How to Import Automotive Parts & Vehicles to Australia

Step-by-Step Import Process

1. 1

   Determine import eligibility

   Check whether your vehicle or parts can be legally imported. New vehicles require compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Used vehicles are generally prohibited unless they qualify under SEVS, are personal imports by returning residents, or fall under another exemption. Parts and accessories can generally be imported without restriction.

2. 2

   Classify your goods

   Determine the correct tariff classification for your automotive goods. Complete vehicles, engines, body panels, tyres, and accessories each have different HS headings and duty rates. Classification also determines whether free trade agreement preferences apply.

3. 3

   Apply for a vehicle import approval if required

   For complete vehicles, apply to DITRDCA for an import approval. SEVS vehicles require the model to be listed on the SEVS register and the vehicle to be inspected and compliance-plated by a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) after arrival.

4. 4

   Engage a licensed customs broker

   Choose a broker experienced with automotive imports. Vehicle imports involve coordination between the ABF, DITRDCA, DAFF (biosecurity inspection), and state registration authorities. An experienced broker manages this multi-agency process.

5. 5

   Prepare import documentation

   For vehicles: import approval, export certificate from the country of origin, evidence of ownership, and compliance documentation. For parts: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any certificates of origin required for FTA preferential rates.

6. 6

   Clear biosecurity inspection

   All vehicles and some automotive parts undergo DAFF biosecurity inspection on arrival. Vehicles must be free of contamination — soil, seeds, insects, or animal material. Professional pre-shipment cleaning and fumigation significantly reduce the risk of holds and additional treatment costs at the border.

7. 7

   Pay duties, taxes, and register your vehicle

   Pay customs duty, GST, and luxury car tax (if applicable). For SEVS vehicles, arrange compliance plating through a Registered Automotive Workshop, then register with your state road authority. Parts and accessories are released once duty and GST are paid.

Key Regulations

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) administers the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, which governs vehicle safety standards (Australian Design Rules) and import approvals.

The Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) allows the importation of used vehicles that are not available as new in Australia. Eligible models must be listed on the SEVS register, and vehicles must be compliance-plated by a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) after import.

DAFF conducts mandatory biosecurity inspections on all imported vehicles. Vehicles with visible contamination are directed for treatment (steam cleaning, fumigation) at the importer's expense.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers the luxury car tax (LCT), which applies to vehicles exceeding the LCT threshold. The threshold is higher for fuel-efficient vehicles. LCT is paid through the import declaration process.

Duties & Tariffs

Customs duty on passenger vehicles is 5% of the customs value. Duty rates for parts and accessories vary — some enter duty-free under free trade agreements, while others attract 5% duty.

The luxury car tax (LCT) of 33% applies to the amount by which a vehicle's value exceeds the LCT threshold. The threshold is indexed annually and is higher for fuel-efficient vehicles. Check the ATO website for current threshold amounts.

GST of 10% applies to the customs value plus duty, transport, and insurance costs. For vehicles subject to LCT, GST is calculated on the GST-inclusive value before the LCT is added.

Official Sources

Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.

• DITRDCA — Vehicle Import Requirements

  Official guide to importing vehicles, including ADR compliance and SEVS.

• SEVS Register

  Check whether a specific vehicle model is eligible for import under SEVS.

• DAFF — Vehicle Biosecurity

  Biosecurity requirements for importing vehicles and machinery.

• ATO — Luxury Car Tax

  LCT thresholds, rates, and how the tax applies to imported vehicles.