Helpful information — Shipping FAQ

Do I have to have owned my car for 12 months before importing into Australia?

Yes, you must have owned and used the vehicle for 12 months, and not have been out of that country for more than 42 days in the year that you have owned it. Anyone can import a vehicle built before 1989.

What is the first thing I need to do before considering importing vehicles to Australia?

You will need to obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (Infrastructure). See Application for Approval to Import a Vehicle.

Is there a way to get out of paying GST on imports into Australia?

Depreciation Allowances - only applies to originating country Purchase Price valuation method and if a vehicle was purchased before 2nd March 1998. The maximum allowance of 76% is for cars owned over 6 years.

What are the restrictions on importing cars into Australia?

Check to see if your vehicle meets Australia’s Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (OPSGGM Act). Further details can be obtained at http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/

Will I have to pay an import tax and or GST on the value of my vehicle for importing to Australia?

The rates, payable to the Australian Customs Service, at the Australian entry port, are:

• Vehicles up to 30 years old including Forward Control Vehicles: 5% Duty + 10% GST
• 4wd 'Off Road' vehicles and commercial vehicles: 5% Duty + 10% GST
• Vehicles over 30 years old and motorcycles: 0% Duty + 10% GST

The duty is levied on the 'customs value' only. The GST is levied on the 'customs value' + the duty + the total ‘cost of shipment’ to Australia figure.

Can you please tell me what luxury car tax is for imports into Australia?

Luxury Car Tax (LCT) - This is an additional tax and is levied at a rate of 33% on all vehicles, except motorcycles and some commercial vehicles, with a current GST inclusive value in excess of $57,180 AUD (figure set annually by the Australian Taxation Office). LCT is only payable on the amount in excess of a GST inclusive 'break point' and will only be levied in very few instances as the 'break point' only relates to cars with a customs value over about £18,000/AU$43,000/NZ$54,000

I have read that my car has to be compliant to Australian Design Standards, what does this mean?

Compliance to or exemption from Australian design rules - converting a vehicle to full Australian Safety and Emission Control Standards is very difficult and too costly but is not required if one of the following conditions is met:

• The vehicle has been 'Owned and Used' for a minimum period of twelve calendar months prior to shipment from the originating country
• The vehicle was manufactured prior to 1 January 1989
• The vehicle to be imported was purchased new and was manufactured to the full Australian specification/standards
• The vehicle was originally manufactured or sold in Australia and still has its Australian compliance plate fitted.