Vehicle Import to Australia
Importing a car or motorcycle to Australia requires a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before shipping, DAFF biosecurity clearance on arrival, and Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliance before registration. We manage the shipping and customs coordination.
VIA required before shipping — no exceptions
A Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) must be obtained through the ROVER portal before your vehicle leaves its origin country. Vehicles arriving without a VIA will be refused release by the Australian Border Force, incurring storage costs and potential forced re-export.
Is Importing Your Car to Australia Worth It?
For most people relocating to Australia, selling your vehicle and buying locally is more cost-effective. The combined cost of international shipping, 5% customs duty, 10% GST, DAFF biosecurity inspection, ADR compliance modifications, and potentially a right-hand drive conversion can add a substantial amount on top of the vehicle's market value.
Importing makes strong financial or practical sense when you are bringing:
- A classic or collector vehicle not available in Australia
- A SEVS-eligible specialist or performance car
- A pre-1989 vehicle benefiting from simplified ADR exemptions
- A right-hand drive vehicle from the UK or Japan (lower conversion cost)
- A vehicle with significant sentimental or personal value
VIA via ROVER Portal
Required before shipping — no exceptions
5% Duty + 10% GST
On customs value (price + freight + insurance)
ADR Compliance (RAW)
Registered Approved Workshop certification required
RoRo or Container
Two shipping methods with different cost/protection tradeoffs
What Are the Vehicle Import Pathways?
Australia has three main legal pathways for importing a vehicle. Your eligibility depends on how long you have owned the vehicle and the vehicle's age and type.
- Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) required via ROVER portal
- 12+ months continuous overseas ownership required
- Must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) — modifications may apply
- 5% customs duty + 10% GST on vehicle value
- Duty concessions may apply for some migrants
- Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) required via ROVER portal
- Generally exempt from modern ADR requirements
- Engineering certification may still be required
- Concessional duty rates may apply
- Must still pass DAFF biosecurity inspection
- Vehicle must appear on the official SEVS Register
- Annual import quotas — book early
- Full ADR compliance modifications required
- Full customs duty (5%) and GST (10%) apply
- Must be imported by an RAW (Register of Approved Workshops)
How Does the Vehicle Import Process Work?
Seven stages from VIA application to driving on Australian roads.
- 1
Check Eligibility & Apply for VIA
Before shipping, you must obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) through the Australian Government's ROVER portal (rover.infrastructure.gov.au). Shipping without a VIA means the Australian Border Force will refuse customs release — resulting in storage costs, potential forced re-export, and significant expense. Confirm your vehicle's eligibility pathway first.
- 2
Pre-Export Preparation
The vehicle must be professionally cleaned inside and out — including the undercarriage, engine bay, wheel arches, and tyres — to meet DAFF biosecurity standards. No soil, plant material, mud, or organic matter is permitted. Remove all personal items. Fuel must be no more than 25% full for RoRo shipping. Australia has a zero-tolerance policy for asbestos — older vehicles may require asbestos certification.
- 3
Choose Shipping Method: RoRo or Container
RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) is generally cheaper — your vehicle is driven onto the vessel and secured in an open deck. Container shipping is more expensive but provides better protection, particularly for classic or high-value vehicles. We coordinate both options with our shipping partners.
- 4
Customs Clearance & Duty Payment
Upon arrival at an Australian port, your vehicle must clear Australian Border Force customs. You will pay 5% customs duty on the vehicle's assessed customs value (purchase price + freight + insurance) plus 10% GST on the duty-inclusive value. Some personal import exemptions may reduce duty obligations — confirm with your customs broker.
- 5
DAFF Biosecurity Inspection
All imported vehicles are subject to a mandatory DAFF biosecurity inspection. The vehicle must be operational and clean. If biosecurity risks are identified — plant material, soil, or pest evidence — DAFF will order fumigation or deep cleaning at the importer's cost, causing delays.
- 6
ADR Compliance at a Registered Approved Workshop (RAW)
After customs and biosecurity clearance, your vehicle must be inspected and, if necessary, modified to comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) by a Registered Approved Workshop (RAW). Common modifications include headlights, seat belts, speedometer (metric), emissions systems, and for LHD vehicles, a full right-hand drive conversion.
- 7
State Registration
Once the RAW has issued a compliance certificate, you can register the vehicle with your state's transport authority and obtain Australian number plates. Registration requirements and fees vary by state.
RoRo vs Container Shipping — Which Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Two shipping methods are available. The right choice depends on your vehicle's value, condition, and whether it is operational.
Advantages
- Lower cost
- Regular departure schedules
- Faster loading/unloading
Considerations
- Exposed to elements on open deck
- No personal items permitted
- Vehicle must be operational
- Fuel tank max 25% full
Advantages
- Full weather and theft protection
- Can include some personal items (with restrictions)
- Preferred for collector vehicles
Considerations
- Higher cost than RoRo
- Loading and unloading adds time
- May require vehicle to be operational for DAFF inspection
What Does It Cost to Import a Vehicle?
Vehicle import costs involve multiple components across shipping, government fees, and compliance. The total depends heavily on your vehicle's value, its origin, and the modifications required to meet Australian standards.
| Cost Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) — ROVER portal Required before shipping. Apply at rover.infrastructure.gov.au | Government fee applies |
RoRo Shipping (Roll-on Roll-off) Varies by vehicle size, weight, and origin port | Quoted individually |
Container Shipping (20ft) Better protection; often used for classic or high-value vehicles | Quoted individually |
Customs Duty Based on customs value (purchase price + shipping + insurance) | 5% of vehicle value |
GST Applied after duty is added to the customs value | 10% of (value + duty + shipping) |
DAFF Biosecurity Inspection Mandatory for all vehicles. More if treatment is required. | Government fee applies |
ADR Compliance Workshop (RAW) Depends on vehicle and required modifications | Quoted individually |
Left-to-Right-Hand Drive Conversion Required for LHD vehicles. Major cost driver. | Quoted individually |
State Vehicle Registration Post-compliance step before driving on Australian roads | Varies by state |
Example: Importing a vehicle with a purchase price of AUD $25,000 and AUD $3,000 shipping:
Plus shipping, compliance workshop, and registration. Actual rates confirmed at customs.
Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
If your vehicle's customs value exceeds the Luxury Car Tax threshold (AUD $91,387 for 2025–26; AUD $80,567 for fuel-inefficient vehicles), a further 33% LCT applies on the amount above the threshold.
Vehicle Import FAQs
Do I need a Vehicle Import Approval before shipping my car to Australia?
Yes — a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Australian Government's ROVER portal (rover.infrastructure.gov.au) is required before your vehicle is shipped. If your car arrives without a VIA, the Australian Border Force will refuse to release it from customs. This can result in significant storage costs and the risk of forced re-export. Apply for your VIA as the first step, before booking any shipping.
Is it worth importing my car to Australia, or should I sell and buy locally?
For most people, selling and buying locally in Australia is more cost-effective. Total vehicle import costs — shipping, customs duty, GST, compliance workshop, and potentially a right-hand drive conversion — can add a substantial amount on top of the vehicle's value. Import makes financial sense mainly for classic cars, highly personalised vehicles, SEVS-eligible performance cars, or vehicles with strong sentimental value that cannot be replicated locally.
What are Australian Design Rules (ADR) and will my car comply?
Australian Design Rules (ADR) are the national standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft, and emissions that all vehicles registered for road use in Australia must meet. Vehicles from right-hand-drive countries (UK, Japan) typically need fewer modifications than left-hand-drive vehicles. Common modifications include headlights (for LHD → RHD traffic), speedometer (converting to km/h), seat belt standards, and emissions controls. A Registered Approved Workshop (RAW) assesses and performs all modifications.
How much does a right-hand drive conversion cost?
Converting a left-hand-drive vehicle (common for US, Canadian, and EU imports) to right-hand drive in Australia is a major engineering exercise and one of the biggest cost drivers of the whole process, depending on the vehicle make, model, and complexity. Some performance or classic vehicles cost considerably more. For most modern left-hand-drive vehicles, the conversion cost alone makes importing financially impractical compared to purchasing the equivalent vehicle in Australia.
What is the 25-year rule for classic car imports?
Vehicles manufactured 25 years ago or more may be imported under a simplified pathway that exempts them from many modern Australian Design Rules requirements. These vehicles still require a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA), DAFF biosecurity inspection, customs duty (5%), and GST (10%), and may require engineering certification. However, they avoid the complex and costly ADR compliance process required for modern vehicles.
How is customs duty calculated on an imported vehicle?
Australian customs duty on imported vehicles is 5% of the vehicle's customs value. The customs value is calculated as the purchase price of the vehicle plus international freight and insurance costs. GST (10%) is then applied on top of the customs value plus the duty. For example: a vehicle with a customs value of AUD $30,000 + AUD $3,000 shipping = AUD $33,000 customs value. Duty = AUD $1,650 (5%). GST = AUD $3,465 (10% of AUD $34,650). Total additional cost: AUD $5,115.
What biosecurity preparation does my vehicle need before shipping?
Your vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out — including engine bay, undercarriage, wheel arches, and tyres — with zero soil, plant material, mud, or organic matter present. Personal items must be removed. For RoRo shipping, the fuel tank must be no more than 25% full. Australia has a strict zero-tolerance policy for asbestos: older vehicles (particularly pre-1990s) may require an asbestos-free certification from a qualified inspector before shipping.
Related Guides
Customs & Quarantine Guide
DAFF biosecurity rules, B534 form, and ABF customs clearance for household effects.
International Shipping Options
Sea freight and air freight for household removals — timelines and container sizes.
Pet Relocation to Australia
BICON permits, Mickleham quarantine, and RNAT testing for dogs and cats.
Get a Vehicle Import Assessment
Tell us about your vehicle, origin country, and destination. We will confirm eligibility, advise on the most suitable import pathway, and provide a detailed shipping and customs quote.