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.

1. Determine if vehicle can be imported into Australia or not
2. Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)
3. Received VIA
4. Arrange Shipping
5. Custom Clearance
6. Meet Australia Quarantine Requirements
7. Make Vehicle compliant to Autsralian regulations
8. 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