Cargo Online Pty Ltd

Import Procedure

PROCEDURE IN AUSTRALIA

Ensure that all Import requirements have been met including, where required, 12 complete months of Use and Ownership of the Car prior to shipment. Ensure that all Documentation and Paperwork is available and in order. Obtain quotes and make a provisional shipping booking. Forward a completed Application Form to the DoTaRS in Canberra before shipment along with the A$50 Fee and supporting copy Documentation (Purchase Receipt / Invoice, UK Registration Document / Log Book, Pages of certified ID Passport, Driving Licence and any other supporting paperwork). Obtain the four part personal import approval from Canberra and ship the vehicle to Australia.

Prior to the Vessels arrival ensure that you have received the Original Bill of Lading from the UK shipping company. It may be to your advantage to contact the local Clearance Agent for up to date advice and assistance in preparing the clearance of your Motor Vehicle and engage their services as Government Departments may give priority to such entries. This is even more advisable if residency is in a town or city away from the arrival port. It should be pointed out that some delays are often incurred in clearing Motor Vehicles through Customs due to shipping movements and the associated volume of Private Motor Vehicle Imports into Australia.

Present the Original Bill of Lading to the local Shipping Line’s office and pay Port Handling and Unpacking charges. Obtain a receipt and a Delivery Order. The Shipping Company can confirm the ships arrival date and the car collection point at the port area. If the vehicle arrived before you it could already be under the control of the Port Authority or Australian Customs Service. If required, arrange an Australian Landed Valuation.

A signed statement is required that the vehicle is a one-off personal import to ensure exemption from the Air Conditioning Regulations that came into force in April 2004. This alleviates the necessity to de-gas the HFC/CFC air-conditioning system of an imported car.

For the Clearance of a motor vehicle then present to the Motor Vehicle Section of the Australian Customs Service: passport, original bill of lading, shipping line delivery order, UK purchase receipt or invoice, UK registration document or certificate of export, travel documents showing date of departure to Australia, shipping details showing date of handover for shipment in the UK, vessel, sailing, arrival dates, freight and insurance costs, driving licence, personal import authorisation certificate from DoTaRS Canberra, any supporting paperwork and documentation, a detailed list of any other goods or personal effects packed inside the vehicle and, if necessary, the Australian landed valuation report.

Once an assessment has been made for Duty/Gst (plus where applicable LCT) then make payment to the Australian Customs Service by way of Bank Cheque or Cash. Obtain a receipt.

Collect from the Quarantine Department (AQIS) a directive as to whether or not the vehicle requires steam cleaning. If required, lodge all relevant papers at the steam cleaning company. Quarantine rules are understandably very strict in Australia. Many cars will need to be cleaned by the Quarantine Department (AQIS) upon arrival. If steam cleaning is not required or has been completed then, to obtain release, approach the Clerk at the respective unpacking container base and present the Customs Release, Quarantine Permit and Delivery Order.

Obtain a temporary driving permit from the local Licensing Office to enable the vehicle to be driven from the container base to your residence. Ensure that the vehicle meets with the State Safety requirements for cars – normally only kph speedometer conversion and wing mirror glass.

Make an appointment with the State Motor Vehicle Registration Department for a Vehicle Examination (similar to a strict UK MOT Test), pay the fee and have the vehicle examined at the Test Centre. Obtain a Roadworthy Certificate. Present all paperwork at the Registration Counter, pay the annual Registration Fee and affix the Registration Label provided to the windscreen, and the supplied Australian Number Plates to the Vehicle. Pay any State ‘Stamp Duty’.

Forward Part Three of the Personal Import Approval with the fee to the address shown on the form and, when received, affix the Personal Import Plate to the Car (instructions are given as to where under the bonnet this should be placed).

An immigrants UK Driving Licence is normally valid for up to 3 months where after a written test and a medical examination should be taken so as to obtain an Australian Licence. An International Driving Permit from the AA in the UK is valid for 12 months. Included in the State Registration Fee is Third Party Insurance which is the minimum requirement in Australia. We would strongly advise that a local Insurance Broker be contacted to upgrade this to Fully Comprehensive cover.