CHECK LIST
Before committing to purchasing or shipping your motorbike, please ensure you have taken into account all of the below points. If you can’t provide one of these documents then please contact us to discuss before committing to purchase your motorbike. As some of these are pre-requests to importing, and without them you won't be able to import your motorbike.
1. Import Permit
You CAN NOT import a motorbike without an import Permit. Only one motorbike per person is allowed, which must have been owned and used by the person 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. You need to apply for an import permit before the motorbike leaves the country at a cost of $50 AUD.
The only exception is if you are importing under a temporary basis on a Carnet.
Taurus Logistics takes no responsibility for cars that are shipped without obtaining a permit
2. Bill of Sale
If purchasing the motorbike we will need a copy of the Bill of Sale from the seller. If you already own the motobike, then we need a copy of the original purchase Bill of Sale.
If this has been misplaced then you will need to obtain a "sight unseen" valuation from a bike dealer.
3. Registration / Ownership papers
We will need a copy(via email of fax) of the registration papers showing ownership.
Depending on the country of purchase, and in some cases the state, the original ownership papers are needed to export the origin country.
DO NOT have these sent to you, or altered, until our agent instructs the seller.
4. Photo ID
A high quality colour scan copy of the photo page form your passport.
5. Motorbikes need to be crated
In 99% of cases your motorbike will need to be crated. We will provide a custom crate for your bike and this is included in the quotation. However is you wish to build your own please ensure :
- If constructing from timber the timber MUST be ISPM15 certified. This timber is heat treated and stamped with ISPM15 on the timber.
- The motorcycle crate MUST be fully enclosed, and be constructed to enable other cargo to be loaded around and possibly on top of the crate without causing damage to the motorcycle.
- Steel frame crates which new bikes are shipped in are in most cases NOT suitable, because they are designed only to be stacked and loaded with other new bikes from the same manufacturer. They can’t be loaded with other cargo.
6. Wash your motorbike
Ensure that prior to crating that the bike is exceptionally clean. It should be in showroom condition with no dirt, or organic matter attached to the bike or in the crate.
7. Have you taken out Marine Insurance?
Not compulsory, but worth asking us for a quote. Your road insurance will not cover any damage that may occur while in transit.
If you’re taking out marine insurance then a pre-shipment inspection report is required to be done by an independent party. If this is not done prior to shipping then any excess is doubled.
8. Have you taken into account GST/Duty?
It depends on your criteria: for example, is this vehicle returning to Australia?
If the vehicle is returning to Australia then you need to provide proof of previous Australian Registration to exempt you from paying GST/Duties, otherwise GST/Duties are payable on all imports.
The rate payable to the Australian Customs Service at the Australian entry port are as follows:
- 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
Duties are levied on the ‘Customs Value’ only whereas GST is levied on the ‘Customs Value’ + the Duty + the total cost of shipment to Australia figure.
Luxury car tax (LCT) is an additional tax levied at a rate of 33% on all vehicles except motorcycles and some commercial vehicles that have a value in excess of $57,180AU. LCT is only payable on the amount in excess of the GST inclusive ‘break point’, the amount of the cars’ value over $43,000AU.
9. De-registration
On export from some countries the car needs to be de-registered.
10. Have you drained the fuel/oil?
If crating yourself the fuel and oil should be drained, and the battery disconnected.
Summary
By far the most important item on this checklist is the import permit. Please ensure you have this permit before you ship, and if you check off the other items your bike will arrive with no delays or issues. All the best!
