Omari Gates
Importing a classic car from the USA to Australia involves multiple government agencies and a range of costs. The process can be straightforward, with companies offering services that handle everything from pickup to delivery, including US export documentation, Australian customs clearance, ROVER system applications, and mandatory asbestos testing. The cost to ship a car from the USA to Australia ranges between $2,150 and $2,395 USD, with additional costs including destination charges, import duties, GST, and optional cargo protection. The turnaround time is estimated at 30 days, depending on factors such as the model and make of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the USA, and the final destination in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Between $2,150 and $2,395 USD, with additional costs for destination charges, import duties, GST, and cargo protection |
| Timeframe | 30 days, depending on the origin in the USA and the destination in Australia |
| Departure Ports | Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, Savannah, California, Florida, and New Jersey |
| Arrival Ports | Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, and other locations across Australia |
| Requirements | ROVER account, Vehicle Import Approval, biosecurity compliance, asbestos testing, and customs clearance |
| Sources | Dealerships, auctions, or private sellers |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing a classic car
Auctions
Auctions are a common way to source classic cars for import to Australia. Auctions such as IAAI and Copart are mentioned by several companies offering car import services.
Dealerships
US dealerships are another option for sourcing a classic car. Some companies that offer car import services specifically mention that they can source cars from dealerships.
Private Sellers
You can also source a classic car from a private seller in the USA. This option may require more independent research and legwork than going through an auction or dealership.
Car Import Service Sourcing
Companies that offer car import services from the USA to Australia often have long lists of car buyers who can source and buy vehicles for purchasers located overseas. This service usually comes with an additional fee or commission.
Example Cars
Some companies that offer car import services from the USA to Australia also sell classic cars directly. Examples include a 1987 Mercedes 560 SL, a 1930 Cadillac LaSalle 340, a 1971 Chevrolet El Camino SS, and a 1967 Jeep Kaiser 6x6 Diesel.
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Shipping methods
There are several shipping methods to choose from when importing a classic car from the USA to Australia. The most common methods include:
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): This method involves driving the car onto the shipping vessel and securing it in place. Upon arrival, the car is then driven off the vessel. RoRo is typically the most cost-effective option for shipping a car, with prices starting at $2,395 USD for a compact car shipped from the Port of Los Angeles to the Port of Sydney. However, the price can vary depending on factors such as the make and model of the car, the departure port, and your destination in Australia.
- Container Shipping: This method involves loading the car into a shipping container, which is then loaded onto a vessel. Container shipping is often more expensive than RoRo, but it offers the advantage of being able to ship multiple vehicles in one container, which can result in cost savings. Container shipping is also a good option if you want to ship other items along with your car.
- Air Freight: Air freight is the fastest option, with delivery times of 3-10 days, but it is also the most expensive. This method may be suitable if you need your car delivered quickly, but it is likely to be cost-prohibitive for most classic car imports.
In addition to the shipping method, other factors to consider when importing a classic car from the USA to Australia include:
- Departure and Arrival Ports: The nearest departure port in the USA and your chosen arrival port in Australia will impact the cost and time frame of your shipment. Common departure ports in the USA include Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, and Savannah. Major Australian ports that accept vehicle imports include Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, and more.
- Compliance and Regulations: All imported vehicles must comply with Australian regulations, including mandatory asbestos testing and ROVER system compliance. It is also the responsibility of the importer to ensure the vehicle is clean and free of biosecurity concerns, including stink bugs, which may require fumigation.
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Costs and charges
The cost to import a classic car from the USA to Australia varies depending on factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, the chosen shipping method, and the intended duration of stay in the country.
Shipping Costs
The cost of shipping a car from the USA to Australia typically ranges from $2,150 to $2,395 USD. This price can vary depending on the shipping method chosen. Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is generally the most affordable option, as you only pay port charges and customs clearance charges in addition to the shipping fee. With RoRo, your vehicle is loaded into the holding area of a large vessel, similar to a parking garage. This method is well-suited for bulkier vehicles and offers faster transit times, with weekly departures.
Alternatively, you can opt for a shared container service, where multiple vehicles are shipped in a single container. This option incurs additional fees for container processing, which are shared among the clients. For high-value cars, dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot containers are available, providing extra protection during transit.
Additional Charges
In addition to the shipping costs, there are several other charges to consider:
- Freight and insurance charges
- Wharf, transport, storage, and delivery charges
- Duties, taxes, and fees, including Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which vary depending on the vehicle and duration of stay
- Cleaning charges for biosecurity to prevent the introduction of invasive species
- Registration and insurance requirements within Australia
- Import processing, customs brokers', and logistics service provider charges
- Destination charges (approximately 1600 AUD)
- Import duties (10% for cars under 30 years)
- Mandatory asbestos testing and ROVER system compliance
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Vehicle eligibility
Firstly, it is important to establish that the vehicle is eligible for import into Australia. The Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development oversees vehicle import options, and you will need to set up an account within the ROVER (Road Vehicles Regulator) system to determine eligibility. This system is a mandatory step in the process and ensures compliance with Australian standards.
Secondly, certain vehicle specifications may impact eligibility. For instance, air conditioning units that emit CFC gases are banned in Australia, so you must ensure your classic car does not have such a system installed. Additionally, due to quarantine concerns, all vehicles imported from the USA to Australia must undergo fumigation to address stink bug infestations. This is a mandatory step that must be carefully addressed.
Another factor influencing vehicle eligibility is the age of the classic car. In the context of importing a car from Australia to the USA, a car is typically considered a classic once it reaches 25 years of age. These older vehicles often have a simpler and more straightforward import process, as they do not need to conform to certain restrictions, such as EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. However, specific states within the USA may still require alterations to the vehicle, so it is important to research the regulations of your intended destination.
Furthermore, the condition of the vehicle plays a role in eligibility. The car must be clean and free of biosecurity concerns. This includes ensuring that the vehicle is free of invasive species, which may require additional cleaning charges. Additionally, mandatory asbestos testing is required for importing vehicles into Australia, which is an important health and safety measure.
Lastly, the specific type of vehicle may impact eligibility. For example, military or government personnel may have different requirements for importing non-conforming vehicles. Additionally, the method of importation, such as roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping, can influence the eligibility of the vehicle. Understanding the specific requirements of each method is essential.
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Customs and documentation
Importing a car from the USA to Australia involves multiple government agencies, each with its own requirements. It is important to familiarise yourself with these agencies and their requirements before importing a vehicle into Australia.
To import a car to Australia, you must set up a ROVER account to determine your vehicle’s eligibility for import under the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s vehicle import options. After setting up a ROVER account, you must apply for a Vehicle Import Approval.
Shipping companies can help you with the process, including US export documentation and Australian customs clearance. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle meets Australia's requirements. For example, air conditioning that emits CFC gases is banned in Australia, and vehicles imported from the USA must be fumigated due to quarantine issues arising from a stink bug infestation.
There are also costs involved in the process, including freight and insurance charges, wharf, transport, storage and delivery charges, duties, taxes and fees (including Australia’s GST and LCT), cleaning charges, and registration and insurance requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of importing a car from the USA to Australia ranges from $2,150 to $2,395 USD. Additional costs include destination charges (approximately 1600 AUD), import duties (10% for cars under 30 years), 10% GST, and optional cargo protection. Australia also levies customs duties, a Goods & Services Tax (GST), and a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) that can vary depending on the car you’re importing and how long you intend to keep it in the country.
The estimated turnaround time is 30 days. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the USA, and your final destination in Australia. Air freight is the quickest shipping option, delivering in just 3-10 days.
The process involves multiple government agencies, so it is important to familiarize yourself with each agency’s requirements before importing a vehicle into Australia. You will need to set up a ROVER account to determine your vehicle’s eligibility for import to Australia and apply for a Vehicle Import Approval. You will also need to ensure that your vehicle is clean and free of biosecurity concerns, including mandatory asbestos testing and fumigation for stink bugs.
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