Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) Options
All vehicles imported into Australia must have a Vehicle Import Approval issued by The Department of Infrastructure prior to shipping. Without it they cannot be cleared and may be exported
We can assist you with all steps in gaining an import approval for your car.
The approval process takes three to four weeks, so it is critical that this is done prior to shipping.
The most common VIA options are:
1. Vehicles Manufactured more than 25 years ago
This option is for vehicles that have a build date more than 25 years prior to importation and must be substantially original.
If they are a “Retromod” or have substantially upgraded drivetrains, it is likely they won’t qualify
Other things to consider:
– Import duty and GST – see here
– Asbestos in imported vehicles – see here
– Air conditioning in vehicles – see here
2. Personal Import
– The vehicles must be owned AND used overseas for a period of 12 months or more by the importer
– The importer must be:
An Australian citizen or, have applied to become an Australian citizen or, have applied to become an Australian permanent resident or, hold a visa that allows you to apply to be an Australian permanent resident or, otherwise be entitled to remain in Australia indefinitely (e.g: is a New Zealand citizen)
Other things to consider:
– Import duty, luxury car tax, and GST – see here
– Asbestos in imported vehicles – see here
3. Australian plated vehicles
This option is for vehicles that were previously sold in Australia and are being re imported.
They must not have been modified whilst they were overseas.
Other things to consider:
– Import duty, luxury car tax and GST – see here
– Asbestos in imported vehicles – see here
4. Race and Rally Vehicles
This option allow holders of race or rally licences to import vehicles for competition use only. These vehicles can never registered for the road
Other things to consider:
– Import duty, luxury car tax, and GST – see here
– Asbestos in imported vehicles – see here
5. Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) and Low Volume Vehicles Scheme
These schemes allow certain vehicles to be imported into Australia where a registered workshop has the ability to comply them to Australian standards
The most common type of vehicles in this scheme are from Japan and include Nissan Elgrands, Nissan Stageas and so on.
Other things to consider:
– Import duty, luxury car tax, and GST – see here
– Asbestos in imported vehicles – see here