Australia Import Guide: Shipping Cars from UK to Australia

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for vehicles shipped from the United Kingdom. Whether you are relocating, purchasing a classic car, or exporting commercially, understanding Australian import regulations is essential before shipping.

Australia has strict vehicle import laws administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The key regulatory bodies are:
• ROVER (Register of Vehicles for Export and Registration): manages vehicle import approvals
• Department of Agriculture: handles biosecurity and quarantine inspections
• Australian Border Force: manages customs clearance and duty assessment

Import rules differ depending on the age, type, and intended use of the vehicle.

Australia has some of the most restrictive vehicle import rules in the world. Not everyone can import a vehicle, and the rules depend on the category:

Personal Import Scheme: If you are migrating to Australia or returning after living overseas for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to import your personal vehicle. The vehicle must have been owned and used by you for at least 12 months before your arrival.

Classic and Enthusiast Vehicles: Vehicles over 25 years old may qualify for import under the specialist and enthusiast vehicle scheme (SEVS) or the pre-1989 scheme. These vehicles are popular with collectors.

Diplomatic and Military Personnel: Specific provisions exist for diplomats and military personnel.

Commercial Importers: Registered Automotive Workshops (RAWs) can import vehicles under the SEVS scheme for compliance and resale.

For most private individuals, the personal import scheme or classic vehicle route are the most common pathways.

RORO Shipping (most common for standard vehicles):
• Cost: £1,800 to £3,000 from Southampton
• Transit time: 35 to 45 days
• Available ports: Fremantle (Perth), Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane

Container Shipping (recommended for classics and high-value vehicles):
• Cost: £3,000 to £5,500 for a dedicated 20ft container
• Transit time: 35 to 50 days
• Door-to-door service available

Additional costs to budget for:
• Australian customs duty: 5% of vehicle value
• GST: 10% of vehicle value plus duty
• Quarantine inspection: approximately AUD 300 to 500
• Compliance (if required): AUD 2,000 to 10,000 depending on modifications
• On-road costs (registration, stamp duty): varies by state

Total landed cost for a typical vehicle: £3,500 to £8,000 including all shipping, duties, and fees. For a quick estimate, use our shipping cost calculator.

Australia has exceptionally strict biosecurity laws. Every vehicle imported into Australia must undergo a quarantine inspection by the Department of Agriculture upon arrival.

The inspection checks for:
• Soil and organic matter: Any dirt, mud, or plant material on the underside, wheels, or interior must be removed before arrival. Vehicles that arrive contaminated will be cleaned at the owner's expense.
• Insects and pests: The vehicle is inspected for any signs of insect activity.
• Seeds and plant material: Floor mats and carpets are checked for seeds.

Preparation tips:
• Thoroughly clean the vehicle before shipping, paying particular attention to the undercarriage, wheel arches, and boot
• Steam clean the engine bay
• Remove all floor mats and shake them out
• Ensure no food, plant material, or organic matter is present

Vehicles that fail quarantine inspection will be cleaned or fumigated at the owner's expense, which can cost AUD 500 to 2,000.

Here is how the UK to Australia shipping process works with Ship Cars:

1. Confirm eligibility — We help you determine which import pathway your vehicle qualifies under.

2. Get a quotation — We provide a comprehensive quotation covering shipping, documentation, and estimated Australian charges.

3. Prepare the vehicle — Clean thoroughly, reduce fuel, disconnect battery, and arrange any pre-shipping inspections.

4. UK collection and export — We collect your vehicle and handle all UK export customs declarations.

5. Ocean transit — Your vehicle sails to Australia with full tracking and marine insurance.

6. Australian customs and quarantine — Our Australian agents handle customs clearance, duty payment, and quarantine inspection.

7. Compliance (if required) — If your vehicle needs compliance modifications, our partner workshops handle the work.

8. Collection or delivery — Collect from the destination port or we arrange delivery to your address.

The entire process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from UK collection to Australian delivery. Compare UK to Australia rates with the rest of the world on our car shipping costs guide.