Importing vehicles to Australia

In order to obtain a Vehicle Import Approval, you should:

1. Conduct research

• Is the vehicle eligible to enter Australia?
• Which import scheme can I apply under?
• What costs are involved? These may include:
  • freight and insurance (for the transport of the goods to Australia);
  • customs duties, GST and, if applicable, Luxury Car Tax;
  • storage and delivery charges;
  • logistic services providers' charges;
  • customs brokers' charges;
  • entry processing charges;
  • steam cleaning for quarantine purposes;
  • other wharf and transport charges;
  • any costs involved in having your road vehicle meet State or Territory registration; and
  • insurance requirements.
• 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? To import a vehicle into Australia, as well as obtaining a Vehicle Import Approval, importers must:
  • pay Customs and Border Protection duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and, if applicable, luxury car tax;
  • obtain Customs clearance at the port of entry;
  • obtain quarantine clearance at the port of entry from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS);
  • meet emissions requirements set by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities; and
  • meet all registration requirements of the State or Territory where the vehicle will be driven.
• Do I need to use a customs broker or agent?
• 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 import option to apply under. (if unsure take the quick quiz)
• Read all related materials.
• Download and complete the appropriate application form.
• Pay the $50 application fee to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport
• Check you have all the necessary information and attachments.
• Send off the application and all necessary attachments to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
• Check email address regularly in case the Department needs to seek further information from you.

Professional customs brokers or agents can help you with your application.