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Australia’s 25-Year Import Rule: Shipping a Classic Car from the UK and the impact of Luxury Car tax on high value vehicles explained.
Australia’s 25-year import rule allows vehicles that are 25 years old or older to be imported through a more accessible approval route compared to newer cars.
In simple terms, if your car is old enough to qualify, you’re typically not required to meet the same modern compliance pathways that apply to newer imports. This is why the rule is so popular for classic and enthusiast vehicles.
If you’re planning on shipping a classic car from the UK to Australia, you’ve probably heard about the 25-year import rule, and for good reason. It can be one of the most straightforward ways to legally import older vehicles that wouldn’t normally meet Australia’s strict modern vehicle standards.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the 25-year rule works, the Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway, and the key costs to consider; especially Luxury Car Tax (LCT) on high value vehicles.
What is Australia’s 25-year import rule?
Importing a car into Australia isn’t as simple as just booking shipping and sending it overseas. Most newer vehicles must meet strict modern compliance requirements, including Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for safety and emissions—which can involve eligibility checks, inspections, additional paperwork, and sometimes costly modifications before the vehicle can be approved for import.
However, if a vehicle is 25 years old or older, it may qualify under Australia’s 25-year import rule. This provides access to the Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway, which is designed for classic and enthusiast vehicles and can allow the car to be imported without needing to comply with the same full ADR requirements that apply to newer vehicles, for example;
- Seatbelts and seatbelt anchor points
- Vehicle lighting (headlights, indicators, brake lights)
- Emissions standards (exhaust and pollution limits)
- Child restraint anchorage points (ISOFIX/top tether)
- Anti-theft / immobiliser requirements
- Braking systems and performance standards
- Safety glazing (windscreen and window glass standards)
In short, it’s a much more achievable route for importing older cars that were never built to modern Australian standards in the first place.
What is the Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway?
Vehicles that qualify under the 25-year rule are typically imported through Australia’s Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway.
This process is managed by the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure via the ROVER portal, where you apply for import approval. The pathway is designed to make it easier to import older classic and enthusiast vehicles by allowing certain concessions from modern compliance requirements.
Approval is generally issued as a Concessional RAV Entry (CRE) Approval, and it’s intended for single vehicles, or sometimes small batches of identical vehicles, rather than large commercial import volumes.
To apply, importers normally need to provide key documentation such as:
- the vehicle’s VIN / chassis number
- clear photos of the vehicle
- evidence of build date / age (to prove it meets the 25-year threshold)
This route gives owners a more realistic way to import older vehicles that may not fully meet current standards without needing the same level of compliance required for newer cars.
What are ADRs (Australian Design Rules) and why do they matter?
When importing any vehicle into Australia, one major factor is whether it complies with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
ADRs are Australia’s national standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions. They apply to vehicles manufactured in Australia and imported vehicles when they are first supplied to the Australian market.
This is why importing newer vehicles can be complex. Many cars built for overseas markets don’t match Australian standards without modifications. The benefit of the 25-year rule (and the older vehicle pathway) is that it can offer concessions from some of these modern ADR requirements, making older classics much easier to bring in.
Why import a classic car from the UK to Australia?
The 25-year rule is especially popular because it opens the door to vehicles that are:
- rare in the Australian market
- better value to purchase in the UK
- limited-production enthusiast models
- older performance or prestige vehicles
For many collectors, it’s the most practical way to get the exact make, model, engine, or spec they want.
When does a vehicle officially count as “25 years old”?
Australia generally determines eligibility based on the vehicle’s build/manufacture date, not simply the year it was first registered.
That’s why it’s important to confirm eligibility early and gather documents that clearly support the vehicle’s age before booking shipping.
How to import a 25+ year old vehicle from the UK to Australia
1) Confirm your vehicle qualifies
First, confirm the car meets the age requirement and is suitable for the older vehicle concessional pathway. If a vehicle has significant modifications, it may require extra attention during the approval stage.
2) Apply for import approval via ROVER
Import approvals are submitted through ROVER, the Department of Infrastructure’s online system. This is a key step and should be done before the car leaves the UK. For full details on how to apply for a Vehicle Import Approval check out our car shipping to Australia guide.
3) Receive approval before shipping
This is one of the most important steps. Shipping without approval can lead to delays, extra storage costs, or complications when the vehicle arrives.
4) Book shipping from the UK to Australia
Most classic vehicles are shipped by:
– Container shipping (often preferred for classic and higher-value vehicles due to protection and security)
– RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) where available, usually cheaper but not always suitable for every vehicle.
AutoShippers will advise on the best shipping method based on your destination, timeframe, and how valuable the vehicle is.
Visit our car shipping UK to Australia page to find details.
5) Clear customs and quarantine on arrival
Australian biosecurity standards are strict, and vehicles must be extremely clean, especially underneath and around suspension components. Dirty vehicles can be held for cleaning, which adds time and cost.
6) State registration and roadworthy checks
Even with easier import approval, you’ll still need to meet the requirements for registration in your Australian state or territory. These checks can include roadworthy inspections and minor changes depending on the vehicle.
Further details on all of the above are available on our car shipping to Australia guide.
Does the 25-year rule mean “no compliance at all”?
Not exactly.
The 25-year rule can make it easier to get approval to import the vehicle, but you’ll still need to ensure the vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and suitable for registration once it arrives in Australia.
Think of it as:
- Easier entry into Australia
- Fewer barriers than importing a newer non-compliant vehicle
- Still must pass registration and safety requirements locally
Taxes to consider when importing a car into Australia
Importing isn’t just shipping cost + delivery. Depending on your vehicle and its value, you may need to budget for:
- import-related fees and charges
- customs processing
- quarantine inspection / cleaning
- registration and inspections
- and for higher value vehicles: Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
The biggest surprise for many people importing prestige classics is LCT.
Luxury Car Tax (LCT): how it affects high value vehicles
If you’re importing a prestige, performance, or high value vehicle into Australia, it’s important to understand Luxury Car Tax (LCT) as it can add a significant amount to your overall landed cost.
Australia applies LCT when a vehicle’s GST-inclusive value exceeds a set threshold, unless an exemption applies. In general, the LCT value of a car can include not only the vehicle itself, but also the value of any parts, accessories or attachments supplied or imported at the same time as the vehicle.
What is the LCT rate?
LCT is charged at 33%, but only on the portion of the vehicle’s value above the LCT threshold (not the full value of the vehicle).
LCT thresholds (2025–26 financial year)
From 1 July 2025, the updated thresholds are:
- Fuel-efficient vehicles: $91,387 AUD
- Other vehicles: $80,567 AUD
If the GST-inclusive value of your imported vehicle exceeds the relevant threshold, LCT becomes payable (in most cases).
Why LCT matters for imported classics
Many classic cars, especially prestige European models or rare performance vehicles, can quickly fall into a “high value” category once purchase price, shipping, and landed costs are considered. That means LCT can significantly increase the final cost of importing your vehicle into Australia, so it’s worth factoring this into your budget early.
Final thoughts: importing classic cars is easier under the 25-year rule
Australia’s 25-year import rule and Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway are a major advantage for enthusiasts looking to import classic vehicles from the UK. It offers a more realistic route for older vehicles that may not meet modern ADR standards, while still following a legal and structured approval process.
If you’re considering shipping a classic car to Australia and want help choosing the best shipping method, planning costs, or avoiding delays, AutoShippers UK can guide you through the process from collection in the UK to arrival in Australia so get a quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Australia’s 25-year import rule?
Australia’s 25-year import rule allows vehicles that are 25 years old or older to be imported through a simpler approval pathway, making it easier to bring in classic and enthusiast vehicles that may not meet modern compliance standards.
What is the Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway?
The Older Vehicle Concessional Pathway is the route typically used for vehicles 25+ years old. It’s managed through the Australian Government’s ROVER portal and can provide concessions from some modern compliance requirements, helping older vehicles enter Australia legally under a more straightforward process.
What are ROVER and the RAV, and where can I find the full Australia import process?
ROVER is the Australian Government’s online platform used to apply for vehicle import approvals. Once approved, eligible vehicles are entered onto the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV), which is Australia’s national register of vehicles that have been approved for entry.
Put simply:
- ROVER = where you apply for import approval
- RAV = where the vehicle is listed once approved
For a full step-by-step breakdown of the full process, please see our complete guide here:
https://www.autoshippers.co.uk/australia_car_shipping_guide.htm
Do I need approval before shipping my car from the UK?
Yes, you should always secure import approval before shipping. Sending a car without approval can cause delays, added storage charges, or problems clearing the vehicle when it arrives in Australia.
Is the 25-year rule based on registration date or build date?
Eligibility is usually based on the vehicle’s build/manufacture date, not simply the date it was first registered. It’s important to confirm the correct date early to avoid applying too soon.
Can modified cars be imported under the 25-year rule?
Often yes, but heavily modified vehicles may require additional assessment and can sometimes make the process more complex, especially where changes affect safety, emissions, or vehicle identity.
Do I still need to register the car once it arrives in Australia?
Yes. Even after import approval, the vehicle still needs to meet your state/territory roadworthy and registration requirements before it can be driven legally on Australian roads. Federal Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and State Registration Requirements here.
What shipping method is best for classic cars?
For classic vehicles, most customers prefer container shipping due to improved protection, security, and peace of mind. RoRo can be cheaper where available, but may not suit all classic or high-value vehicles.
Full details of RoRo and Container services can be found on our car shipping to Australia page.
Will my car need to be cleaned before entry to Australia?
Yes. Australia has strict biosecurity/quarantine standards. Vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned (including underneath) to reduce the chance of delays, inspections, or cleaning charges upon arrival.
What is Luxury Car Tax (LCT) and will I have to pay it?
Luxury Car Tax (LCT) can apply if a vehicle’s value exceeds the Australian LCT threshold. It’s charged at 33% on the amount above the threshold, and can impact high value imports, including some classic or prestige vehicles depending on their declared and assessed value.
From 1 July 2025, the updated thresholds are:
- Fuel-efficient vehicles: $91,387 AUD
- Other vehicles: $80,567 AUD
Can you give me an example of GST and LCT calculations on a high value car?
Here is an Example Import Cost Breakdown (UK to Australia): £60,000 Vehicle
Vehicle value (UK): £60,000
Estimated exchange rate used: £1 = $2.00 AUD
Estimated value in AUD: $120,000 AUD
1) Import Duty
Import duty is often 5% on the customs value (where applicable).
✅ Duty: 5% of $120,000 = $6,000 AUD
2) GST
GST is charged at 10%, typically calculated on the customs value + duty (and may include other costs depending on assessment).
✅ GST: 10% of ($120,000 + $6,000) = $12,600 AUD
3) Luxury Car Tax
LCT is charged at 33% on the amount above the threshold (not the full value).
For 2025-26, the threshold for other vehicles is: $80,567 AUD
Amount above threshold:
$120,000 − $80,567 = $39,433 AUD
✅ LCT: 33% of $39,433 = $13,013 AUD
Estimated Total Taxes Payable
✅ Duty: $6,000 AUD
✅ GST: $12,600 AUD
✅ LCT: $13,013 AUD
✅ Total: $31,613 AUD
Important note
These figures are general estimates for guidance only. Final import charges can vary depending on the exchange rate used at the time of import, how Australian Border Force assesses the vehicle’s value, whether it qualifies as fuel-efficient, and any additional costs such as shipping, insurance, port fees, clearance, and quarantine cleaning.
What cars have you shipped under the 25-year rule?
In recent months, we’ve been fortunate to handle the shipment of some truly fantastic vehicles under the 25-year import rule, including:
- 1962 Velocette Venom
- 1947 Jaguar Mk IV
- 2000 Porsche 911 C4
- 1999 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante
- 2000 Porsche
- 1976 Triumph Stag
- 1958 Triumph 3TA
- 1995 Mercedes
- Suzuki TL1000R
- 2000 Mazda MX5
- 1991 Volkswagen Beetle
- 1998 Aston Martin DB7
- 1999 Jaguar XKR
Pictures of these, and all other vehicles we have shipped, are posted live on our Facebook page.
How much does it cost to ship a classic car to Australia?
The cost to ship a classic car from the UK to Australia starts at £1100.00 for our shared container service.
Prices can vary depending on the vehicle, destination, and shipping method. Most classic cars are shipped by our R-Rak shared container service, which offers the best protection for older or high-value vehicles.
Pricing typically depends on:
- collection location in the UK
- destination port in Australia
- shared vs sole-use container
- vehicle size and weight
- marine insurance level
It’s also worth budgeting for costs beyond shipping, such as customs clearance, port charges, quarantine fees, and potentially Luxury Car Tax (LCT) if the vehicle is classed as high value.
All this information can be found on our Australia car shipping guide.
Thinking of importing a classic car to Australia?
If you’ve got a classic or specialist vehicle you’d like to ship from the UK to Australia, we’d be happy to help. AutoShippers can guide you through the shipping process and provide a tailored quote based on your vehicle and destination port—helping make your import as smooth as possible from start to finish.
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