Lexi Webster
Importing a used car into Australia involves a complex process and multiple government agencies. It is important to familiarise yourself with each agency's requirements and the associated costs, timeframes, and necessary modifications. Obtaining import approval is crucial, as importing a vehicle without approval is an offence, and the Australian Border Force will not release the vehicle from customs control. The type of approval depends on the vehicle's characteristics and the importer's circumstances. The vehicle must meet specific standards, including emissions, safety, and environmental criteria, and may require modifications to comply with Australian Design Rules. Importers should also be aware of potential costs such as shipping, storage, approval application fees, taxes, Customs duties, and quarantine-related expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Must obtain an import approval through ROVER, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts' online application and approval portal |
| Timeframe | May take up to 60 business days for the application to be assessed |
| Prohibited components | Asbestos |
| Categories | Single road vehicle option, vehicle type approval, concessional vehicle imports, personal effects option, non-RAV approvals |
| Concessional Vehicle Imports categories | Vehicles that are at least 25 years old, personally imported vehicles (owned and used overseas for a minimum of 12 months), vehicles approved as Specialist or Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVs) |
| SEV requirements | Must have been on sale overseas for at least three months and never sold in Australia as an official import, must meet minimum safety and environmental standards, undergo a quarantine inspection |
| Emissions standards | Must meet or exceed emissions standards and be a hybrid or micro-car |
| Import permit | Required for permanent residents or those planning to become permanent residents |
| Tax exemptions | Vehicles over 30 years old are duty-free, Luxury Car Tax applies to cars worth more than AU$67,525 |
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What You'll Learn
Know the vehicle import requirements
To import a used car into Australia, you must be a permanent resident or plan to become one. You should also be aware that the process involves multiple government agencies, each with its own requirements.
Firstly, you must obtain import approval from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts. This can be done through ROVER, the department's online application and approval portal. It may take up to 60 business days for your application to be assessed, and you must obtain approval before your vehicle arrives in Australia. If your vehicle arrives without approval, the Australian Border Force (ABF) will not release it from customs control, and you will be responsible for any storage costs incurred.
There are several types of import approval applications, and you should select the option that suits your circumstances. The Single Road Vehicle option is suited for importing one vehicle or a small number of vehicles. You can include up to 30 identical vehicles in one application, except for trailers, which are limited to four.
The type of vehicle you are importing will also determine the specific requirements you need to meet. Under the Concessional Vehicle Imports scheme, you can import vehicles that fall into one of three categories: vehicles that are at least 25 years old; personally imported vehicles that have been bought and used overseas for at least 12 months; or vehicles approved as Specialist or Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVs). SEVs must undergo a stringent process to gain compliance and may need to undergo modifications and maintenance procedures to meet minimum safety and environmental standards. This includes replacing all fluids and tyres and modifying or replacing components such as lights and mirrors to meet Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards.
Vehicles must also meet or exceed emissions standards and be a hybrid or micro-car. Micro-cars are typically Japanese 'kei' cars with specific engine and size restrictions. Additionally, vehicles must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture upon import to ensure they meet the high standards required for entry into Australia, including cleanliness for quarantine purposes. This may include asbestos testing and removal, as the importation of asbestos is prohibited in almost all circumstances.
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Understand the costs involved
When importing a used car to Australia, there are several costs to consider. Firstly, you must obtain an import approval, which is mandatory for importing a road vehicle into Australia. The cost of this approval can vary depending on the type of vehicle and your specific circumstances. It is important to note that the absence of this approval can result in considerable storage costs as the Australian Border Force will not release the vehicle from customs control.
Shipping costs are another significant expense to factor in. These costs can vary depending on the distance and mode of transportation. Additionally, you may need to pay for storage if there is a delay in the delivery or approval process.
Once the vehicle arrives in Australia, it will need to undergo a quarantine inspection, particularly if it has been used overseas. This inspection may result in additional costs for cleaning and vacuuming, which can range from AU$300 to AU$500.
If your vehicle does not meet the national road vehicle standards, you may need to incur modification costs. This includes replacing fluids and tyres, as well as modifying or replacing components such as lights and mirrors, to comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
Finally, there are taxes and duties to consider. The Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies to cars worth more than AU$67,525. Additionally, you will need to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Duty, which can be calculated using an online calculator. Understanding these costs beforehand can help you budget effectively for importing a used car into Australia.
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$8.99
Check if your car needs modifications
To check if your car needs modifications, you must first ensure that your vehicle has been approved for import into Australia. This is a crucial step, as the Australian Border Force (ABF) will not release your vehicle from customs control without import approval, and you will be responsible for any incurred storage costs.
The import approval process is managed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts through ROVER, their online application and approval portal. There are several types of import approval applications, so be sure to select the option that suits your circumstances. For example, if you are a migrant settling in Australia or an expatriate citizen returning permanently, you will likely use the Personal Effects Option, which allows you to bring your personal vehicle as long as it has been owned for at least 12 months.
Once your vehicle has been approved for import, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements of each relevant government agency, as the process involves multiple agencies. This includes understanding the modifications needed to meet national road vehicle standards (Australian Design Rules).
Your vehicle may need modifications if it does not meet Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards. For example, components such as lights and mirrors may need to be modified or replaced. Additionally, under the existing SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles) requirements, vehicles must undergo a range of modifications and maintenance procedures to ensure they meet minimum safety and environmental standards. This includes replacing all fluids and tyres, and, in some cases, modifying or replacing certain components.
It is important to note that the importation of asbestos is prohibited in almost all circumstances, so you should be aware of any components in your vehicle that may contain asbestos and plan for the associated removal costs.
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Apply for import approval
It is important to obtain import approval before bringing a road vehicle into Australia. Under Section 22 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA), it is an offence to import a road vehicle without approval. The approval process is managed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts through ROVER, their online application and approval portal.
There are several types of import approval applications, and you should select the option that suits your circumstances. The five main categories for importing a car to Australia cover most people's situations, with around 80% of people using the Personal Effects Option. This option is for migrants settling in Australia or expatriate Australian citizens returning permanently after a long period overseas, allowing them to bring their personal vehicle as long as it has been owned for at least 12 months.
Another option is the Single Road Vehicle application, suited for importing either one vehicle or a small number of vehicles. Up to 30 identical vehicles can be included in one application, except for trailers, which are limited to four. If you are importing a vehicle that was previously registered in Australia in your name, you can use the Concessional RAV approvals option. This option is also suitable for road vehicles originally sourced from Australia and then exported and re-imported.
If you are importing a specialist or enthusiast vehicle (SEV), it must meet additional criteria. A SEV must have been on sale overseas for at least three months and never officially sold in Australia. It can be a variant of a vehicle sold in Australia, such as a different body style, transmission, propulsion system, or vehicle category. SEVs will undergo a more stringent process than 25-year-old cars or personal imports to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. This may include replacing fluids and tyres and modifying components such as lights and mirrors to meet Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards.
The application process can take up to 60 business days, so ensure you allow enough time for approval before importing your vehicle. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the requirements of each relevant government agency, as the importation process involves multiple agencies.
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Allow enough time for approval
When importing a used car into Australia, it is crucial to allow ample time for the approval process. Obtaining import approval is mandatory before bringing a road vehicle into the country. Under Section 22 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA), importing a road vehicle into Australia without prior approval is an offence.
The approval process can take a significant amount of time, and rushing it can lead to costly mistakes and delays. It is important to be aware of the various steps and requirements involved in the process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. The time required for approval can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of your import.
The type of vehicle you are importing plays a crucial role in determining the approval time. Different categories of vehicles have distinct requirements and procedures. For example, Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVs) must meet stringent criteria and undergo a detailed compliance process, which can influence the overall timeline. Additionally, the age of the vehicle is a factor to consider. Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for duty concessions and be exempt from certain taxes, which can streamline the approval process.
It is essential to be mindful of the potential need for modifications to meet Australian standards. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts sets specific requirements for road vehicles. These standards may differ from those in the country of origin, necessitating alterations to items such as lights and mirrors to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Asbestos testing and removal may also be necessary, as some overseas vehicles contain components with asbestos, which is prohibited in Australia.
Furthermore, the import process involves multiple government agencies, each with its own set of requirements. Familiarizing yourself with the regulations and procedures of each agency is essential. The Australian Border Force (ABF) plays a crucial role in customs control, and failure to obtain import approval before the vehicle's arrival can result in significant storage costs. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture inspects all used vehicles upon import to ensure they meet the country's high cleanliness standards, which may require additional cleaning or vacuuming services.
In conclusion, allowing sufficient time for approval when importing a used car into Australia is critical to ensuring a seamless process. By understanding the requirements, regulations, and potential modifications needed, you can navigate the approval process effectively. Remember to consider the specific category of your vehicle, the necessary modifications, and the involvement of multiple government agencies in the process. Proper planning and allowing ample time will help you avoid delays, additional costs, and potential non-compliance issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is an offence to import a road vehicle into Australia without approval from the Australian Border Force (ABF). You can apply for your import permit online before the vehicle arrives in Australia.
The vehicle must meet or exceed Australian emissions standards and be a hybrid or micro-car. Micro-cars are typically Japanese 'kei' cars with specific engine and size restrictions. The vehicle must also be cleaned to a high standard to pass quarantine inspection.
Vehicles that are over 30 years old have duty concessions and are duty-free. However, Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies to cars worth more than AU$67,525.
The process involves multiple government agencies, including the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, and the Department of Agriculture. You should familiarise yourself with each agency's requirements and timeframes before importing a vehicle.
Under the Concessional Vehicle Imports scheme, vehicles must fall into one of three categories: at least 25 years old, personally imported and used overseas for at least 12 months, or approved as a Specialist or Enthusiast Vehicle (SEV). SEVs must meet additional criteria and undergo a stringent compliance process.
