Importing Vehicles to Australia - General Information
An import approval must be obtained for a vehicle to gain customs clearance at its point of entry to Australia. Vehicles that arrive in Australia without an import approval generally incur significant storage costs until an Import Approval is issued.
It is strongly recommended that you do not ship your vehicle to Australia until such time as you are issued with an Import Approval. If you ship your vehicle before receiving an approval and your vehicle arrives before the application is processed, you may incur storage costs from the shipping company/freight forwarder. You may also be open to prosecution, as it is an offence to import a vehicle without an import approval. Importation takes place when a vehicle is landed within the port of intended discharge and not once the vehicle clears customs control. If the import application is not approved, you will have to either export the vehicle or have it destroyed at your own expense. Destruction will need to take place under Customs supervision.
Importing Vehicles to Australia Brochure (VSB10) [
DOC: 1112 KB] [
PDF: 231 KB]
Eligibility Criteria to Import a Vehicle to Australia
There is criteria that must be met to be eligible to import a vehicle into Australia.
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An application check sheet is available.
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Download and application form for approval to import a vehicle to Australia.
Considerations Before Importing
Information on specifications, insurance, left hand drives and more can be found here.
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Contact details for the Australian Customs Service and Motor Vehicle Registration Authorities.
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Information on Vehicle Approval Schemes and their definitions.
Persons Eligible to Certify Documents
Details on who can certify copies of the documentation that is to accompany all applications.
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It is an offence to sell an imported vehicle for use on a public road that does not meet the ADRs.
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Information on the application approval process.
Notice of Rights of Review - Appealing a Decision
An Administrative Appeals Tribunal has been established for applicants to seek to have a decision they are unhappy with reviewed. Information on who to contact and how.
Vehicles Equipped with an Air Conditioner
Vehicles equipped with air conditioners may be subject to certain provisions. Follow this link for further details.
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It may be an offence to import, sell or present new or used imported vehicles to Australia for the first time unless they meet National Standards. To ensure you are aware of your obligations, please read the legislation.
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Disclaimer: The compatible application(s) listed above are examples only. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government does not endorse any particular software developer or specific application.