Importing a Car to Australia (General Overview)

So, you have set your sights on cruising the Australian highways in your own car.

Here is a rundown of the key steps involved in importing a car to Australia:

Step 1: Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) Application

As the Australian market is not de-regulated when it comes to vehicle import, all cars must have a valid Vehicle Import Approval (VIA).

Applications are lodged online using the following link to the ROVER platform: https://rover.infrastructure.gov.au/Produce.

Applications can be made under the following schemes:

1. Importing a Personal Vehicle:
   • The shipper has to have owned and used the car for longer than 12 months.
   • The shipper has to prove that he/she is relocating from the UK to Australia permanently.
   • VIA should be obtained before car is shipped.
   • If the shipper has already re-located to Australia, shipper must lodge VIA application within 6 months of arriving in Australia.
2. Importing a pre-1999 car under the 25-Year-Rule:
   • It is possible to apply for VIA for cars that are older than 25 years.
   • The car must be in its original condition — parts can be renewed, but car must not be modified. 
   • VIA should be obtained before car is shipped.
3. Re-Import an Australian Plated Vehicle:
   • Cars, that were purchased and previously registered in Australia, and that were exported overseas, can be re-imported as a ‘Returned Good’.
   • A photo of the car’s Australian Compliance Plate has to be attached to the online application.
   • Returned Goods are exempt from Import Duty and GST.
4. RAWS Scheme:
   • The RAWS scheme allows for the importation and supply of used specialist or enthusiast cars to Australia.
   • A RAWS dealer can be contacted to check if a specific car can be imported under the RAWS scheme
5. Apply for VIA under Exercise of Discretion:
   • Reasons may be raised with the Department of Infrastructure as to why the application should be approved and why general discretion should be exercised to allow the importation of a vehicle.
   • A letter has to be supplied to the Department of Infrastructure, outlining special circumstances to be taken into account.
6. Racing or Rally Vehicle:
   • Importer has to prove that the vehicle is suitable / built for racing.
   • Importer has to have racing history and be a member of a racing club.
   • Vehicle can purely be used for racing and will never be permitted to be registered for road use.

Step 2: Quarantine Inspection

Once your car arrives in Australia, it must undergo a quarantine inspection.

Australia has strict biosecurity measures in place to protect the local flora and fauna from foreign pests and diseases that could be transported by imported vehicles.

During this inspection, your vehicle will be examined for Biosecurity Risk Materials (BRM), which are contaminants like soil, plant material, or animal substances.

Any vehicle found to be contaminated will be required to be cleaned and reinspected at your expense before it is released from quarantine.

Step 3: Compliance and Registration

After your car passes quarantine, the next step is to ensure it complies with all local vehicle standards. This might include modifications to meet Australian design rules, especially if the car comes from a country with different safety and emission standards.

Once compliance is confirmed, you can proceed with registering your car, which involves getting it inspected by local authorities, obtaining compulsory third-party insurance, and finally, registering it with the relevant state or territory road traffic authority.

Each step ensures that your vehicle not only meets regulatory requirements but is also safe and ready for the roads Down Under.