Step-by-Step Guide: How to Import a Car from the UK to Australia

Step-by-Step Guide to Import or Ship a Car from the UK to Australia

Step 1: Obtain Vehicle Import Approval

Before importing a road vehicle into Australia, you need to obtain the appropriate import approval. Applications are submitted through the Australian Government’s ROVER system, and the correct approval pathway will depend on the vehicle and individual circumstances.

• Prepare your vehicle details and supporting documentation.
• Submit the application through ROVER.
• Allow sufficient time for the application to be assessed before arranging shipment.
• Keep your approval documents available for the shipping and Customs process.

Assessment can take up to 20 business days, so it is important to start the application process early.

SEA GO can handle the Vehicle Import Approval application for you!

Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Method

Vehicles can be shipped using different methods depending on the vehicle, budget and level of protection required.

• RoRo Shipping: Suitable for eligible operable vehicles that are driven onto the vessel and secured for transport.
• Container Shipping: Provides enclosed vehicle transport and can be suitable for classic, luxury, non-running or other vehicles requiring containerised shipping.

For customers shipping a car from the UK to Australia, SEA GO also offers R-Rak shared container shipping. Multiple vehicles can be securely positioned within one container, allowing customers to share container space and reduce shipping costs.

SEA GO’s shared container service from the UK to Australia starts from GBP990 per car, port to port, plus Australian destination charges. This is the cheapest method of shipping cars from the UK to Australia!

Step 3: Arrange Shipping and Insurance

• Book your shipment with SEA GO, your trusted shipping company.
• Schedule pick-up or delivery to the departure port.
• Choose shipping dates with good frequency and availability.
• Purchase marine insurance covering loss or damage during transit. Standard motor policies don’t include shipping.
• Marine insurance charges start at GBP 200 minimum, increasing for high-value vehicles.
• SEA GO can handle Marine Insurance for you!

Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping and Biosecurity Inspection

• Thoroughly clean the vehicle, particularly the undercarriage, tyres, wheel arches, engine bay and interior areas where soil or organic material may collect.
• Ensure the vehicle is free from soil, seeds, plant material, insects and other contamination before shipment.
• Secure any loose parts and prepare all required vehicle documentation.
• Confirm any requirements relating to personal belongings before loading the vehicle.

Vehicles arriving in Australia are subject to Australian biosecurity control and inspection requirements. Preparing the vehicle properly before shipment can help reduce the risk of additional cleaning, treatment and delays.

Step 5: Shipping and Documentation

Provide your shipping company with all necessary documentation:

• Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)  
• Proof of ownership / title deed / vehicle registration
• Purchase invoice or Bill of Sale
• Passport or identity documents

SEA GO assists with managing all paperwork to facilitate smooth customs clearance upon departure (export) and arrival (import).

Step 6: Customs Clearance in Australia

Once the vehicle arrives in Australia, it must complete the required Customs clearance process.

The amount payable will depend on the vehicle, its value, tariff classification and whether it qualifies for any preferential tariff treatment.

Vehicles that satisfy the applicable Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement rules of origin are Import Duty exempt.

A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) generally applies to the taxable value of the import. Luxury Car Tax may also apply depending on the type and value of the vehicle.

For the 2026–27 Luxury Car Tax thresholds:

• AUD 80,809 for other vehicles
• AUD 91,661 for qualifying fuel-efficient vehicles

From 1 July 2025, a vehicle generally needs fuel consumption of no more than 3.5 litres per 100 kilometres to meet the fuel-efficient vehicle definition for LCT purposes.

SEA GO handles the Customs clearance and provides guidance on estimated import taxes and arrival costs.

Step 7: Quarantine Inspection and Release

• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) performs quarantine inspection to prevent environmental hazards.
• Inspectors check for soil, plant material, insects, or contamination on and inside the vehicle.
• Additional cleaning or fumigation may be required at your expense if contamination is detected.
• Ensure your vehicle complies with all sanitation standards before shipping to avoid costly delays or penalties.

Step 8: Compliance, Vehicle Registration and Road Approval

• After customs and quarantine clearance, register your vehicle with the relevant Australian state or territory authority.
• Obtain compliance plates or approvals as required for legal road use.
• Complete any necessary vehicle modifications to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR), including speedometer conversion, lighting adjustments, or safety feature upgrades.