uk car import to australia

Importing a UK car to Australia is doable, but only if you secure an Import Approval through the government’s ROVER system before the ship leaves—no approval, no entry.

Pick the right pathway: the Personal Import option if you’ve owned and used it overseas for 12+ months, the 25-years-or-older concessional route, or specialist compliance for newer models that can meet the ADRs.

Budget for shipping (about AUD 2,000–5,000), quarantine cleaning, and taxes: 10% GST on the customs value, possible import duty (often 0–5% depending on origin/classification), and Luxury Car Tax if you sail past the threshold.

Expect tweaks like a speedo showing km/h, child‑restraint anchorage compliance, lighting and emissions checks, plus a thorough asbestos-free certification—Australia is absolutely zero‑tolerance on that.

Once it lands, clear biosecurity, then handle state rego, stamp duty and insurance; yes, the UK is right‑hand drive, but the paperwork still has the final say.