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
Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)
Received VIA
Arrange Shipping
Custom Clearance
Meet Australia Quarantine Requirements
Make Vehicle compliant to Autsralian regulations
Register the vehicle

Import Cars Process in Australia

Process of Importing a Car in Australia

There are several steps to importing a road vehicle:

Obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Phone: 1800 815 272 (Australia only) or +61 2 6274 7506, Fax +61 2 6274 6013, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Further information can be obtained by downloading the Importing Vehicles to Australia (VSB10) brochure from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
Pay customs duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and luxury car tax (LCT) where applicable and obtain customs clearance at the port of entry.
Obtain quarantine clearance from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity after the road vehicle has arrived at the port of entry. For more information visit the DAFF Biosecurity website on daff.gov.au/aqis

Import of Car by Temporary Residents and Tourists in Australia

Import of Cars by Tourists and Temporary Residents

Section 162 - Import Declaration Required/VIA Required

As a tourist or temporary resident, you may bring a road vehicle to Australia for a period of up to 12 months without payment of duty and taxes, provided a VIA is obtained prior to your importation. Your road vehicle must be subsequently exported from Australia within the approved time limit. All fittings and accessories imported with the road vehicle must also be exported with the same road vehicle.

Custom Duty, GSt and LCT on cars in Australia

Customs duty, GST, LCT on Cars in Australia

Duty rates payable are determined by the tariff classification for your goods. The Customs Tariff Act 1995 (the Tariff) provides the tariff classifications, duty rates, interpretive rules and information on preference schemes, other concessions and exemptions that may apply to your goods. Duty is payable on the customs value of the goods.

Import a used car in Australia

Importing a Second-hand Road Vehicle in Australia - Import Declaration and VIA is Required

Provided you obtain a VIA prior to importing a second-hand road vehicle, you may make use of the available concessional treatment under Item 59 Schedule 4 to the Tariff which exempts an importer from the special duty of $12,000 that is applied to second-hand road vehicles. However, your road vehicle may still be subject to an ad valorem rate of duty.

8 Steps to Import a Vehicle in Australia

Process of Importing a Car in Australia

Import of Cars by Tourists and Temporary Residents

Customs duty, GST, LCT on Cars in Australia

Importing a Second-hand Road Vehicle in Australia - Import Declaration and VIA is Required

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