Table of Contents

1. Can I import my car to Australia from the UK?
2. Shipping Timeline
3. Personal Import Pathway
4. Australian Vehicle Import Approval Explained (ROVER)
5. What Documents Are Required to Import a Car to Australia?
6. Preparing your vehicle for Australian Quarantine Inspection
7. Shipping methods from the UK to Australia
8. Destination Charges & Import Costs in Australia
9. Federal Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and State Registration Requirements
10. Frequently asked questions
11. Why Choose Autoshippers for Car Shipping to Australia?

Can I Import My Car to Australia from the UK?

In most cases, individuals relocating to Australia or returning Australian residents can import a vehicle they already own, provided specific eligibility requirements are met. Australia regulates vehicle imports to ensure compliance with safety, environmental and biosecurity standards — but with the correct approvals and preparation, the process is straightforward.

Importing a vehicle from the UK to Australia is a structured process with clearly defined stages. While exact timings depend on approval processing, shipping schedules, and state requirements, most imports follow a predictable timeframe. Below is a typical end-to-end timeline, followed by a detailed breakdown of each stage.

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🌏 Typical UK to Australia Shipping Timeline

• 📝 Import Approval: 2–4 weeks
• 🚗 Vehicle Preparation: 3–7 days
• 🚢 Shipping Transit: 6–10 weeks
• 🛂 Quarantine & Customs: 1–2 weeks
• ✔️ Compliance (if required): 1–3 weeks
• 📄 State Registration: 1–2 weeks

Total Typical Timeline: 10–16 weeks

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Step-By-Step Guide to Shipping Your Car to Australia

1. Confirm Eligibility & Import Pathway (1–3 days)

   Vehicle owners must confirm eligibility and determine the correct import pathway based on personal circumstances.

2. Apply for Import Approval (2–4 weeks)

   Import approval must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped. Applications are submitted online via the Australian Government’s vehicle import system. Processing times vary depending on application volume and completeness.

3. Prepare the Vehicle for Export (3–7 days)

   Vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to meet Australian biosecurity requirements prior to departure.

4. Ship the Vehicle to Australia (6–10 weeks transit)

   Once approval is granted, Autoshippers will ship your vehicle using your chosen roll-on/roll-off or container service. Transit time varies depending on departure port and destination.

5. Quarantine Inspection (2–5 working days)

   On arrival, the vehicle undergoes mandatory biosecurity inspection to ensure it is free from soil, plant material, or contaminants.

6. Customs Clearance (3–7 working days)

   The vehicle is assessed by customs authorities and import charges are calculated. Once paid and quarantine clearance granted, the vehicle is released for collection or home delivery. This stage is managed by our approved customs clearance agents at your destination port.

7. Compliance & Approval for Road Use (1–3 weeks if required)

   Where required, the vehicle must meet Australian safety and environmental standards before it can be registered.

8. State Registration (1–2 weeks depending on state)

   Once all federal requirements are satisfied, the vehicle can be registered in the relevant state or territory.

Overall Timeframe

From initial application through to registration, most imports are completed within 10–16 weeks, assuming documentation is prepared correctly and shipping schedules align. While the process may appear detailed, each stage follows a structured and regulated framework. The key to a smooth import is identifying the correct pathway from the outset and securing the required approvals before shipping.

The sections below explain the Personal Import Pathway, how Vehicle Import Approval is obtained, the documentation required and import duties and arrival costs.

Personal Import Pathway

This is the most common option for individuals relocating to Australia permanently or returning Australian residents. To qualify:

• You must have owned and used the vehicle overseas for a minimum period (typically 12 months)
• You must be relocating with the intention to live in Australia indefinitely
• Import approval must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped

Vehicles imported under this personal effects / personal import pathway may qualify for concessional treatment, subject to eligibility and documentation.

Australian Vehicle Import Approval Explained (ROVER)

What Is Import Approval?

Vehicle Import Approval is a mandatory government authorisation required before any vehicle can be shipped to Australia. Approval must be granted before the vehicle leaves the UK. Vehicles cannot be loaded for export without it.

All applications are submitted through ROVER, the Australian Government’s official vehicle import system.

ROVER – Official Vehicle Import Portal:
https://www.rover.infrastructure.gov.au/

Import Approval at a Glance

• Import approval is required before shipping
• Approval must be issued prior to UK departure
• Applications are lodged via ROVER only
• Vehicles shipped without approval may be delayed, refused entry, or re-exported
• Shipping cannot be booked until approval is confirmed

Important

Shipping a vehicle without the correct approval can result in customs delays, extra charges, or refusal of entry. Import approval must be secured before shipping, and all vehicles are subject to Australian quarantine and biosecurity inspection on arrival.

Watch this explainer video from the official Australian Government website:

What Documents Are Required to Ship Your Car to Australia?

BEFORE you can ship a vehicle from the UK to Australia, we will need to see copies of the following documentation. Autoshippers will review and approve all documentation prior to shipment to ensure compliance for customs authorities.

• UK V5C Registration Certificate
  The original UK registration document for the vehicle.
• Sales Invoice / Bill of Sale
  Required as proof of ownership, only if the V5C is not in the importer’s name.
• Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)
  The original UK registration document for the vehicle.
• Bill of Lading
  Issued by us once the vehicle has shipped. This is your official legal shipping document and will be required for customs clearance in Australia.

Additional Documents (Issued by Us Where Applicable)

• Marine Transport Insurance Certificate
• Declaration of Origin
  Required for UK Manufactured Vehicles to qualify for duty-free import status (subject to eligibility).

Preparing Your Vehicle for Australian Quarantine Inspection

Quarantine at a Glance

• All vehicles are inspected on arrival in Australia
• Vehicles must be completely clean and free of soil or organic material
• Quarantine inspection is mandatory
• Vehicles that fail inspection may require additional cleaning and re-inspection
• Any additional quarantine costs are payable locally by the vehicle owner

Before shipping, vehicles must be thoroughly cleaned to remove all soil, plant material, and organic contaminants. Australian biosecurity standards are strict, and even small amounts of contamination can result in additional inspection or cleaning on arrival.

Particular attention should be paid to:

• Wheel arches and underbody areas
• Suspension components and chassis rails
• Tyres, spare wheel, and spare wheel housing
• Engine bay and cooling areas
• Interior footwells and boot areas

Thorough preparation before shipment is the most effective way to reduce the risk of delays and additional costs on arrival.

Biosecurity notice: Vehicles that fail quarantine inspection may require additional cleaning or re-inspection in Australia, with costs payable locally by the vehicle owner.

Preparing the vehicle correctly before shipment is the best way to avoid delays and additional charges.

Australian Quarantine Inspection – What to Expect

What Happens During Quarantine Inspection

On arrival in Australia, all vehicles are inspected by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of the mandatory quarantine process.

Inspectors assess whether the vehicle meets Australian biosecurity standards. If contamination is detected, the vehicle may be directed for additional cleaning or treatment at an approved facility before it can be released.

Any additional cleaning, re-inspection, storage, or delay charges are payable locally by the vehicle owner and are outside the control of the shipping company.

Motorbikes are inspected under the same Australian biosecurity standards as cars. Inspectors pay particular attention to tyres, suspension components, frame joints, chain areas, and any locations where soil or organic material may accumulate.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail Inspection

Vehicles may fail quarantine inspection due to:

• Mud or soil residue
• Dirt trapped behind trim or liners
• Leaves or debris in the engine bay
• Insects or organic material inside the vehicle

Even small amounts of contamination can result in failure.

A final note on Asbestos Regulations – What You Need to Know

Australia has strict asbestos regulations for imported vehicles, but this is rarely an issue for modern UK cars.

No asbestos has been used in UK-manufactured vehicles produced after 2000. These requirements mainly apply to older and classic cars that may contain legacy components such as brake pads, clutches or gaskets manufactured decades ago.

Most vehicles under 10 years old will not require asbestos inspection. Where testing is required for older vehicles or classic cars, Autoshippers can arrange professional asbestos testing in the UK prior to shipment to ensure full compliance and avoid delays on arrival.

Shipping Methods from the UK to Australia

There are two main methods for shipping cars from the UK to Australia. The most suitable option depends on vehicle type, value, and personal preference.

Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)

• Vehicle is driven on and off the ship
• Vehicle must be completely empty
• Cost-effective for standard vehicles

Container shipping

• Vehicle secured inside a shipping container
• Provides additional protection during transit
• Limited personal effects may be permitted (additional charges may apply)

Autoshippers will advise which shipping method is most suitable based on your vehicle and destination.

Motorbikes are shipped safely packed in bespoke, made to measure crates and are subject to the same import approval and quarantine requirements as cars. Specific handling, securing, and packing requirements may vary depending on the type of motorcycle.

Destination Charges & Import Costs in Australia

Destination Costs at a Glance

• Destination charges are payable in Australia
• These costs are set by ports, government authorities, and local service providers
• Destination charges are separate from shipping costs
• Autoshippers does not control destination charges
• Charges vary depending on port, vehicle size, and inspection outcomes

The table below provides an indication of typical mandatory destination charges applied when a vehicle arrives in Australia. These charges are levied by ports and government authorities and are payable locally. Figures are for guidance only and may vary by port, vehicle size and local inspection outcomes.

Destination Charges (Payable Locally in Australia)

The charges below are mandatory destination costs applied by Australian ports and authorities and are payable locally. These are not shipping charges and are not controlled by the shipping company.

Additional or conditional costs may apply in certain circumstances, including quarantine cleaning and re-inspection (if the vehicle fails inspection), storage due to delays, and personal effects processing (where permitted). Government taxes such as GST, duty and Luxury Car Tax (where applicable) are assessed separately by Australian authorities.

Taxes and Duties are shown below.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST is charged at 10% and is calculated on the Value of the Taxable Importation (VoTI).

Import Duty
Passenger vehicles are typically subject to 5% import duty, although exemptions may apply depending on eligibility. UK manufactured cars can be imported Duty Free.

Luxury Car Tax (LCT)
LCT may apply if the vehicle value exceeds the threshold set by the Australian Tax Office. The threshold is currently AUD$ 91,387 and you only pay on the amount over that threshold.

Import Duty for Motorbikes (Motorcycles)

Motorbikes imported into Australia are treated differently from passenger cars for customs duty purposes. Under Australia’s current customs tariff arrangements:

• Motorcycles are exempt from import duty.
• No customs duty is payable on imported motorbikes, regardless of engine size, value, or country of manufacture.

However, motorbikes are not tax-free. The following still apply:

• GST is charged at 10%.
• GST is calculated on the Value of the Taxable Importation (VoTI), which includes:
  • The customs value of the motorcycle
  • International shipping costs
  • Insurance (if applicable)
• Luxury Car Tax (LCT) does not apply to motorcycles.

Motorbikes must still:

• Obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before shipping.
• Pass Australian quarantine (biosecurity) inspection.
• Meet federal and state registration requirements if intended for road use.

While import duty is not payable, all other import approval, customs clearance, and compliance requirements apply in the same way as for cars.

And Finally... Federal Approval and State Registration

Before an imported vehicle can be legally driven in Australia, two separate stages must be completed:

1. Federal compliance and entry onto the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV)
2. State or territory registration

Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV)

The Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) is an official, publicly searchable Australian Government database established under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). It records vehicles that have been approved to meet Australia’s required safety, environmental and design standards.

In most cases, an imported vehicle must be entered on the RAV before it can be registered for road use in Australia (limited exceptions apply, such as vehicles previously registered in Australia).

Official RAV search and information page: https://rav.infrastructure.gov.au/

What RAV entry means

Being listed on the RAV confirms that:

• The vehicle complies with Australian legal standards, and
• State and territory authorities can proceed with registration once local requirements (inspection, identity checks, fees) are met.

Why the RAV matters for imports

For imported vehicles, the RAV is the key federal approval step that confirms the vehicle is eligible for road use in Australia.

Without RAV entry:

• State and territory registration authorities will generally refuse registration, and
• The vehicle may be delayed or held by Australian Border Force if the required approvals are not in place.

State Registration Requirements (NSW, VIC & QLD)

Once a vehicle has cleared customs, quarantine, and any federal compliance requirements, it must be registered in the state or territory where it will be used.

While requirements vary slightly, registration in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland typically involves:

• A roadworthiness or safety inspection
• Proof of vehicle import approval and RAV entry
• Evidence of identity and residency
• Payment of registration fees and stamp duty

State authorities may also check items such as lighting, tyres, emissions compliance, and identification numbers. Registration rules and fees are set at state level and are subject to change.

Australian States & Territories – Vehicle Registration Authorities

Here are links to register your vehicle with the relevant State Authorities:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

Once registration is complete, your vehicle is fully legal and ready for Australian road; the final step in a successful UK to Australia import journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Autoshippers for Car Shipping to Australia?

Autoshippers specialises in international vehicle shipping and has over 25 years of experience moving vehicles worldwide.

• Vehicle-only shipping specialists
• No deposit required to book
• Transparent pricing and destination charges
• Trusted UK–Australia shipping routes
• Dedicated support throughout the process

Get a Quote to Ship Your Car to Australia from the UK

If you’re considering car shipping to Australia from the UK, Autoshippers can provide a personalised quotation based on your vehicle, destination, and circumstances. Our team can also confirm eligibility and help you understand the steps involved before you commit.

Please contact us on 0800 389 0784 for any further information

Get your car shipping quote here.

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