Car Shipping from UK to Australia — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Australia restricts vehicle imports to specific approved pathways. The two most common for UK shippers are the Personal Imports scheme (returning Australians or new permanent residents who have owned and used the vehicle for 12+ months) and the SEVS (Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) list, which covers low-volume models not sold new in Australia.

Classic vehicles 25+ years old are eligible under the classic pathway, with simpler approval. Vehicles outside these categories generally cannot be imported.

Every vehicle must have a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) issued by the Department of Infrastructure before it can be unloaded in Australia. Applications are made on the ROVER portal and approval takes 4–8 weeks. You must hold an approved VIA before the vehicle ships.

We will not load a car for Australia without a VIA number — without it the car cannot clear at destination and demurrage and storage costs at Fremantle, Melbourne or Sydney are punishing.

Australia has a zero-tolerance policy on asbestos imports. Asbestos was used in brake pads, clutch facings, gaskets and heat-shielding in many UK-built and European vehicles up to the early 2000s. Every imported vehicle must be certified asbestos-free, usually by an Australian-recognised testing laboratory before shipping.

Failing the asbestos test on arrival means the vehicle is impounded, decontaminated at importer's cost, or in worst cases destroyed. Always commission an asbestos test on UK soil for vehicles older than the mid-2000s — it is the single biggest avoidable risk on the route.

You will need the VIA, asbestos-free certificate, V5C, passport, bill of lading, proof of ownership and use (for personal imports), and a Customs Import Declaration (N10). Quarantine inspection (DAFF) is mandatory — the vehicle must be steam-cleaned inside and out before shipping to clear quarantine.

GST is 10% of CIF + duty. Import duty is 5% for most passenger vehicles and 0% for vehicles 30+ years old. Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies at 33% over a threshold (approx AUD 76,950 in 2026 for standard vehicles, AUD 91,387 for fuel-efficient).

UK → Fremantle (Perth) is the shortest leg at around 35–42 days RoRo. Melbourne and Sydney add 7–10 days. Brisbane and Adelaide are similar to Melbourne. Container service via Felixstowe runs 45–55 days door-to-port.

After arrival, allow 14–28 days for customs, quarantine inspection, possible asbestos verification, VIA stamp and release to your address.

Start the VIA application 8–10 weeks before your planned shipping date. Get the asbestos test done in the UK and keep the original certificate with the bill of lading. Steam-clean the underside and engine bay thoroughly — quarantine is strict on soil, seeds and biological matter.

If you're using the Personal Imports scheme, gather the 12-month evidence (insurance, MOT, fuel receipts, road tax history) before shipping — DAFF and Customs both check this and will refuse the import if evidence is thin.