A Step-by-step Guide on Importing Cars to Australia

Key Points

• The top Car HS Codes include 8703, 87038030, 87031090, and 870321
• The Car import list for Australia includes Daihatsu, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Suzuki.
• To import a car from America to Australia, you must obtain approvals through the Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) system and meet Australian regulations regarding safety and emissions. 
• The top US car imports to Australia include the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Dodge Charger. 
• As per Australia car import data, Australia imported $368.22 billion worth of cars in fiscal year 2024–2025, primarily from China, Japan, South Korea
• Australia imported approximately USD 44.25 billion worth of vehicles in 2024–25, mainly from China, Japan, and South Korea.

Australia is notable for its distinct wildlife, culture, and geography. Being the only island continent in the world, it has a wide coastline and a variety of landscapes, including deserts and tropical rainforests. However, the nation is actively importing several branded foreign automobiles. Importing a car into Australia in 2025 can be a profitable endeavour—if you know the regulations for shipping cars to Australia, whether you're moving, looking for a rare or vintage model, or trying to find a better deal abroad. 

Australia's vehicle import regulations are strict but manageable with proper preparation. Every facet of importing cars to Australia in 2025 is covered in this blog post, including costs, customs fees, legal requirements, car HS Codes, and professional advice to help you steer clear of common pitfalls.

Is It Worth Importing a Car to Australia?

Do you want to move to Australia but aren't sure if it's worth the trouble and cost or if you'll need to bring your car with you? These are some strong justifications for shipping your vehicle to Australia.

• Access to rare or unique models not sold domestically.
• Cost savings when buying from nations with cheaper car prices or good exchange rates (e.g., Japan, UK, USA).
• Relocation, particularly for new immigrants wishing to bring their cars or expatriates going back home.
• Passionate interest in performance, collector, or vintage automobiles.

Australia Car Import Data: Detailed Analysis

According to Australia Car Import data, Australia imported a substantial number of automobiles in the fiscal year 2024–2025, mostly from China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Thailand, totalling $368.22 billion.

Australia was the world's ninth-largest importer of automobiles in 2023, bringing in $24.8 billion.

Is the Vehicle Eligible for Shipping to Australia?

Vehicle import approval is required for all vehicles arriving in Australia to be driven on Australian roads.

There are several options available when shipping cars to Australia:

• Vehicles more than 25 years old (i.e., manufactured before 1997)
• Personal Import Option
• Registering an imported car in Australia
• Australian Plated Vehicles
• New Vehicles (including large trailers)
• Test and Evaluation Vehicles
• Discretionary Approval
• RAWS/SEVS Scheme
• Carnet de Passage
• Small Road Trailers
• Race, Rally and Support Vehicles
• Letter of Compliance
• Special Purpose-Built Vehicles
• Exhibition Vehicles
• Non-Road Vehicles
• Vehicles in Transit

Documents needed to import a car to Australia

There are several documents to import a car to Australia:

• Registration and insurance
• Quarantine requirements
• Duties and taxes
• Import approval documents
• Photo ID
• Vehicle importation application
• Documentation required
• Customs clearance
• Shipping
• Vehicle type approval

Importing Cars to Australia: A Brief Overview

There are several legal requirements and documentation required to import a car into Australia. 

• A vehicle import approval, irrespective of the road's worth. 
• A carnet (an international passport that allows private touring vehicles to be temporarily imported and guarantees duty and tax payments from an overseas issuing body);
• An Australian carnet for a car that was previously exported from Australia, acquired from the Australian Automobile Association.

A VIA is not required for importers who possess a vehicle carnet issued by a foreign organisation that has reciprocal agreements with the Australian Automobile Association. 

Australian Car Import Rules and Regulations

• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts—Manages vehicle import approval schemes.
• Australian Border Force (ABF)—Oversees customs clearance and collects duties and taxes.
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)—Inspects vehicles for biosecurity risks.
• State or Territory Road Agencies—Handle vehicle registration and roadworthiness compliance.

Luxury car tax on Imported Vehicles

Cars with a luxury car tax (LCT) value over the LCT threshold attract an LCT rate of 33%. You only pay LCT on the amount that is over the threshold.

However, the customs duty for imported cars in Australia is generally 5%.

Also Read: Bringing a Car to Canada: A Complete Overview

How to Import a Car to Australia Step by Step?

Despite what you may have heard, the shipping process is very simple. It's easy because we take care of all the laborious tasks for you. You only need to complete a few forms, but we provide them. However, there is one form that you will need to fill out on your own: the Vehicle Import Approval.

Point to be noted: 

Importing a road vehicle into Australia without permission is illegal under Section 22 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). ROVER, the department's online application and approval portal, is used to oversee the approval procedure. Applications for import approval come in a variety of forms. The option that best fits your situation should be chosen.

Step 1: Apply for Vehicle Import Approval Australia (VIA)

The first step that everyone must take in order to apply for a vehicle approval in Australia is quite obvious. The person must register for a Rover account and pay the application fee. 

Vehicle type approvals: These permits permit the importation of an unlimited quantity of vehicles of a specific type. When it comes to commercial importation requirements, this option is typically utilized.

Step 2: Determine Import Scheme Eligibility

You need to check SEVS or use the Personal Import Scheme based on your situation. 

How to Check Vehicle Eligibility

• Visit the official SEVS Register at infrastructure.gov.au
• Check to see if your car qualifies by using the Vehicle Importation Tool.
• Seek advice from a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) regarding compliance.

Applications for single-road vehicles come in a variety of forms:

• Concessional RAV entry approvals: These permits permit the importation and registration of specific road vehicle types on the Register of Approved Vehicles (the RAV).
• Non-RAV entry import approvals: In certain situations, or when a vehicle won't be used on Australian roads, a non-RAV entry import approval might be appropriate.

Step 3: Arrange Shipping

• Make sure the car is steam cleaned both inside and out before shipping to get rid of any materials that could cause a quarantine.
• If required, make sure all air conditioning gas is removed before shipping.
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping from overseas.
• Cost varies from AUD 2,000 to $5,000+, depending on distance and shipping method.

Step 4: Get Customs Clearance

Submit documents to the Australian Border Force:

• Bill of lading
• Vehicle Import Approval
• Ownership documents
• Declaration of Value
• Biosecurity Inspection
• Conducted by DAFF to check for soil, seeds, or pests.
• Ensure the car is thoroughly cleaned before shipment.

Step 5: Fulfill the requirements for approval

• Make arrangements for any necessary vehicle modifications.
• If necessary, carry out testing and create proof of compliance.
• If required, apply to be listed on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).

Step 6: Register the Vehicle

• Vehicle registration, safety inspections, and number plate issuance are managed by the state road authority.
• Australian quarantine and biosecurity requirements for imported cars

Main Import Schemes for 2025

To ship cars to Australia legally, you must be approved under one of these schemes:

1. SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme)

• For unique models not sold in Australia.
• Must be listed on the SEVS Register.
• Only eligible importers (Registered Automotive Workshops - RAWS) can import under this scheme.

2. Personal vehicle import to Australia (Scheme)

• For individuals who have owned and used the vehicle overseas for 12+ consecutive months.
• Ideal for migrants or returning Australians.

3. Older Vehicle Scheme

• Cars 25 years or older may be imported with fewer restrictions.
• Exempt from modern safety and emission standards.

4. Rally, Exhibition, and Race Vehicles

For temporary or permanent import of vehicles used in motorsports or events.

Car Import Costs to Australia (2025)

The price of importing a car into Australia is as follows:

Also Read: Top 10 Cars Exported From India

Country-wise Car Imports into Australia in 2024-25

Here is the country wise data about car imports into Australia in 2024-25:

Temporary shipping cars to Australia

For a maximum of 12 months, vehicles may be temporarily imported under a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD). Ideal for tourists or temporary residents.

Where to Find Australia Car Import Data?

Are you trying to find Australian car importer lists, import trends, exporting cars to Australia, or tracking information on vehicle shipments? Platforms like Seair Exim Solutions provide

• Detailed Australia car import data
• Importer/exporter directories
• Car HS codes
• Country-specific trade data for 120+ nations
• Historical trade statistics and forecast insights
• Statistics on importing cars from New Zealand to Australia
• Import a car from America to Australia: insights

At Seair Exim Solutions, you can easily obtain the global countries' shipment data, such as Vietnam, the USA, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Bangladesh, and more. Our dedicated platform provides accurate buyer & supplier data globally. 

Final Thoughts

So, a car import into Australia in 2025 is a multi-step procedure that calls for careful preparation, budgeting, and adherence to the law. Following the formal procedure and being aware of your options can save time and money, regardless of whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or someone simply relocating to Australia with a car.

Do you need assistance with import documentation, or would you like to view the most recent Australian auto import statistics, importing cars from New Zealand to Australia, Australian car import data, or the Car HS code? Connect with Seair Exim Solution data experts and schedule a free live demo today!

FAQ's

Q1. How do I import a car to Australia step by step?

To import a car to Australia, you need to gain some mandatory documents and trade insights like car import data, buyers and suppliers lists, and much more. 

Q2. What documents are needed to import a car into Australia?

There are several documents to import a car to Australia: registration and insurance, quarantine requirements, duties and taxes, import approval documents, etc. 

Q3. What is the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) process in Australia?

The Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) process in Australia involves obtaining a permit from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRCA) before importing a road vehicle.

Q4. What are the customs duties and taxes for importing a car to Australia?

A luxury car tax (LCT) rate of 33% is applied to vehicles whose LCT value exceeds the LCT threshold. LCT is only paid on the amount that exceeds the threshold. In Australia, however, the customs tax on imported automobiles is typically 5%.

Q5. Is it worth importing a car to Australia in 2025?

Yes, importing a car to Australia in 2025 is a profitable opportunity. However, it's crucial to be aware of Australia’s strict rules and regulations. 

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