importing used cars to australia

Importing used cars to Australia isn’t hard, it’s just allergic to shortcuts.

You need an import approval from the federal government before the ship sails, or your pride and joy risks a very expensive round trip.

Eligibility usually sits under a specialist/enthusiast pathway, a personal import, or an older/classic vehicle route—check which gate your car fits.

Budget for customs duty (often 0–5%), GST at 10%, and possibly Luxury Car Tax if you breach the threshold, plus shipping, insurance, port, and compliance costs.

Biosecurity will want it spotless (asbestos is a hard no), then it must meet Australian Design Rules via an approved compliance process before state rego.

Do it right and you get bragging rights; do it wrong and you get a cautionary tale told at barbecues.