How to Import a car into Australia

Importing any vehicle into Australia will be a challenge. Please DONT BUY A CAR OFF eBAY until you understand this.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DoTaRS permit.
• Proof of money price paid
• A freight forwarder experienced with shipping cars
• Copy of your Passport
• Copy of Drivers license
• Any registration papers (copy)
• Shipping documents
• Aircon declaration to Australian Environment Dept

1. Find out if you are allowed to import, and check that its not stolen with the local authorities (many have websites)
   
   Get a quote for shipping / customs clearance / quarantine / packing / depot / terminal handling fees / cleaning fees / duties / taxes.. You may then decide not to go to next step. [e-mail]

2. Complete a DoTaRS import permit application (about $50). When you get the permit number back, double check that its not stolen and move to purchase the car.

3. Purchase the car in a controlled manner, via an agent, or by a letter of credit through you bank. The risks involved with loss of money is dependant on the relationship you have with the seller

4. Contact a local freight agent in Australia to organise friendly shipping agents overseas and here to load the car onto the vessel. There are 2 type of shipping, Roll on roll off vessels where other people drive the car onto the vessel, or you can containerise the car.
   PLEASE ENSURE THEY CLEAN THE CAR THOROUGHLY, any dirt even in the rims will be expensive later.

5. Make sure all documents are given to a customs broker in your port, or you can have a go at clearing yourself. Mistakes are costly and storage isnt cheap, so using a broker is a smart move.
   They have methods of valuing the car less that what you expect to save on duties (usualy 10%) and GST 10%.
   Also high price vehicles may attract luxury car tax.

6. Once clear customs and unpacked you may need to deal with Quarantine exams. cleaning and treatment. You will need to pay for these services (or you dont get the car)

7. The car then needs to be inspected for road worthiness, be ready for work required just like a normal repairer, BUT the changes have to be done to get to blue slip stage.

8. Call for a CTP slip, you will be unable to give them a rego #. And dtake it down to the registry. You are then ready to enjoy this unique vehicle with a journey to tell AND you need to wait a whole year to do it again.

Tips & Warnings

• email the car yard and ask for proof that car is not stolen.
• Shop around, the vehicles we import are very popular overseas, but not here, so they will always be special.
• Dont assume you are leagl to bring the car in. The cost of returning it can be more expensive than the car itself.
• Dont be pressured by the auction end time. You are better off getting it right with many car yards that sell the same vehicle with time up your sleeve.
• BE AWARE of the Aussie dollar, the higher the rate, the better for you.