Shipping From Australia – Frequently Asked Questions
Are there permits or taxes on cars being exported from Australia?
No
What documents are required to export a car?
– Copy of the registered owner’s passport or drivers’ licence.
– Copy of registration papers.
– Copy of bill of sale.
– Photo’s of the car (if insurance is requested)
– Odometer reading (for certain countries)
Can I export a car which has finance on it?
We are unable to export cars that have finance owing unless you are granted approval from the finance company.
Can I ship personal effects with the car?
It depends on how it is shipped:
– If it is being shipped as a sole use FCL – yes you can. There will be approximately 2 cubic metres of space for personal items as well as the space within the car. However, you should check with the destination country as to what items are allowed/prohibited. We do not recommend shipping white goods or furniture as these can damage the car.
– If it is being shipped on a roll on/ roll off service – No personal items can be shipped when choosing roll on / roll off. The general rule is “if it’s attached to the car, its fine” this includes child seats, roof racks, tool chests and/or fridges in motorhomes/caravans.
What is the difference between roll on / roll off and a sole use container?
With roll on / roll off, the car is driven aboard a car transporting vessel and stowed securely under deck. Typically, this is the most cost-effective way to ship but it is dependent on the destination and the services available. You are not allowed to ship any personal items with this option.
With this service you need to accept that your car will be driven on and off the ship by various people during the course of the voyage. If you have an old/interesting/expensive/rare car, this might not be for you.
When a sole use container is used the car is securely packed and lashed into the container at our depot and the car is not touched until it reaches its destination. This can be more expensive than roll on / roll off option but much more secure. Also, you can pack personal effects as well.
Can I insure my car?
Yes, we can arrange a marine insurance policy for your car. The cost is 2% of the nominated value and an additional $ 150 policy fee.
There is a $ 500 deductable if a claim is made if we have photos or an independent condition report before shipping.
If there is no condition report or photos, there is a $ 1000 deductable.
What are the regulations and taxes in the country I want to ship to?
We can’t give you precise information on that, but we can give details of an agent that can assist.
It is very important not to ship your car until you have clear advice from a trusted overseas agent.
Can you advise on the clearance costs in the country I am shipping to?
Typically, no. You will need to engage your own agent at the destination. We can help with recommending someone.
Can I deliver my car to the deport or wharf?
Yes, you can.
For FCL you can deliver directly to our packing depot
For roll on / roll off if you are delivering to the wharf you will have to go through a short safety induction and there will be a fee from the wharf ($ 50 – $ 100 depending on which wharf and if you have visited the wharf within the last 12 months)
For roll on / roll off departing Fremantle, there is no public access to the wharf. Cars must be delivered via tow truck, alternatively we can arrange an escort to drive the car in for you.
Can I export a damaged or written off car?
In most cases yes, you can.
If it is just cosmetic damage it can be shipped by either a roll on / roll off service or in a container.
If it can’t be driven it will have to go into a container
If exporting a damaged or written off car you should always check with the destination to ensure it can be complied and registered in that country
Is there anything I need to do to prepare the car?
– If shipping in a container, the fuel must be run down until the fuel light is on
– If shipping RO/RO, the fuel must be less than a quarter of a tank.
– Please ensure that the car has been cleaned thoroughly inside, outside and underneath. To avoid any issues at the wharf or customs at the destination, the vehicle must be free from; food, oil, grease, animal material, dirt and plant material.
Does the car have to be registered to export?
No, it doesn’t. You can hand in your plates and cancel your registration.
Can I export my car for overlanding or touring purposes?
Yes, if you choose to take your car or caravan for touring purposes, you will need to apply for a Carnet. A Carnet allows tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import for up to one year. Carnets can cost upwards of $1500 and do not cover all countries, you should enquire with the destination before applying to make sure you will be covered. Here is a link with more information https://rac.com.au/travel-touring/international-travel/carnets
Can I export my car for repairs?
Yes, you can but it will be dependent on the extent of the repair. If you are exporting for the purpose of re-build or repair, please send un an enquiry so we can go through it with you.
Can you store my car prior to export?
For FCL shipping our depots allow 5 days of storage for free
For RORO shipping we have the option of storing at the wharf, subject to space and acceptance of the wharf. For an averaged sized car, the storage cost is approximately $35 per day.
I want to ship my car out of Australia, and I will be shipping it back again. Is this possible?
There are two ways to do this:
– Using a Carnet: This allows tax-free and duty-free temporary export and import for up to one year. Carnets can cost upwards of $1500 and do not cover all countries, you should enquire with the destination before applying to make sure you will be covered. Here is a link with more information https://rac.com.au/travel-touring/international-travel/carnets
– If you don’t use a Carnet, it is possible, but more complicated:
o You will need to check the regulations in the overseas destination carefully to ensure you allowed to import the vehicle and if there are any taxes.
o On arrival back into Australia you will need a Vehicle import Approval (VIA) and comply with asbestos regulations.
I am based outside of Australia and want to purchase a car to ship back to me. Can you assist?
Absolutely, we do this all of the time. We can liaise with the seller and get is shipped for you.
How long will it take for the car to arrive at the destination? (approximately)
– Europe by container: 43 days
– Europe by RO/RO – 70 days
– US East coast by container – 45 days
– US West coast by container – 35 days
– US East coast by RO/RO – 65 days
– US West coast by RO/RO – 45 days
– Africa by container: 35 days (Kenya0
– Africa by RO/RO: 48 days (Kenya)
– SE Asia by container – 20 days
– SE Asia by RO/RO – 32 days