Wheels in motion: steps & things to remember about importing a car to Oz

Importing a vehicle to Oz is any motor lover’s dream. The variety in makes, models and prices is something to inspire any enthusiast’s passion for motor power, especially when you start the search and see the plethra of vehicles at your purchase disposal.

But there are a few steps and things to remember when importing a car from UK to Australia, just to ensure the process runs smoothly…

1. Choose your vehicle

First thing’s first: choose your vehicle. What are you looking for in your new set of wheels? As a motor lover, you will already have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for, but an experienced broker will be able to help you decide, too.

2. Organise payment

Naturally, going with an experienced broker (as opposed to going it alone) can help you organise payment and even negotiate a better deal. However, once you have chosen your dream vehicle it is time to organise the payment, as it will likely be expected that you pay the amount up front.

3. Choose your delivery port

Australia has six vehicle ports of delivery: Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney - choose your port of delivery.

4. Organise delivery

It is then time to organise delivery with the help of your broker. Naturally, the vehicle will have to spend some time undergoing the rigorous customs processes, but having a qualified broker in your corner can completely smoothen the process.

5. Taxes & charges

The Australian Customs Border Protection Service and the Department of Infrastructure and Transportation have regulations in place that ensure the impossibility of importing a car from UK to Australia without vehicle import approval. What’s more, the vehicle must meet the announced criteria to be cleared for your pickup.

The Department of Customs determines the levies you must pay, with general importations being subject to the Duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST), with rates including:

• Vehicles older than 30 years old containing 10% GST & 10% Duty;

• New & used vehicles 30 years old & less containing 10% GST & 10% Duty;

• Commercial / 4WD containing 10% GST & 5% Duty, and;

• Luxury vehicles contain 33% of the amount that goes above the luxury car threshold - this is known as the “Luxury Car Tax”.

Important considerations when importing a vehicle to Australia

1. You must contact the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development before you attempt to import a vehicle, as you will learn all about the conditions you must follow to have your new vehicle cleared;

2. You must apply for Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before settling the shipping arrangements as it is prohibited to import a vehicle without a VIA;

3. You must acquire a VIA regardless of the vehicle’s price;

4. Lodge an import declaration with the Department of Home Affairs after you’ve arranged vehicle shipment;

5. You can claim the vehicle once you have settled the customs duty, GST and other fees relevant to your purchase;

6. You must ensure that all external and internal components are free of any biosecurity contamination before the vehicle is shipped - your broker can help you with this requirement.

Importing a car from UK to Australia doesn’t have to be difficult. Of course, our country is full of intense importation processes that can be hard for novices (and the initiated) to navigate, and that’s why it’s always imperative to go with a seasoned broker who can handle these processes on your behalf.

Not only this, they can help you negotiate with your dealer as well as quicken the vehicle arrival process so that you can enjoy your new ride without all that waiting.

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