Complete 2026 guide to importing a vehicle from Australia to the UK — port options, RORO and container rates, customs, ToR relief and DVLA registration.
Transit time is 28–42 days port-to-port depending on origin port and routing. Fremantle is fastest at 28–34 days via Suez. Sydney and Brisbane are typically 32–42 days. Add 7–14 days for inland Australian trucking and 5–10 days for UK customs clearance.
No, in almost all cases. Australia and the UK share Mutual Recognition under UNECE type approval, so Australian-market vehicles are accepted by DVLA without IVA. The only exceptions are heavily modified vehicles or non-standard grey imports.
RORO Sydney to Southampton is AU$4,800–AU$6,200 for a standard saloon and AU$5,800–AU$7,800 for an SUV or 4x4. Shared container is similar pricing. Add inland Australian trucking, UK port handling (£385+), customs brokerage and HMRC duty plus VAT.
Yes. If you have lived outside the UK for 12+ consecutive months, owned the vehicle 6+ months and are transferring residence to the UK, you can apply for HMRC ToR1 relief which eliminates the 10% duty and 20% VAT entirely. Apply before shipment.
For genuine HSV GTS, GTS-R, FPV GT-F and W1 variants — yes. UK supply is essentially zero and demand among Holden/Ford enthusiasts is strong. Total landed cost is typically £8,000–£25,000 below UK trade for these scarcity-driven models.
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