Customs clearance and import approval help
Bringing a vehicle into Australia means an import approval, an asbestos declaration, a customs entry and a biosecurity inspection. We help with the paperwork, lodge the customs entry and deliver it.
Who does what
| Step | What we do | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Import approval | Tell you which route fits, and help with the paperwork and documents. | Apply through the Department's ROVER system, and wait for approval before the vehicle ships. |
| Asbestos | Tell you what evidence is needed and check it before the vehicle sails. | Get suspect parts replaced or evidenced before it leaves. |
| Shipping | Book RoRo or a container, and arrange cartage to the port. | Confirm the vehicle's details and dimensions. |
| Customs entry | Lodge the entry and pay duty, GST and any luxury car tax on your behalf. | Pay the duty, GST and any luxury car tax. Estimate them first. |
| Biosecurity | Arrange the inspection and attendance on arrival. | Clean the vehicle before it ships. |
| Delivery | Deliver it to your address or compliance workshop. | Register it with your state. |
Import approval
The approval has to be granted before the vehicle lands in Australia. The common routes for private importers are:
- Personal import: a vehicle you have owned and used overseas for at least 12 months, while living overseas, if you have the right to live in Australia permanently.
- Older vehicles: vehicles built more than 25 years ago can use a concessional entry.
- Specialist and enthusiast vehicles: models on the SEV Register, through a Registered Automotive Workshop.
Not sure which applies? Send us the year, make and model and how long you've owned it, and we'll tell you before you spend anything. Read the guide to importing a car to Australia.
Customs clearance
We lodge the Australian customs entry and pay the duty, GST and any luxury car tax on your behalf, then arrange the biosecurity inspection and delivery. For cars shipped from New Zealand, Australian import clearance is already in the shipping price; the taxes are not. See car shipping from NZ to Australia.
Shipping into New Zealand instead? On cars and caravans from Australia, the NZ customs entry, vehicle border check and MPI fees are in our price. NZ GST and any duty are paid separately. See car shipping Australia to NZ.
Asbestos and biosecurity
Australia bans asbestos in imported vehicles of any age. Older vehicles, and vehicles with replacement brake, clutch or gasket parts from unknown sources, need evidence the parts are asbestos free or that they were replaced. Imported vehicles are also inspected for biosecurity: soil, plant material, insects and animal matter mean cleaning at the port at your cost. A thorough clean before it ships is cheaper.
General information only, based on the details on our import guides as at 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the details for your vehicle when you book.
Importing goods, not a vehicle?
Commercial imports worth more than A$1,000 need a full import declaration. We lodge it and handle duty, GST, biosecurity and delivery. See general freight.
Ask about your import
Tell us the vehicle, where it's coming from and when you want it here. We'll tell you the approval route and what it costs to ship.
Customs and import approval questions
Do I need an import approval to bring a car into Australia?
Almost every road vehicle, including caravans and trailers, needs an import approval from the Australian Government before it arrives. Apply first, and only ship once it is granted.
Will you get the import approval for me?
We help with the paperwork and tell you which approval route fits your vehicle before you spend anything. The approval itself is granted by the Department, applications go through the ROVER system, and the Department says assessment takes around 30 business days.
Do you lodge the customs entry?
Yes. We lodge the Australian customs entry, pay the duty, GST and any luxury car tax on your behalf, and arrange the biosecurity inspection and delivery. Those taxes are not part of our shipping price.
Does an import approval mean I can register the car?
No. An import approval does not guarantee registration. Check your state's rules before you ship, especially for modified vehicles.
What about asbestos?
Australia bans asbestos in imported vehicles of any age. Older vehicles, and vehicles with replacement brake, clutch or gasket parts from unknown sources, need evidence the parts are asbestos free or that they were replaced. Sort it out before the vehicle ships.
Do you clear vehicles into New Zealand too?
Yes. On cars and caravans shipped from Australia, the NZ customs entry, the vehicle border check and MPI fees are in our price. NZ GST and any duty are paid separately in New Zealand.
Can you clear general freight?
Yes. Commercial imports worth more than A$1,000 need a full import declaration. We lodge it, pay the duty and GST on your behalf, and arrange biosecurity and delivery. See general freight.