DAZMAC International Logistics


Importing cars to australia - found a fantastic car you want to import from overseas and don't know how to import and transport a car to Australia?

Advice on permits, roadworthy, taxes, import duties, left and right drive vehicles,

Contact us for advice! 1300 DAZMAC (329 622)

What types of Cars can be imported to Australia?

Import permits are mandatory for all road vehicles imported to Australia. There are a variety of different import permits available for different types of cars, unfortunately not all cars can be imported to Australia. Below is a list of the Vehicle Import Permits available, please read carefully before you make any purchase and prior to shipping your car to Australia.

The two most common schemes used are to assist people who are migrating to Australia to bring their vehicle, and also for classic historicial manufactured prior to 1989.

Vehicle Import Permits available in Australia

Classic cars - Vehicles manufactured prior to 1989 which do not have any major modifications can be imported under the pre-1989 scheme. Any modifications should be reported to the department of infrastructure to determine if approval will be granted

Migrating to Australia - if you are migrating to Australia the government has put in place an Import permit specific for your situation. As long as you have lived overseas and owned your car for more than 12 months to be eligible under the Personal Import Scheme and you can only import one vehicle every 5 years.

Enthusiast Cars - SEVS permits is for Enthusiast cars, only certain cars are approved on the SEVS list which you can find out if your vehicle is already approved on the RAWS Australia website. If its not approved already you can apply to the RVCS to have make & model of the vehicle you are wanting to import to Australia added to the list.

New cars and any vehicle manufactured post 1989 - Any vehicle manufactured after 1989 which is not eligable for one of the other import permits available is required to get complied to Australian standard by a RAWS approved workshop. The RAWS Workshop must issue you the Import permit and handle the conversation to Australian Standards.

Race Cars - Vehicles non designed for public road use and specifically for racing have there on permit. Vehicles entering Australia for a race must provide the details of the race and driver to gain approval

Off Road Vehicles - Vehicles not designed to go on public roads still require a permit for Australian Customs to gain clearance into Australia. The vehicle must be for designed for off road use and can never be registered for use on public roads in Australia.

Temporary Imports - For Temporary Importation you must have a Carnet de Passages. The car must not be sold in Australia and must be re-exported back to the originating country within 12 months. You will also have you pay a bond or have a bank guarantee covering the import taxes for Customs.

Additional Import Permits - There are also several other discretionary vehicle import permits for exhibitions, military forces, special purpose vehicles and repairs available. Please contact us for any further advice or information.

Air Conditioning - All air conditioning units must also get a seperate CFC Permit or have the gases removed from the unit prior to Shipping to Australia & then declared to customs

Left Hand Drive Vehicles - The same Import Permit schemes above apply to left hand drive cars as for right hand drive cars but only cars older than 30 years can generally be registered as a left hand drive vehicle in most states of Australia.

What Happens if I Import a Car Without Approval?

Importing a vehicle is an offence without a valid import approval. Penalties for this offence can be a fine of up to A$13,200. You cannot gain customs clearance in Australia without a Vehicle Import Permit, Customs bond storage is expensive is you best

Contact us for advice! 1300 DAZMAC (329 622)


DAZMAC International Logistics


E52 76-84 Waterway Drive Coomera QLD 4209
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