personal import scheme australia Page 786

Australia’s Personal Import Scheme lets you bring in a vehicle you’ve personally owned and used overseas for at least 12 consecutive months—holiday romances don’t qualify.

You must apply for a federal import approval under the Road Vehicle Standards Act before the car is shipped, or you’ll have an expensive paperweight at the docks.

Budget for 10% GST, possible import duty and Luxury Car Tax if you sail past the threshold, plus shipping, insurance, quarantine cleaning and asbestos clearance.

On arrival, the car needs to meet Australian Design Rule requirements, be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles where applicable, then pass state roadworthy and registration.

Left-field mods, poor paperwork or a dirty undercarriage are classic ways to trigger delays and fees, so document everything and keep the car squeaky clean.

Do it properly and you can keep your pride and joy; wing it and you’ll learn more about border holds than you ever wanted.