Table of Contents

1. Can I import my car to Australia from the UK?
2. Personal Import Pathway
3. Australian Vehicle Import Approval Explained (ROVER)
4. What Documents Are Required to Import a Car to Australia?
5. Preparing your vehicle for Australian Quarantine Inspection
6. Shipping methods from the UK to Australia
7. What Happens When Your Vehicle Arrives in Australia
8. Destination Charges & Import Costs in Australia
9. Federal Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and State Registration Requirements
10. Frequently asked questions
11. Why Choose Autoshippers for Car Shipping to Australia?

Can I Import My Car to Australia from the UK?

In most cases, individuals moving to Australia or returning Australian residents can import a vehicle they already own, provided certain conditions are met. Australia tightly controls vehicle imports to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and biosecurity protection.

Personal Import Pathway

This is the most common option for individuals relocating to Australia permanently or returning Australian residents. To qualify:

• You must have owned and used the vehicle overseas for a minimum period (typically 12 months)
• You must be relocating with the intention to live in Australia indefinitely
• Import approval must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped

Vehicles imported under this personal effects / personal import pathway may qualify for concessional treatment, subject to eligibility and documentation.

Australian Vehicle Import Approval Explained (ROVER)

What Is Import Approval?

Vehicle Import Approval is a mandatory government authorisation required before any vehicle can be shipped to Australia. Approval must be granted before the vehicle leaves the UK. Vehicles cannot be loaded for export without it.

All applications are submitted through ROVER, the Australian Government’s official vehicle import system.

ROVER – Official Vehicle Import Portal:
https://www.rover.infrastructure.gov.au/

Import Approval at a Glance

• Import approval is required before shipping
• Approval must be issued prior to UK departure
• Applications are lodged via ROVER only
• Vehicles shipped without approval may be delayed, refused entry, or re-exported
• Shipping cannot be booked until approval is confirmed

Important

Shipping a vehicle without the correct approval can result in customs delays, extra charges, or refusal of entry. Import approval must be secured before shipping, and all vehicles are subject to Australian quarantine and biosecurity inspection on arrival.

Watch this explainer video from the official Australian Government website:

What Documents Are Required to Import a Car to Australia?

To ship and import a vehicle from the UK to Australia, you will need documentation for both UK export and Australian import.

UK export documentation

• UK V5C registration document
• Bill of Sale/Invoice as proof of ownership if V5C isn’t in the consignee’s name

Australian import documentation

• Import approval issued via ROVER
• Copy of Bill of Lading issued by Autoshippers

Preparing Your Vehicle for Australian Quarantine Inspection

Quarantine at a Glance

• All vehicles are inspected on arrival in Australia
• Vehicles must be completely clean and free of soil or organic material
• Quarantine inspection is mandatory
• Vehicles that fail inspection may require additional cleaning and re-inspection
• Any additional quarantine costs are payable locally by the vehicle owner

Before shipping, vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned to remove all soil, plant material, and organic contaminants. Australian biosecurity standards are strict, and even small amounts of contamination can result in additional inspection or cleaning on arrival.

Particular attention should be paid to:

• Wheel arches and underbody areas
• Suspension components and chassis rails
• Tyres, spare wheel, and spare wheel housing
• Engine bay and cooling areas
• Interior footwells and boot areas

Thorough preparation before shipment is the most effective way to reduce the risk of delays and additional costs on arrival.

Biosecurity notice: Vehicles that fail quarantine inspection may require additional cleaning or re-inspection in Australia, with costs payable locally by the vehicle owner.

Preparing the vehicle correctly before shipment is the best way to avoid delays and additional charges.

Australian Quarantine Inspection – What to Expect

What Happens During Quarantine Inspection

On arrival in Australia, all vehicles are inspected by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of the mandatory quarantine process.

Inspectors assess whether the vehicle meets Australian biosecurity standards. If contamination is detected, the vehicle may be directed for additional cleaning or treatment at an approved facility before it can be released.

Any additional cleaning, re-inspection, storage, or delay charges are payable locally by the vehicle owner and are outside the control of the shipping company.

Motorbikes are inspected under the same Australian biosecurity standards as cars. Inspectors pay particular attention to tyres, suspension components, frame joints, chain areas, and any locations where soil or organic material may accumulate.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail Inspection

Vehicles may fail quarantine inspection due to:

• Mud or soil residue
• Dirt trapped behind trim or liners
• Leaves or debris in the engine bay
• Insects or organic material inside the vehicle

Even small amounts of contamination can result in failure.

Shipping Methods from the UK to Australia

There are two main methods for shipping cars from the UK to Australia. The most suitable option depends on vehicle type, value, and personal preference.

Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)

• Vehicle is driven on and off the ship
• Vehicle must be completely empty
• Cost-effective for standard vehicles

Container shipping

• Vehicle secured inside a shipping container
• Provides additional protection during transit
• Limited personal effects may be permitted (additional charges may apply)

Autoshippers will advise which shipping method is most suitable based on your vehicle and destination.

Motorbikes are shipped safely packed in bespoke, made to measure crates and are subject to the same import approval and quarantine requirements as cars. Specific handling, securing, and packing requirements may vary depending on the type of motorcycle.

Step-By-Step Guide to Shipping Your Car to Australia

1. Confirm eligibility and import pathway
   Before shipping, vehicle owners must confirm that their vehicle is eligible for import and determine the correct import pathway based on personal circumstances.
2. Apply for import approval
   Import approval must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped. Applications are submitted online via the Australian Government’s vehicle import system.
3. Prepare the vehicle for export
   Vehicles must be cleaned thoroughly and prepared to meet Australian biosecurity requirements before departure.
4. Ship the vehicle to Australia
   Once approval is granted, Autoshippers will ship your vehicle on the selected roll-on/roll-off or container shipping options.
5. Quarantine inspection
   On arrival, the vehicle undergoes mandatory biosecurity inspection to ensure it is free from soil, plant material, or contaminants.
6. Customs clearance
   The vehicle is assessed by customs authorities and import charges are calculated. Once paid and quarantine inspection approved, the vehicle is available for collection or delivery to your home. This process will be handled by our approved customs clearance agents at your destination port.
7. Compliance and approval for road use
   Where required, the vehicle must meet Australian safety and environmental standards before it can be registered.
8. Register the vehicle
   Once all federal requirements are met, the vehicle can be registered in the relevant state or territory.

This process applies to most private vehicle imports and must be completed in the correct order to avoid delays or penalties.

Destination Charges & Import Costs in Australia

Destination Costs at a Glance

• Destination charges are payable in Australia
• These costs are set by ports, government authorities, and local service providers
• Destination charges are separate from shipping costs
• Autoshippers does not control destination charges
• Charges vary depending on port, vehicle size, and inspection outcomes

The table below provides an indication of typical mandatory destination charges applied when a vehicle arrives in Australia. These charges are levied by ports and government authorities and are payable locally. Figures are for guidance only and may vary by port, vehicle size and local inspection outcomes.

Indicative mandatory destination charges (payable locally in Australia)

The charges below are mandatory destination costs applied by Australian ports and authorities and are payable locally. These are not shipping charges and are not controlled by the shipping company.

Additional or conditional costs may apply in certain circumstances, including quarantine cleaning and re-inspection (if the vehicle fails inspection), storage due to delays, oversized vehicles, and personal effects processing (where permitted). Government taxes such as GST, duty and Luxury Car Tax (where applicable) are assessed separately by Australian authorities.

Costs summary (typical categories)

• International shipping costs (paid in the UK)
• Destination charges (paid in Australia)
• Government taxes (GST / duty / LCT where applicable)
• Registration and roadworthiness costs (state/territory)

Taxes and Duties

Imported vehicles may also be subject to government taxes, including:

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

GST is charged at 10% and is calculated on the Value of the Taxable Importation (VoTI).

Import Duty

Passenger vehicles are typically subject to 5% import duty, although exemptions may apply depending on eligibility.

Luxury Car Tax (LCT)

Luxury Car Tax may apply if the vehicle value exceeds the threshold set by the Australian Tax Office.

Value of the Taxable Importation (VoTI)

VoTI is calculated using:

• The value of the vehicle
• International shipping costs
• Insurance
• Any applicable duty

This combined figure forms the basis for GST and potential LCT calculations.

Further information on GST, import duty and Luxury Car Tax is available from the Australian Taxation Office:

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/gst-excise-and-indirect-taxes/gst/in-detail/rules-for-specific-transactions/international-transactions/gst-and-imported-goods

Federal Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and State Registration Requirements

Before an imported vehicle can be legally driven in Australia, two separate stages must be completed:

1. Federal compliance and entry onto the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV)
2. State or territory registration

Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV)

The Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) is an official, publicly searchable Australian Government database established under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). It records vehicles that have been approved to meet Australia’s required safety, environmental and design standards.

In most cases, an imported vehicle must be entered on the RAV before it can be registered for road use in Australia (limited exceptions apply, such as vehicles previously registered in Australia).

Official RAV search and information page: https://rav.infrastructure.gov.au/

What RAV entry means

Being listed on the RAV confirms that:

• The vehicle complies with Australian legal standards, and
• State and territory authorities can proceed with registration once local requirements (inspection, identity checks, fees) are met.

Why the RAV matters for imports

For imported vehicles, the RAV is the key federal approval step that confirms the vehicle is eligible for road use in Australia.

Without RAV entry:

• State and territory registration authorities will generally refuse registration, and
• The vehicle may be delayed or held by Australian Border Force if the required approvals are not in place.

State Registration Requirements (NSW, VIC & QLD)

Once a vehicle has cleared customs, quarantine, and any federal compliance requirements, it must be registered in the state or territory where it will be used.

While requirements vary slightly, registration in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland typically involves:

• A roadworthiness or safety inspection
• Proof of vehicle import approval and RAV entry
• Evidence of identity and residency
• Payment of registration fees and stamp duty

State authorities may also check items such as lighting, tyres, emissions compliance, and identification numbers. Registration rules and fees are set at state level and are subject to change.

Australian States & Territories – Vehicle Registration Authorities

Here are links to register your vehicle with the relevant State Authorities:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Autoshippers for Car Shipping to Australia?

Autoshippers specialises in international vehicle shipping and has over 25 years of experience moving vehicles worldwide.

• Vehicle-only shipping specialists
• No deposit required to book
• Transparent pricing and destination charges
• Trusted UK–Australia shipping routes
• Dedicated support throughout the process

Get a Quote to Ship Your Car to Australia from the UK

If you’re considering car shipping to Australia from the UK, Autoshippers can provide a personalised quotation based on your vehicle, destination, and circumstances. Our team can also confirm eligibility and help you understand the steps involved before you commit.

Please contact us on 0800 389 0784 for any further information

Get your car shipping quote here.

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