Will I be able to drive my vehicle on the road?
First 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. Without an import permit you can NOT import a car to Australia. The only exception is if you are importing under a temporary basis on a Carnet.
Will I have to pay any tax?
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.
