import car from thailand to australia

You can import a car from Thailand to Australia, but it’s not a “click, ship, done” sort of gig.

First, confirm it’s eligible under the Road Vehicle Standards framework (think the Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme or a personal import), and secure a federal import approval before it leaves port—no approval, no entry.

Book shipping and insurance, then prepare for biosecurity inspection on arrival and customs clearance with GST, plus any duty or Luxury Car Tax if it applies.

Once it lands, you’ll need compliance work to meet Australian Design Rules, a roadworthy, and then state rego—budget time and a few choice words.

Paperwork is king: proof of ownership, value, identity, and all shipping docs will be eyeballed.

If the sums look grim, compare against buying locally on Tradingpost; sometimes it’s cheaper (and saner) to let someone else eat the import drama.