Check Your Vehicle Is Eligible Before Shipping

Before importing a road vehicle into Australia, you must obtain the appropriate Australian Government vehicle import approval.

Applications are managed online through ROVER, the Australian Government system for Road Vehicle Standards approvals.

There are several different approval pathways, and the one that applies will depend on factors such as:

• The type and age of the vehicle
• Whether you’re moving permanently to Australia
• Whether the vehicle has previously been registered in Australia
• Whether the vehicle is more than 25 years old
• Whether modifications or specialist compliance work may be required
• Whether the vehicle is being imported temporarily or permanently

It’s important to determine the correct pathway and receive approval before your vehicle is shipped.

If a road vehicle arrives in Australia without the necessary approval, Australian Border Force will not release it from Customs control and substantial storage or other costs can result.

Check current Australian vehicle import requirements

Access the Rover Vehicle Import Portal

Moving to Australia With Your Own Vehicle

One of the Australian Government approval pathways specifically caters for certain people moving to Australia with a vehicle they’ve owned and used overseas.

Eligibility conditions apply and approval isn’t automatic, so you’ll need to check whether your vehicle and circumstances meet the current requirements.

Our Moving Consultants can provide the shipping information you’ll need while you complete the government approval process.

Once your import approval has been granted, we can coordinate the vehicle’s journey to Australia.

How We Ship Your Vehicle

The most suitable shipping method will depend on your vehicle, origin country and whether you’re also moving household belongings.

Depending on the move, your vehicle may travel:

• In a sole-use shipping container
• In the same container as your household belongings, where suitable
• Using another specialist vehicle-shipping service

If you’re moving household effects and a vehicle together, we’ll work with our origin partner to determine the most appropriate way to prepare and load the shipment.

Once the vehicle reaches Australia, our Imports team coordinates the destination process.

Australian Customs, Duty & Taxes

Imported vehicles are subject to a separate Customs process from ordinary household effects.

Depending on the vehicle and your circumstances, costs can include:

• Customs duty
• Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Luxury Car Tax (LCT), where applicable
• Import processing and port charges
• Biosecurity inspection or treatment charges
• Compliance or modification costs
• State or Territory registration costs

The amount payable will depend on the vehicle’s value, classification and any concessions or exemptions that may apply.

Australian Border Force determines the Customs duty, GST and other applicable charges when the vehicle is imported.

Biosecurity Inspection – Your Vehicle Must Be Spotless

Australia has strict Biosecurity requirements for imported vehicles.

Used vehicles are generally subject to internal and external Biosecurity inspection when they arrive in Australia. Authorities are looking for contamination that could introduce pests or diseases, including:

• Soil and mud
• Seeds and plant material
• Leaves, bark and grass
• Insects
• Animal material
• Organic debris

Before the vehicle is shipped, it should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out, including areas that are easily missed.

Particular attention should be paid to:

• Wheel arches and underbody
• Engine bay
• Radiator and grille
• Boot and spare-wheel compartment
• Under seats and floor mats
• Door seals and hinges
• Storage compartments
• Motorbike panniers and under-seat areas

If Biosecurity identifies contamination, the vehicle may require cleaning, treatment and re-inspection at the owner’s expense. In serious cases, export or destruction may also be directed.

Taking the time to ensure your vehicle is spotless before shipping can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs when it arrives.

Learn more about Australian Biosecurity & Quarantine

What About Asbestos?

Australia has strict restrictions on the importation of asbestos.

Older vehicles and some overseas-manufactured vehicles may contain asbestos in components such as brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets and other parts.

The importer is responsible for ensuring the vehicle complies with Australian asbestos requirements.

If you have any concerns about a particular vehicle, check the current Australian Government requirements before arranging shipment.

Importing Motorbikes, Caravans & Trailers

Australian vehicle-import requirements aren’t limited to cars.

Separate approval requirements can also apply to motorbikes, caravans, road trailers and other road vehicles.

The applicable approval pathway will depend on the type of vehicle and your circumstances, so check the current Australian Government requirements before shipping.

Our team can then discuss the international transport options available.

Our Vehicle Import Process

Step 1:  Check Eligibility: Before booking shipment, establish whether your vehicle is eligible for import and which Australian Government approval pathway applies.

Step 2:  Apply Through ROVER: Complete the relevant vehicle-import approval application through the Australian Government ROVER system. Allow sufficient time for your application to be assessed. Current government guidance advises that some applications can take up to 60 business days, depending on the approval pathway and information provided.

Step 3:  Receive Your Import Approval: Do not ship your road vehicle until the required approval has been granted. Read the approval carefully, as conditions may apply to your particular vehicle.

Step 4:  Prepare & Clean the Vehicle: Arrange for the vehicle to be thoroughly cleaned internally and externally and ensure any other pre-shipment requirements are completed.

Step 5:  Ship Your Vehicle to Australia: Once your approval is in place, Overseas Packers & Shippers can coordinate the international transport of your vehicle.

Step 6:  Customs & Biosecurity Clearance: When your vehicle arrives, our Imports team coordinates the Australian destination process, including the relevant Customs and Biosecurity requirements.

Step 7:   Registration: Once the vehicle has been released, you will need to satisfy the applicable State or Territory compliance and registration requirements before using it on Australian roads.

Why Use Overseas Packers & Shippers?

Importing a vehicle involves more than simply booking space on a ship.

With 50 years of international moving experience, Overseas Packers & Shippers can coordinate your household belongings and vehicle as part of the same international move.

Our Brisbane Imports team has extensive experience handling incoming shipments through Australian Customs and Biosecurity, giving you an experienced local team managing the destination process once your vehicle arrives.

As a FIDI FAIM accredited mover and one of only four OMNI members in Australia, we can also coordinate with trusted international moving partners at origin to manage the overseas side of your relocation.

Ready to Bring Your Vehicle to Australia?

Before booking shipment, your first step is to check the Australian Government import requirements and obtain the appropriate vehicle import approval.

Once you’ve established that your vehicle can be imported, contact our Moving Consultants and we’ll help you plan the international shipping and Australian destination process.

Check Vehicle Import Requirements

Request a Vehicle Shipping Quote

CALL 1300 732 686