How To Import Cars To Australia

Importing cars to Australia is our specialty at Elite Holdings WA. As a RAW compliance workshop, dealership and service centre we use our unparalleled knowledge and passion for the industry to support our clients every step of the way, taking care of everything from hand picking the right vehicle to import, compliance and registration.

Find out about how the car import process works below.

How Importing Cars To Australia Works

1.   Choosing a car

There are a number of options for importing cars in Australia, and the option that applies to you will depend on the type of car you’re looking for and your reason for purchasing it.

For those planning to import a car for daily use there are two main options to consider;

Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVs) – SEVs arrangements allow for cars not sold in Australia to be imported, subject to approval from the government and inclusion on the SEVs register. If cars a deemed eligible they will need to meet Australian Design Rules and compliance must be performed by a Registered Automotive Workshop. Read more about SEVs arrangements here.

Vehicles older than 25 years – Currently under the interim arrangements following the postponement of the Road Vehicle Standard legislation it is possible to import vehicles older than 25 years. This will effectively replace the ‘manufactured prior to 1989’ rule, although whilst interim measures are in place it is also possible to make an application to import vehicles under the original rule.

There are also a number of other options that may be applicable depending on your situation:

Personal Imports – If you are moving to Australia and you have owned your car for more than 12 months and want to bring it with you, then you may be able to import your car.

Racing Imports – If you plan to import a car for race or rally use and you hold a current CAMS licence, then you can import virtually any car – however it is import to note that they cannot be registered or used on the road.

We’ll work with you to advise you on what can be imported and complied and will handpick a car based on your needs.

2.   Deciding on budget

We’ll have an in-depth discussion with you about the costs involved in importing a car to Australia and help you decide on a budget that suits you based on what’s achievable in the current market conditions. We’ll then source a high quality car to fit within your budget and specifications.

3.   Sourcing your car

If you’ve got something specific in mind we’ll begin searching for your car at auction, this process typically takes a few weeks, although it’s dependant on the model you’re looking for, budget and other factors. Once we’ve found the right car it’s time to make a bid. If you don’t want to wait, why not check out our current stocklist?

4.   Applying for import approval

We apply for approval to import your car to Australia and look after the paperwork to ensure your vehicle is permitted to enter the country.

5.   Arranging for your car to be shipped over

Following purchase your car will be shipped on the next available vessel, it typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks from auction day for your car to arrive in Australia from Japan, and approximately 6 to 10 weeks for the car to arrive from the USA, Canada or the UK.

6.   Customs Clearance

Once shipping arrangements have been made a customs declaration will need to be lodged to ensure your car can enter the country, payment of a customs duty, GST or luxury car tax will also need to be made, if applicable to your vehicle.

7.   Meet quarantine requirements

A quarantine entry application will need to be lodged and your car will need to be inspected before it can be delivered to you or a Registered Automotive Workshop ready for compliance and registration.

8.   Meeting compliance requirements

Before your car can be registered and driven on the road, it will need to meet Australian Design Rules and may require modifications to be made compliant. Typical modifications might include servicing your car, fitting new brake pads, replacing seat belts or changing the car from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.

9.   Registering your car

Once your vehicle has been made compliant all that’s left to do is register and insure your vehicle, and then it’s ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs involved in importing to Australia?

There are a number of costs involved with importing a car from overseas. Costs might include the cost of shipping and freight, port service charges, customs costs and quarantine inspection fees. It might also include GST or a luxury car tax and the cost of modifying your vehicle to meet compliance requirements and the cost of registration and insurance.

How can I be sure the car will be good quality?

At Elite Holdings WA, we have used our extensive knowledge and passion for the industry to develop our perfectly curated vehicle sourcing strategy to ensure that every vehicle we import is of the highest standard when it comes to quality and reliability.

Can I comply the car myself?

Cars can only be imported and complied by a RAWs compliance workshop. This is to ensure that your new vehicle meets Australia Design Regulations and is roadworthy. Working with a RAWs compliance workshop, dealership and service centre like Elite Holdings WA ensures your complete peace of mind.