Shipping Your Car to Australia
If you would like to ship your car to Australia, we can include this in your quotation. You can either ship your car within your own exclusive use container or as part of our shared container service. We will need to know the car make and model so that we can work out the volume to be included in the shipment. Please see information below regarding the import of motor vehicles into Australia:
Applying for an Import Permit
You will need to contact the Department of Transport (DOTARS) in Canberra to apply for an import permit.
Vehicle Safety Standards, GPO Box 594, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Tel: + 61 2 6274 7444 Fax: + 61 2 6274 6013
vimports@infrastructure.gov.au
- Please note that you will need to apply for and be granted an import permit from the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) before shipping your car. An Import Approval is needed in order to import your car into Australia.
GST and Duty
When your car arrives in Australia, 5% duty will be payable plus 10% GST. GST is calculated on the Australian Customs Value (usually the transaction value i.e. what you paid for the car but other valuation methods may be used) of the vehicle plus transport and insurance costs.
Passenger vehicles which are 30 + years old: 10% GST is applicable but duty is not payable.
33% Luxury Car tax may be due for vehicles with a value of over AUD 57,180.00 (after duty and GST has been added).
The above duties and taxes will be payable to Australian Customs in order for the vehicle to be released.
Other Requirements
You must be in Australia in order for Customs to release the vehicle otherwise clearance will not be possible. If the shipper is not present, the car / vehicle will be held in bond until the arrival of the shipper.
Please note that the vehicle must be empty of fuel and the battery disconnected in order to comply with new International Maritime regulations (in effect from 01.01.12).
** Please ensure the motor car is cleaned thoroughly prior to exporting (interior and exterior) removing all traces of dirt, in particular the rim area over the wheel.**
Further Information
Please contact us if you have any queries relating to shipping your car to Australia.
Useful Websites
Customs Documentation
Your Move Manager will provide you with all of the relevant customs forms to ship your car but you can also download the Vehicle Import Customs Form for Australia here: Vehicle Import Application Form – PERSONAL IMPORTS. This form will need to be completed and returned to your Move Manager.
Importing Vehicles to Australia – Booklet
Download the Importing Vehicles to Australia Booklet here (produced by the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport): Importing Vehicles Australia.
