The Federal election was called on 28 March 2025. As this website is hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

8 steps to importing a vehicle

This page gives a step-by-step overview of the process for importing a road vehicle into Australia. The process involves multiple government agencies. You should familiarise yourself with each agency’s requirements before importing a vehicle into Australia.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is a road vehicle or not, visit the not a road vehicle page.

1. Conduct research

  • Is the vehicle eligible to enter Australia?
  • Which approval type should I apply for?
  • What costs are involved? (e.g. shipping, storage, delivery, approval application, taxes, Customs duties, cleaning for quarantine purposes, asbestos testing/removal, quarantine inspection costs, modification costs, State or Territory registration and insurance requirements, etc.)
  • What are the time frames involved for getting the approval and completing other necessary arrangements?
  • What documentation do I need?
  • What does each government agency require?
  • Do I need to use a broker?
  • Will I need to have modifications done to meet national road vehicle standards (Australian Design Rules)?
  • What risks are involved with importing a vehicle?

2. Apply for an approval to import a vehicle

  • Create an account in ROVER (if not already registered)
  • Complete the online application form
  • Pay the application fee

3. Receive approval to import a vehicle

  • Receive email with approval attached
  • Approval may contain conditions for use of the vehicle
  • Government agency: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

4. Arrange shipping of a vehicle

  • Before shipping, ensure vehicle is steam cleaned inside and outside to remove any materials that may pose a quarantine risk
  • Before shipping, ensure any air-conditioning gas is removed, if necessary
  • Arrange for asbestos testing and removal, if necessary
  • Government Agencies: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, Water

5. Get Customs clearance

  • Lodge an import declaration
  • Pay Customs duty
  • Pay Goods & Services Tax (GST)
  • Pay Luxury Car Tax, if required
  • Ensure there is no asbestos
  • Government agency: Department of Home Affairs

6. Meet Australian quarantine requirements

7. Meet approval conditions

  • Arrange for modification of vehicle, if necessary
  • Conduct testing and develop evidence of compliance, if required
  • Apply for entry on the Register of Approval Vehicles (RAV), if necessary

8. Register the vehicle

  • Apply to register the vehicle in the relevant State or Territory (if you intend using the vehicle on a public road)