approvals if necessary
8. Register the vehicle
- Apply to register the vehicle in the relevant State or Territory
- Government agencies: State Road and Transport Authorities