Bringing it in: how to import a car from USA to Australia

So, you’re finally taking the plunge and importing a vehicle from the States? Awesome! There are so many stellar vehicles available there and we’re sure you’ve chosen an absolute pearler - the last thing you want to do is wait for its arrival!

But to ensure you quickly receive your vehicle you have to follow a few steps as well as enlist the best car importer. For example you need car importer from USA to Brisbane or Sydney.

This piece will give you a step-by-step guide to importing your brand new rig from the States all the way over to Oz.

This includes everything from dealing with government agencies to conducting thorough research, all of which is listed to help you simplify the situation.

Follow these steps to ensure your import is easy:


Do your research

The first thing you have to do is research the vehicle, and this includes the following:

• - Can you bring the vehicle into Oz?

• - Do you need to apply for specific types of approval?

• - What are the added costs involved? (i.e. storage, shipping, taxes, customs duties, cleaning for quarantine, delivery, asbestos testing/removal, modifications costs and more).

• - What are the time periods required for receiving approval and dealing with other requirements?

• - What types of documents do I need to supply to receive adequate approval?

• - Do different government agencies require different forms and if so, what kind?

• - Will I have to make modifications when the vehicle arrives in Australia?

• - Are there any risks associated with importing this vehicle?

Apply to have the vehicle’s importing approved

You next have to do the following to ensure its approval:

• - Produce a ROVER account.

• - Fill in the online application form.

• - Pay the application amount.

Having your vehicle improved for import

The following will occur:

• - You will receive an email detailing the vehicle’s approval.

• - This approval may contain additional information regarding conditions for driving the vehicle.

Arrange your shipment

Now that you have received approval, it’s time to enlist the best car importer from USA to Brisbane, as well as complete the following:

• - Before importing, ensure your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to remove any products that could be a health and safety risk and require further quarantine.

• - Ensure that air conditioning gas, if present, is fully removed.

• - Have the vehicle tested for asbestos and removed if present.

Receive your customs clearance

Now, it’s time to receive customs clearance, which includes the following:

• - Submit an import declaration.

• - Pay your customs duty fee.

• - Pay goods & services tax (GST).

• - Pay the Luxury Car Tax if applicable to your chosen vehicle.

• - Ensure that any asbestos present in the vehicle has been adequately removed.

Ensure your vehicle meets quarantine standards

• - Submit a quarantine entry with Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.

• - Mark an inspection appointment time (you may need your importing company present for this process).

Ensure approval conditions are met

• - If your vehicle requires modification, you should arrange this.

• - Develop evidence of compliance through conducting tests (if necessary).

• - Submit an application for entry on the Register of Approved Vehicles if required.

Register your car

You can now apply to register the vehicle in your state or territory if you intend to drive it on the road and not keep it in storage.

These are the necessary steps to ensure your vehicle has a smooth import process into Australia. Remember, Australia is quite strict with importing vehicles from overseas, so it is always best to have a qualified broker in your corner to ensure the process runs without a hitch!

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