cars in quarantine

“Cars in quarantine” means imported vehicles are parked under Australian biosecurity (DAFF) until they’re proven free of hitchhiking pests and suspicious grime.

It’s routine, especially during brown marmorated stink bug season, and can add days or a few weeks while cars are cleaned, fumigated, and re‑inspected.

You can’t collect the car early, and costs sit with the importer or manufacturer—though delays can nudge delivery dates and, indirectly, pricing.

For buyers it mostly means patience: stay in touch with your dealer for revised ETAs; your pride and joy isn’t cursed, it’s just at a decontamination spa.

Private importers should pre-clean thoroughly, use accredited shippers, and follow DAFF guidance unless they fancy the “back to the queue” sticker.