
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.
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.
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.
Ports we ship to in Australia:

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.
Vehicle Import Approval
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.
There are five main categories for importing a car to Australia that cover most people’s situation. There are more categories, but in most cases around 80% of people will use the Personal Import Option, or as below.
Personal Import Option
This option allows migrants settling in Australia or expatriate Australian citizens returning permanently to Australia after a long period overseas, to bring their personal vehicle with them as long as it has been owned for the qualifying 12 month period.
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Overwhelmed?
Save time and stress, let us apply for the Vehicle Import ApprovalAustralian Plated Vehicles Option
This option allows road vehicles originally sourced within Australia but subsequently exported to be re-imported.
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Vehicles Manufactured more than 25 years ago
This option allows for the importation of road vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago.
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Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Register
Listing on the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles means that vehicles can be imported into Australia under the Low Volume Vehicles Scheme and the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme.
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Race and Rally and Support Vehicles Option
This option allows for the importation of vehicles intended to be used for road vehicle rallies, closed circuit road vehicle racing and vehicles designed to support road vehicle racing or rallying.
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If your not sure which category you should apply under then try the Department of Infrastructures Eligibility assessment. For a full list of all categories visit Import Options
All used vehicles are inspected by Department of Agriculture on arrival, and only after this inspection is the cleanliness condition known. Allow AU$250 as an estimated to cover potential cleaning, and or vacuuming.
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Fail Quarantine
Do I have to pay an import tax or GST when importing cars to Australia?
The rates payable to the Australian Customs Service are:
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.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.
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$67,525, 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.
If in doubt just phone or email we are happy to help.