Cargo Online Pty Ltd

Import Procedure

Car Import Procedure in Australia

We are able to attend to most processes below on your behalf...

• Car Import Requirements - you should ensure that all import requirements have been met including, where required, 12 complete months of Use and Ownership of the car prior to shipment.
• Car Import Documentation - you should ensure that all documentation and paperwork is available and in order.
• Book Vehicle Shipping - we supply quotes and make a provisional shipment booking.
• Import Approval - you should forward a completed Application Form to the Department of Infrastructure in Canberra before shipment along with the A$50 Fee and supporting copy documentation (Purchase Receipt / Invoice, 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.
• Air Conditioning - HFC Air conditioning may need to be degassed before shipping. Please check with us as to how this will affect you. It is illegal to import vehicles with CFC Air Conditioning; these air conditioners must be permanently disabled prior to shipment.
• Ship the Vehicle - we arrange to ship the vehicle to Australia.
• Obtain Shipping Documentation - prior to the vessels arrival, you should ensure that you have received the Bill of Lading from the shipping agent . You should contact the local Customs Clearance Broker (we are customs brokers) 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 Shipping Documentation - present the 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.
• Local Valuation - if required, arrange an Australian Landed Valuation.
• Customs Clearance - for the Customs Clearance of a motor vehicle, you must present to the Motor Vehicle Section of the Australian Customs Service: passport, Bill of Lading, purchase receipt or invoice, registration document or certificate of export, travel documents showing date of departure to Australia, shipping details showing date of handover for shipment in the origin country, vessel, sailing and arrival dates, freight and insurance costs, driving licence, personal import approval certificate from Department of Infrastructure 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.
• Customs Payment - 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.
• Steam Cleaning - collect from the Quarantine Service (AQIS) a directive for inspection of your vehicle. If Steam Cleaning is 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 AQIS approved depot 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.
• Driving Permit - 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.
• Vehicle Examination - make an appointment with the State Motor Vehicle Registration Department for a Vehicle Examination (similar to a Road Worthiness 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’.
• Personal Import Plate - 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).

These processes vary from state to state. The above should be taken as a general guide only.

An immigrants overseas Drivers Licence is normally valid for up to 3 months where after a written test should be taken so as to obtain an Australian Licence. An International Driving Permit (from the country of origin) may be valid for up to 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.

For Any Further Information...

Please Contact Us for any further information regarding Car Import to Australia.