Here's something most people don't realise: if you ship your vehicle to Australia without first receiving written Government approval through the ROVER system, the Australian Border Force will not release it from customs — and every day it sits at the port, storage charges accumulate at your expense. Understanding how to import motor vehicle to Australia before you buy or ship is the difference between a smooth, exciting import experience and an expensive logistical nightmare. We walk you through everything — eligibility rules, ROVER approval, costs, shipping options, biosecurity and step-by-step process.
Over one million vehicles arrive on Australian shores every single year, yet attempting to bring in just one car without prior government approval could legally result in your prized vehicle being crushed or exported at your own expense? It is a shocking reality, but it highlights exactly how strict Australian border laws are. If you are reading this, you are likely dreaming of bringing a classic muscle car, a rare Japanese import, or your beloved family vehicle over to Australia. The idea of cruising down the Great Ocean Road or navigating the outback in your dream car is incredibly exciting.
To import a motor vehicle to Australia: first confirm your vehicle is eligible (SEVS register for under-25-year vehicles, 25-year rule for older classics, or personal import scheme if you've owned it overseas for 12+ months). Then apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) through the Government's ROVER portal — never ship before getting this written approval. Clean the vehicle to Australian biosecurity standards and arrange BMSB treatment if shipping September–April. Ship via RoRo or container freight. Clear customs and pay 5% duty + 10% GST. If required, have the vehicle complied by a RAWS workshop. Register in your state.
So you've found a vehicle overseas that you can't get in Australia — or you're moving from the USA, Japan or Europe and want to bring your car with you. The idea is exciting. But Australia's vehicle import rules are among the most detailed in the world, and without a clear map, it's easy to make a very expensive mistake.
Australia imported an estimated AUD $368 billion worth of vehicles in the 2024–25 financial year alone — proof that importing vehicles is entirely achievable. The key is doing things in the right order. Thousands of Australians successfully import cars, motorcycles, trucks and classic vehicles every year from the USA, Japan, UK, Germany and beyond. The process is entirely manageable — if you understand the rules before your vehicle leaves the overseas port.
However, before you put your car on a ship, you need a bulletproof plan. Navigating the world of international vehicle logistics can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in the dark. That is exactly why we created this guide. If you are wondering how to import motor vehicle to australia, you are in the right place.
In this comprehensive, fully detailed guide, we will break down the exact rules, the hidden costs, how to import a motor vehicle to Australia covers every critical step, from confirming eligibility and applying for Government approval, to understanding what you'll pay in import costs, taxes, compliance fees and the step-by-step process you must follow to ensure your vehicle arrives safely, legally, and without blowing your budget. Let's break it down.
Before anything else, you need to understand who is actually in charge of vehicle imports to Australia. Three separate government agencies each play a critical role — and you need clearance from all of them before your vehicle reaches your driveway.
Three Agencies That Control Vehicle Imports to Australia
| Agency | What They Control | What You Need From Them |
| Department of Infrastructure (DoI) | Vehicle import eligibility and approval via ROVER | Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) — mandatory before shipping |
| Australian Border Force (ABF) | Customs duty, GST, LCT and asbestos checks | Customs clearance, payment of duty and taxes |
| DAFF (Agriculture) | Biosecurity — soil, pests, asbestos, BMSB treatment | Biosecurity clearance — vehicle must pass inspection |
All three agencies operate independently. Clearance from one does not guarantee clearance from the others. Your freight forwarder and customs broker manage coordination across all three agencies on your behalf. |
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Not every vehicle can be imported to Australia — and not every import follows the same process. There are four approved pathways, each with different eligibility requirements and compliance obligations. The pathway that applies to you depends on your vehicle's age, whether it was ever sold in Australia, and your personal circumstances.
The most popular pathway for classic and vintage vehicles. If your vehicle was manufactured 25 or more years ago (built in 2001 or earlier as of 2026), it qualifies under this concessional rule with a simplified compliance process.
For vehicles under 25 years old that were never sold as new vehicles in Australia. The vehicle must appear on the government's SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles) Register under one of six criteria.
For individuals who have owned and used their vehicle overseas for 12+ consecutive months. Ideal for migrants, expatriates and returning Australians bringing their personal vehicle with them.
For vehicles that were previously registered and exported from Australia and are now being returned. The vehicle must already exist on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) or have had an Australian Compliance Plate.
ROVER (Road Vehicle Online Reporting and Evaluation system) is the Australian Government's online portal that manages all vehicle import applications. It's operated by the Department of Infrastructure under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018. Every single vehicle imported to Australia — regardless of pathway — requires a VIA through ROVER before it leaves the overseas port.
Visit rover.infrastructure.gov.au and register for an account. You'll need to verify your identity using an Australian Government Digital ID. Ensure your details match your official identification exactly — mismatches can cause delays and rejection.
If your vehicle is under 25 years old, search the SEVS Register through ROVER by make, model and variant. Search the exact variant — the same model nameplate can have different variants with different register status. If your vehicle isn't on the register, it cannot be imported under SEVS unless a new listing is applied for (a separate, lengthy process).
Choose from concessional RAV entry approval (SEVS/25-year), personal import scheme, returning vehicle approval, or non-road vehicle. Selecting the wrong type leads to rejection and delays. If you're unsure, consult a licensed vehicle import specialist before submitting.
Required documents typically include: vehicle identification (VIN, make, model, year of manufacture), proof of vehicle age (for 25-year rule), SEVS register entry confirmation, 100-point identity verification, proof of overseas ownership (for personal import), and any additional evidence required for your specific pathway.
The VIA application fee is AUD $50–$100 depending on application type. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is unsuccessful. Pay carefully and only after confirming your application is complete and correct.
Standard processing takes 15–20 business days, but SEVS applications and complex cases can take 45–60 business days. Do not book or confirm your shipping until you have received written VIA approval from the Department. Vehicles arriving without approval are held at the port by the ABF — with all storage costs your responsibility.
NEVER Ship Your Vehicle Before Receiving Written VIA Approval
This is the most common — and most expensive — mistake vehicle importers make. If your vehicle arrives at an Australian port before your ROVER VIA is approved, the Australian Border Force places it on customs hold. You cannot take delivery. Storage fees at Australian port terminals can reach AUD $50–$200 per day. If the vehicle sits for weeks or months, this becomes an enormous cost — and in extreme cases, vehicles have been directed for export back to origin entirely.
Once you have your VIA approval in hand, you can arrange your vehicle's shipping. There are two main methods: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. Each suits different vehicle types and priorities.
RoRo vs Container Shipping — Vehicle Import to Australia Comparison
| Feature | RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) | Container Shipping |
| How it works | Vehicle driven onto a purpose-built car carrier vessel | Vehicle loaded into a 20ft or 40ft steel container |
| Cost | Generally cheaper — less handling involved | More expensive — container hire + loading/unloading |
| Vehicle exposure | Exposed to sea air and salt environment on deck | Fully enclosed and protected from elements |
| Best for | Standard passenger cars, modern vehicles, running vehicles | Classic, high-value, modified or non-running vehicles |
| Can you share? | No — each car occupies its own space | Yes — multiple vehicles can share a container |
| Fuel requirement | Must be driveable — minimum 1/4 tank of fuel | Does not need to be driveable |
| Security | Vehicle is accessible on vessel | Sealed container — better security for valuables |
| Cleaning requirement | Must be clean before loading | Must be clean inside and outside |
| For non-running classic vehicles, unique or high-value cars, or vehicles with loose parts/modifications, container shipping is the recommended method despite the higher cost. Discuss with your freight forwarder which option suits your specific vehicle. | ||
The main Australian destination ports for imported vehicles are Brisbane, Sydney (Port Botany), Melbourne, and Fremantle (Perth). Most vehicles from the USA arrive via West Coast US ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland). Vehicles from Japan arrive primarily via Nagoya, Osaka or Yokohama. UK and European vehicles arrive via Southampton, Hamburg or Bremerhaven. Fremantle typically takes longer than eastern ports due to routing via Singapore.
Before diving into the complex regulations, it is worth asking: why go through the effort of importing cars to Australia in the first place? For many, the local market simply does not have what they want.
Here are the most common reasons you might consider a car import australia:
Whatever your reason, bringing a car across the world is a major commercial and logistical undertaking. But do not worry—with the right knowledge and a trusted partner, the process becomes entirely manageable.
If you only remember one thing from this entire article, let it be this: Do not ship your vehicle until you have been granted an official Vehicle Import Approval.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) handles all vehicle approvals. If your car arrives at an Australian port without this approval, Australian Border Force (ABF) will not let it through. You will face massive storage fees, and ultimately, you will be forced to pay to ship it back out of the country or pay to have it destroyed.
To avoid this nightmare, you must understand the rules.
Australia has some of the strictest vehicle compliance and quarantine laws in the world. The government wants to ensure that any vehicle entering the country is safe, roadworthy, environmentally compliant, and free of foreign pests.
To legally complete a car import, your vehicle must fit into one of the government's specific eligibility pathways. You apply for these through the government's online ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator) system.
If you are moving to Australia to live, you might be eligible to bring your car with you. To qualify for this:
This is a favorite pathway for classic car enthusiasts. If the vehicle you want to import was manufactured at least 25 years ago, it falls under the older vehicle category. Because these cars are usually imported for restoration, collection, or weekend driving, the rules regarding modern safety and emissions standards are slightly relaxed.
What if you want a rare, high-performance car that is only a few years old? You might be able to use the SEVs register. This pathway is designed for cars that cater to specific enthusiast needs and were never heavily marketed or sold in Australia.
Australia has a strict zero-tolerance policy for asbestos. This is a massive trap for people importing classic cars. Many older vehicles have asbestos in their brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets, and soundproofing materials.
If border officials suspect your car has asbestos, they will hold it for testing. If asbestos is found, it must be removed by specialized, highly expensive professionals before the car is released. Always have your car thoroughly inspected and have any suspect parts replaced with non-asbestos alternatives before shipping it to Australia.
In the past, the government used a system you may have heard referred to as the registrar of imported vehicles. Today, this has been modernized. Once your vehicle is approved and passes all compliance checks in Australia, it is added to the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). The RAV is an online, searchable database. A vehicle must be on the RAV before any Australian state or territory will allow you to register it for road use.
Australia's biosecurity requirements for imported vehicles are among the strictest in the world. Failing to comply doesn't just cause delays — it can result in mandatory cleaning at your expense, treatment orders or in extreme cases, export back to origin. Here's exactly what you need to do.
Your vehicle must be completely clean before it leaves the overseas port. This means every surface — exterior, undercarriage, wheel arches, engine bay, interior floor, boot and any cavities — must be free of soil, mud, seeds, plant material and insects. A professional steam clean before shipping is strongly recommended. If DAFF inspectors find contamination on arrival, they will order cleaning at an Australian Quarantine Approved Premises (QAP) at your cost — AUD $400–$800 or more.
If you're shipping a vehicle from the USA, Europe, or other BMSB target countries between 1 September and 30 April, your vehicle may require treatment by a DAFF-approved provider before departure. Vehicles are one of the highest-risk BMSB carriers — the bug hides in engine bays, wheel wells, and body cavities. Treatment typically involves heat treatment or fumigation by a certified facility. You must have a treatment certificate before the vessel departs.
Australia has an absolute ban on asbestos. Older vehicles manufactured before the 1990s often contain asbestos in brake pads, clutch facings, gaskets or heat shields. If asbestos is found in your vehicle at the Australian border, those components must be removed and replaced — at your cost, at an approved facility, before the vehicle can be released. For classic vehicles, have an asbestos audit conducted by a certified specialist in the origin country before shipping. Replacing the relevant components before shipping is far cheaper and simpler than dealing with it at an Australian port.
Drain Fuel Before Shipping LNG/CNG Vehicles and Check for Lithium Batteries
Some shipping carriers and ports have restrictions on vehicles with full fuel tanks, hydrogen fuel systems, or large lithium-ion battery packs (electric vehicles). For EVs, some carriers require batteries to be at a specific state of charge. Always check with your freight forwarder about carrier-specific requirements for your vehicle type before booking.
Importing a car is not a single event; it is a carefully sequenced chain of events. Here is the step-by-step process you must follow.
Before spending a single dollar, verify that your car is eligible for import. Check the Department of Infrastructure's website and review the ROVER system pathways. If your car does not fit into the Personal Effects, Older Vehicle, or SEVs categories, you likely cannot import it. Confirm it qualifies under an approved Australian import pathway. Check the SEVS Register via ROVER for under-25-year vehicles. Confirm the build date (not just model year) for the 25-year rule. Engage a vehicle import specialist or your customs broker if you're unsure which pathway applies.
Create an account on the ROVER portal. You will need to provide extensive documentation, including:
Note: The government can take up to 60 business days to process a ROVER application. Plan ahead!
Get a Full Landed Cost Estimate
Before you buy, calculate your full landed cost — vehicle purchase price + shipping + duty (5%) + GST (10%) + LCT (if applicable) + RAWS compliance + state registration. The vehicle cost is only a fraction of your total investment. Use these estimates to confirm the import makes financial sense before committing.
Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is fiercely protective of the local ecosystem. Before the car goes on a ship, it must be steam-cleaned and vacuumed inside and out.
Apply for Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) Through ROVER
Create your ROVER account and submit your VIA application with all required documents. Pay the non-refundable fee. Wait for written approval — do not arrange shipping until this approval is in your hands. Standard processing: 15–20 business days. SEVS applications: 45–60 business days.
You have two main options for shipping a car:
Never skip Marine Insurance. The ocean is unpredictable, and if a shipping container is damaged during a storm, you want to ensure your investment is fully covered. View our secure Freight Forwarding and Insurance packages here.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Australian Biosecurity
Have your vehicle professionally steam cleaned — exterior, undercarriage, engine bay, interior. Commission an asbestos audit for vehicles manufactured before the 1990s. Arrange BMSB treatment with a DAFF-approved provider if shipping during September–April. Retain all treatment certificates.
When the ship docks in Australia, you cannot just drive the car away. You must lodge an import declaration with the Australian Border Force (ABF). This is when you must pay your Customs Duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and potentially the Luxury Car Tax (LCT).
Because customs declarations involve complex legal codes and valuations, it is highly recommended to use a licensed Customs Broker for this step.
Book Your Freight
Choose between RoRo and container shipping based on your vehicle type, value and budget. Book your shipping with a reputable freight forwarder with vehicle import experience. Arrange marine insurance — carrier liability is very limited and does not cover the full value of your vehicle.
Once Customs clears the paperwork, a DAFF officer will physically inspect the vehicle. If they find so much as a single seed or a clump of foreign mud under the wheel arch, they will order the car to be professionally cleaned at an approved facility at your expense.
Prepare Your Australian Customs Documentation
Send all documentation to your Australian customs broker — VIA approval letter, commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, marine insurance certificate, BMSB treatment certificate (if applicable), and asbestos clearance if required. Aim to pre-lodge your customs declaration before the vessel arrives to speed up port release.
If your car clears a quarantine, you finally get it back—but you still can't drive it. The vehicle must be transported (usually by tow truck) to a compliance center.
Clear Australian Customs and Biosecurity
Your customs broker lodges the Import Declaration with the ABF. Customs duty (5%) and GST (10%) are calculated and paid. DAFF conducts a biosecurity inspection. Green lane: released immediately. Red line: physical inspection ordered at your cost. Once both ABF and DAFF clear the vehicle, it's released from port.
With the car on the RAV, you can now take it to your local state or territory transport authority (e.g., VicRoads in Victoria, Transport for NSW). You will need an independent roadworthy certificate (safety check). You will pay your state stamp duty and registration fees, get your local license plates, and finally, you can hit the road!
RAWS Compliance (SEVS vehicles only)
For SEVS vehicles, deliver your vehicle to a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAWS) that holds an approved evidence package for your model. They will carry out required modifications to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Common work includes lighting adjustments, speedometer recalibration, child restraint anchorage points and mirror adjustments. Once complete, the RAWS issues a Consumer Information Notice (CIN) required for registration.
Take your VIA approval, RAWS CIN (if applicable), Import Declaration, proof of identity and evidence of compliance to your state's registration authority. Pay registration fees and stamp duty. For classic vehicles, check whether you qualify for historic vehicle registration, which typically has annual kilometre restrictions but lower fees.
"How much does it cost?" is the most common question we get. The truth is, there is no flat fee. The cost to import vehicle to Australia depends heavily on the value of the vehicle, where it is coming from, and the exchange rate. Here's a complete breakdown of every cost you'll face.
Let's break down the primary costs you need to budget for.
This is where the costs can rise significantly. The Australian government calculates taxes based on the Value of Taxable Importation (VoTI).
If you are importing a high-end, expensive vehicle, you must beware of the Luxury Car Tax. For the 2025-2026 financial year, the LCT threshold is roughly around $80,000 AUD for fuel-efficient vehicles, and around $90,000 AUD for highly fuel-efficient/electric vehicles (these exact numbers change slightly each financial year).
If the vehicle's total value (VoTI + GST) exceeds this threshold, you must pay an additional 33% tax on the amount that exceeds the threshold. This can add tens of thousands of dollars to your import cost.
Let's say you buy a classic car in Japan for the equivalent of $30,000 AUD.
As a general rule of thumb, expect to pay roughly 30% to 45% on top of the purchase price to get the car safely parked in your Australian garage.
Complete Cost Breakdown table — Importing a Motor Vehicle to Australia
| Cost Category | Indicative Cost (AUD) | Notes |
| Shipping freight (RoRo) | $1,500–$3,000+ | Depends on origin port and destination AU port |
| Shipping freight (Container — 20ft) | $3,000–$6,000+ | Includes container hire and loading/unloading |
| Marine insurance | 1.5–2% of vehicle value | Strongly recommended — carrier liability is limited |
| ROVER VIA application fee | $50–$100 | Non-refundable government fee |
| Australian port handling/unloading | $500–$800 | Terminal handling at AU port |
| Quarantine/biosecurity inspection | $150–$400 | DAFF inspection — mandatory |
| Cleaning (if required at border) | $400–$800 | Avoid by thoroughly cleaning before shipping |
| Customs broker fee | $200–$500 | Per vehicle import declaration |
| Customs duty | 5% of CIF value | CIF = vehicle cost + insurance + freight |
| GST | 10% of (CIF + duty) | Claimable if business is GST-registered |
| Luxury Car Tax (LCT) | 33% above LCT threshold | AUD $71,849 (standard) / $80,567 (fuel-efficient) for 2025–26 |
| RAWS compliance (SEVS vehicles) | $2,000–$10,000+ | Cost varies enormously by vehicle and modifications required |
| State registration (first time) | $200–$500 + stamp duty | Varies by state and vehicle value |
Example: A USD $30,000 car (AUD ~$46,000) imported from the USA including shipping, duty (5%), GST (10%), customs broker, port charges and RAWS compliance might have a total landed cost of AUD $58,000–$70,000 before registration. Always get a full landed cost estimate before committing to a purchase. |
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Important note: Luxury Car Tax — Get a Quote Before You Buy
If the vehicle's value (customs value + duty + freight + insurance) exceeds the LCT threshold, Luxury Car Tax applies at 33% of the value above the threshold. For a car with a taxable value of AUD $100,000, LCT on the $28,151 above the standard threshold would be approximately AUD $9,290. This can significantly change the economics of your import. Calculate your total landed cost including LCT before you make any overseas vehicle purchase.
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Even smart people make mistakes when dealing with international logistics. If you are handling an import vehicle to Australia, avoid these catastrophic errors:
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The single most important rule in Australian vehicle importing. Apply for ROVER VIA approval before you ship anything. The 15–60 business day wait feels long, but it costs nothing compared to having your vehicle held at port. Start the ROVER application as early as possible in the process.
For SEVS vehicles, RAWS compliance costs AUD $2,000–$10,000+ depending on your vehicle and what modifications are needed. Get a written compliance estimate from a RAWS that holds an evidence package for your specific model before you commit to the purchase overseas. This cost is non-negotiable once you're committed.
Many people get excited about an overseas vehicle price without running the full numbers. Calculate vehicle cost + freight + duty (5%) + GST (10%) + LCT (if applicable) + RAWS + state registration before you buy. The complete landed cost is often 30–50% more than the purchase price alone.
Australian biosecurity inspectors have zero tolerance. A professional steam clean in the origin country — undercarriage, engine bay, wheel wells, interior — costs USD $100–$300. Border cleaning if DAFF finds contamination costs AUD $400–$800 minimum, plus potential delays. Prevention is far cheaper.
If your vehicle is arriving September–April and originates from a BMSB target country (USA, most of Europe), arrange BMSB treatment before the vessel departs. Treatment in the origin country costs USD $300–$800. Having your vehicle turned back at the Australian border costs thousands.
Have an asbestos audit done by a certified specialist in the origin country for any classic vehicle made before the 1990s. Replace brake pads, clutch facings and gaskets if there's any doubt. Australia's zero-tolerance asbestos policy makes this non-negotiable, and replacing components in Australia is more expensive and disruptive than doing it overseas.
RoRo is cheaper for modern running vehicles. For classic, high-value, non-running or modified vehicles, container shipping provides far better protection — sealed, weather-proof and secure. The extra cost of a container is worth it for irreplaceable vehicles.
Vehicle importing combines freight logistics, ROVER compliance, DAFF biosecurity and ABF customs — all in one transaction. A general freight forwarder without vehicle-specific experience can miss critical steps. Always choose a forwarder who specialises in vehicle imports and knows the ROVER system.
Australia drives on the left — meaning standard Australian road vehicles are right-hand drive (RHD). The question of whether you can register and drive a left-hand drive (LHD) car in Australia is one of the most common questions vehicle importers ask.
The short answer: it depends heavily on the vehicle's age and your state or territory's specific rules.
Modern LHD vehicles (under 25 years): Generally, modern LHD vehicles cannot be registered for regular daily road use in Australia. Converting a modern vehicle from LHD to RHD costs AUD $30,000+ and is typically impractical for most vehicles. Some modern LHD vehicles qualify for SEVS import under the left-hand drive criterion — but they face significant restrictions on road registration and use.
Classic LHD vehicles (25+ years): Most Australian states (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA) allow classic LHD vehicles over 25 or 30 years old (state-dependent) to be registered under historic or club registration schemes. These typically involve annual kilometre limits (often 45-day events-based registration or 10,000km annual limits), and the vehicle displays special historic plates. Check your specific state's transport authority for current rules before purchasing a classic LHD vehicle overseas.
To import a motor vehicle to Australia: (1) Confirm your vehicle qualifies under an approved import pathway — 25-year rule (built 2001 or earlier), SEVS register (under 25 years, check ROVER), personal import scheme (owned overseas 12+ months), or returning vehicle. (2) Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) through the Government's ROVER portal — processing takes 15–60 business days. Never ship before receiving written approval. (3) Clean the vehicle thoroughly and arrange BMSB treatment if needed (September–April season). (4) Arrange RoRo or container shipping with a licensed freight forwarder. (5) Clear Australian customs via the ABF — pay duty (5%) and GST (10%). (6) For SEVS vehicles: have compliance work done by a RAWS workshop. (7) Register in your state or territory.
The cost varies greatly, but generally, you should expect to add 30% to 45% to the purchase price of the vehicle. This covers ocean freight ($1,500–$5,000), Customs Duty (5%), GST (10%), port fees, compliance modifications, and local registration. Luxury vehicles may also incur a 33% Luxury Car Tax.
Yes, you can import a left-hand drive car, but driving it on the road is governed by state laws. Most states (like Victoria, NSW, and Queensland) allow LHD vehicles to be registered without conversion only if the vehicle is strictly over 25 or 30 years old (depending on the state) and is registered under a historic or club permit scheme. Newer vehicles must usually be converted to right-hand drive (RHD) at a substantial cost.
Shipping your car without prior approval from the Department of Infrastructure (via ROVER) is a massive risk. The Australian Border Force will not release the vehicle. You will incur heavy daily port storage fees and will ultimately be forced to pay to export the vehicle back out of Australia or pay to have it destroyed. Always get approval first.
To easily import a car under the "Older Vehicle" scheme, it must be at least 25 years old from its date of manufacture. This exemption allows classic and vintage cars to be imported without needing to meet modern, strict Australian safety and emission standards.
Yes. All imported vehicles are subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), regardless of whether they are new or used. The GST is calculated on the total landed cost, which includes the vehicle's value, the cost of shipping, marine insurance, and any customs duty applied.
The RAV is an online, publicly searchable database maintained by the Australian government. Acting as the modern equivalent of the old registrar of imported vehicles, it lists every vehicle that has been approved for use on Australian roads. Your imported car must be entered onto the RAV by an approved compliance facility before any state transport authority will allow you to register it.
Importing a motor vehicle to Australia is a process that rewards careful preparation. The rules are detailed, the costs are significant, and the order of operations matters enormously. But thousands of Australians successfully import vehicles every year from the USA, Japan, Europe and beyond — and with the right preparation, you can too.
The most important principles: confirm eligibility before you buy, apply for ROVER VIA approval long before shipping, clean your vehicle to biosecurity standards, arrange BMSB treatment during season, and calculate your full landed cost including duty, GST, LCT and compliance before committing to any overseas purchase.
Working with an experienced freight forwarder who specialises in vehicle imports — and a licensed customs broker who knows the ROVER system — removes the complexity and ensures nothing critical is missed between the overseas dealer and your Australian driveway.
Your Vehicle Import to Australia Checklist
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Disclaimer: Customs laws, tax rates, and government regulations regarding how to import motor vehicles to Australia change frequently. The information in this guide is current as of 2026. Always consult with a licensed customs broker or the Department of Infrastructure before purchasing a vehicle overseas.
