Car Shipping & Import to Australia

Importing cars to Australia can be a tricky process. This is due to the country’s strict laws, which attempt to discourage car importing as much as possible. But... there are exceptions under the “Personal Import Scheme” and “Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme”. When Taurus Logistics promise a seamless shipping experience, we mean it – and that means you don’t need to worry about any red tape. See below to find out more about car shipping to Australia.

Costs to Consider When Shipping a Car to Australia

If you're planning to import your car to Australia it should be worth over AU$7,000 or have special value to the owner. Otherwise its not really worthwhile.

 Please also check our comprehensive Pre-Shipment Checklist for importing cars to Australia before you buy, or commit to shipping as there are restrictions on importing cars in Australia.

Given the research we've done, many people choose to export their car given the expense to purchase a car in Australia, others prefer to export their vehicles to Australia because of the sentimental attachment.

Changes to Import vehicle approvals from 10 December 2019

Ports We Ship to in Australia

Taurus Logistics can ship your car to all of the main ports across Australia, including Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle. From there, we will load your cargo onto a truck or car carrier and deliver it straight to your home. This makes for a more seamless shipping process, taking the hassle out of the equation.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

While it’s not possible to list the shipping times for every route Taurus Logistics offer, below are a few of our most popular routes. These are indicative transit times , and does not include all shipping lines, containers, or part container options. Please contact us to discuss container sailing dates, or for roll on roll off please refer to our RORO Sailing Schedule.

• Australia to New Zealand – 10 days Approx.
• New Zealand to Australia – 30 days Approx.
• Europe to Australia – 45 days Approx.
• USA to Australia – 50 days Approx.
• Australia to Europe – 80 days Approx.
• Australia to USA – 40 days Approx.

Information on importing your car into Australia

When importing a car, motorhome or motorcycle into Australia, the first requirement is that you’re an Australian permanent resident or plan to be. You can apply for your import permit online before you move to Australia, and your permit will be emailed to you.

• Only one car per person.
• Vehicle owners must have long term residency.
• The vehicle must have been owned and used in the overseas country for a minimum period of 12 consecutive months immediately before the applicant(s) arrive in Australia.
• The application must be made within 6 months of the applicants arrival in Australia.

You need to apply for an import permit before the car leaves the country at a cost of AU$50.

• Importing Vehicles to Australia - General Information
• Application for Approval to Import a Vehicle

If your car is being exported from New Zealand by way of a RORO vessel it must have a current Warrant of Fitness (WOF), this ensures the safety of the ship and handling staff when cars are driven on and off the ship.

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Do I have to pay an import tax or GST when importing cars to Australia?

The rates payable to the Australian Customs Service are:

• Vehicles up to 30 years old including forward control vehicles: 5% Duty + 10% GST
• Vehicles over 30 years old: 0% Duty + 10% GST
• 4wd 'off road' vehicles and commercial vehicles: 5% Duty + 10% GST
• Motorcycles: 0% Duty + 10% GST

The Duty is levied on the 'Customs value' only, GST is levied on the 'Customs value' + the Duty + the total cost of shipping cars to Australia.
  Calculate your Duty, GST and LCT, with our handy Import GST / Duty / LCT calculator.

Are there conditions importing a new car to Australia?

Cars with CFC gas will have to be degassed and decommissioned with a certificate supplied. If not degassed/decommissioned the vehicle will be required to have this done prior to release from port in Australia.

• Vehicles manufactured after 1998 will be assumed to have HFC
• Vehicles manufactured earlier than 1998 will require evidence of the gas in use.

What is the luxury car tax for Australian car imports?

Luxury Car Tax (LCT) - is an additional tax levied at a rate of 33% on all vehicles (except motorcycles and some commercial vehicles) with a current GST inclusive value in excess of AU$65,094, or AU$75,526 for fuel efficient vehicles. LCT is only payable on the amount in excess of the GST inclusive 'break point'.

Luxury Car Tax (LCT) is calculated using the following formula: (VOTI + GST Calculated – LCT Threshold) *1/(1+GST rate) muliplied by the LCT rate.

  Calculate your Duty, GST and LCT, with our handy Import GST / Duty / LCT calculator.

What are the Australian design standards?

Converting a car to full Australian Safety and Emission Control Standards is very difficult and too costly but is not required if one of the following conditions is met:

• The vehicle has been 'owned and used' for a minimum period of 12 months prior to shipment from the originating country
• The car was manufactured prior to 1 January 1989
• The car was purchased new and manufactured to Australian specification/standards
• The vehicle was originally manufactured or sold in Australia and still has its Australian compliance plate fitted.

If in doubt just phone or email we are happy to help.