There’s a lot to consider when it comes to importing and ensuring compliance for vehicles. At Top Secret Imports, we’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ section to address many common queries.
Transit time will depend on the origin and destination. For example, the transit time from UK to Australia is approximately 53 days.
No, you can’t. Without your Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) your vehicle will be denied entry into Australia and will need to be returned to its country of origin.
Importing a Personal Vehicle:
If you have owned the car for more than 12 months and relocating to Australia then you would eligible to apply for Vehicle Import Approval (VIA).
You must apply for your VIA within 6 months of your arrival in Australia to be eligible. Cars should only be shipped once the VIA has been obtained.
Importing a Vintage Vehicle:
You can apply for VIA for pre-1995 cars under the 25-year-rule. Please note that cars have to be in their original condition and must not have been modified.
VIA applications have to be lodged online with the Department of Infrastructure. Please use the following link: https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/
Yes, when shipped in a container you can load Personal Effects inside your vehicle.
Please ensure to keep the driver’s seat clear and that all items are well packed and labelled.
Please allow approx. 7-10 days after vessel arrival for the shipping line to release the container, container collection and trucking, depot unpack, Quarantine inspection, etc.
We will keep you updated and will confirm once your vehicle has been released by Australian Quarantine and is available for pick up.
Once AQIS released, you have 3 free days to collect your cargo before storage charges at the depot commence.
Yes, you will have to pay Import Taxes — Import Duty and GST.
Import Duty and GST, Declaration Processing Fee and Quarantine Fee (Government charges) are calculated as follows:
Import Duty, Import GST & Declaration Processing Fee (Government fees):
Import GST — 10% on value of the car + ocean freight + insurance + duty
Import Duty — 5% on value of the car + ocean freight
The Declaration Processing Fee is per entry and is currently $201
Only cars that are older than 30 years are Import Duty exempt. However, Import GST still applies.
If you bought your vehicle in Australia and previously exported it overseas you can re-import the car as a ‘Returned Good’, which is Import Duty & GST exempt. You will have to proof of purchase and previous registration of your car here in Australia, as well as proof of the actual Export (i.e. a Bill of Lading from the export).
If you have owned your vehicle for longer than 12 months, it is customs regulations to provide a valuation, done by an Australian registered Valuer.
It is in your own interest to have it customs valued.
Valuations are based on Customs Value, not on re-sell value. The customs value is based on a retail value less the following:
Less depreciation as an import
Less registration / stamp duty
Less compliance
Less destination unpack / clearance charges
Less import taxes
A retail value is based on Redbook and includes all the above. This is the reason why you should always get a Customs Valuation done, as you will always pay less taxes.
Our valuer is registered with Australian Customs. He is able to value the cars while they are still in transit, using condition reports, photos, odometer reading, V5 etc.
Cars with a luxury car tax (LCT) value over the LCT threshold attract an LCT rate of 33%.
For LCT rates before 3 October 2008, refer to Luxury car tax rate – previous years.
The following table lists the LCT thresholds for the relevant financial year – the financial year the car was imported, acquired, or sold.
If you buy a car with a GST-inclusive value above these LCT thresholds, you must pay LCT except in certain circumstances. In general, the LCT value of a car includes the value of any parts, accessories, or attachments you supplied, or imported, at the same time as the car.
LCT thresholds
Financial year
2020-21
2019-20
Fuel efficient vehicles
$77,565
$75,526
Other vehicles
$68,740
$67,525
If you couldn’t find the answer you were seeking in our FAQ section, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to assist you and address any inquiries you may have.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to importing and ensuring compliance for vehicles. At Top Secret Imports, we’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ section to address many common queries.
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
Before we import any vehicle into Australia, we have to obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). The Australian Border Force customs control will not release the vehicle unless it has a VIA permit. Please ensure to contact us and obtain a VIA prior to shipping your car.
No, you cannot register a car without a compliance plate as it certifies the vehicle’s adherence to safety and emissions standards.
Compliance costs for import cars vary based on the vehicle manufactured date and if any vehicle modifications are required. Please reach out to us for any modification enquiries and to receive a quotation.
You’ll often find that a car’s compliance plate is on the Passenger side B Pillar of the vehicle. The plate contains information such as the model, the manufacturer, the year of manufacture, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Manufacturers assign the Build Date to a car when they manufacture it. The Car Compliance Date indicates when the car has met local safety and emissions regulations. The Car Compliance Date is always after the Build Date of the vehicle.
If you couldn’t find the answer you were seeking in our FAQ section, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to assist you and address any inquiries you may have.
