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IMPORTING CARS, MOTORCYCLES, TRAILERS AND OTHER VEHICLES
In this issue we examine the requirements for importing motor vehicles
Have you ever searched the internet looking for motor vehicles from other countries? Finding all the fantastic vehicles not available in Australia, you may find yourself dreaming about driving that exotic vehicle perhaps along the beach road with the wind blowing in your hair as the sun is setting if this sounds too familiar then we suggest you read on.
This article covers the requirements that will help you to make some informed decisions.
In Australia the importation of cars, motorcycles, trailers and other vehicles is controlled under the Customs Act.
It states to import a motor vehicle including trailers into Australia you must apply and receive Permission (known as a Vehicle Import Approval or VIA) before you may import the vehicle.
Vehicle Import approvals are granted under the Motor Vehicles Standards Act 1989by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (Infrastructure).
This ensures any vehicle imported into Australia meets our very strict design and safety standards; it further protects us from any inferior design or safety standards being allowed on our roads.
In Australia the importation of cars, motorcycles, trailers and other vehicles is controlled under the Customs Act.
It states to import a motor vehicle including trailers into Australia you must apply and receive Permission (known as a Vehicle Import Approval or VIA) before you may import the vehicle.
Vehicle Import approvals are granted under the Motor Vehicles Standards Act 1989by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (Infrastructure).
This ensures any vehicle imported into Australia meets our very strict design and safety standards; it further protects us from any inferior design or safety standards being allowed on our roads.
The term “vehicle” as used in this article means cars, motorcycles, trailer and other vehicles.
To import a vehicle into Australia, importers must have the following (with some exceptions):
A) Vehicle Import Approval, regardless of the value of the road vehicle; or
B) Carnet (an international passport for the temporary • importation of private touring vehicles, where the payment of duty and taxes is guaranteed by an overseas issuing body); or
C) An Australian carnet, obtained from the Australian Automobile Association for a vehicle that was previously exported from Australia.
Note any Importers who have a vehicle carnet issued by an overseas organization that has reciprocal arrangements with the Australian Automobile Association do not need a Vehicle import approval.
Importing Vehicles
There are five important steps to import a vehicle:
There are five important steps to import a vehicle:
1. Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of Infrastructure.
Phone: 1800 815 272 (Australia only) or +612 2 6274 7444, Fax +612 2 6274 6013,
email vimports@infrastructure.gov.au.
Phone: 1800 815 272 (Australia only) or +612 2 6274 7444, Fax +612 2 6274 6013,
email vimports@infrastructure.gov.au.
More information can be obtained from the Importing Vehicles to Australia (VSB10) brochure available at www.infrastructure.gov.au.
2. When you have obtained a Vehicle import approval, then you may lodge an import declaration with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
This is usually done by engaging the services of a customs broker to act on yourbehalf or alternately you may submitting an import declaration electronically through the Integrated Cargo System; or completing an import declaration form at a Customs and Border Protection service counter at your local Australian Customs office.
This is usually done by engaging the services of a customs broker to act on yourbehalf or alternately you may submitting an import declaration electronically through the Integrated Cargo System; or completing an import declaration form at a Customs and Border Protection service counter at your local Australian Customs office.
A self assessed clearance declaration is needed if the customs value of the vehicle is a$1,000 or less. Note: A VIA is required regardless of the value of the vehicle.
3. Pay the customs duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) or luxury car tax (LCT) where applicable. Information on taxes and charges are available from www.customs.gov.au.
4. Contact the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to arrange a vehicle inspection for clearance after the vehicle has arrived. For more information visit the AQIS website www.aqis.gov.au
5. Contact your State or Territory vehicle registration department to find out your vehicle registration and insurance requirements. Note some vehicle may need design modification to meet Australian requirements
The calculation of the duty & taxes payable
5. Contact your State or Territory vehicle registration department to find out your vehicle registration and insurance requirements. Note some vehicle may need design modification to meet Australian requirements
The calculation of the duty & taxes payable
The customs value is usually the transaction value (what you paid for the vehicle). Customs and Border Protection may use other valuation methods to determine the customs value where necessary
Importation Charges you need to pay
Prior to deciding to import a vehicle, your must consider the other possible costs involved such as:
Prior to deciding to import a vehicle, your must consider the other possible costs involved such as:
Customs and Border Protection charges
Customs duty, Good and Services Tax (GST) and luxury car • tax (LCT), if applicable and
Entry processing charges.
Other Costs you must consider
Transport, Handling and Clearance charges
Freight and insurance for the transport of the goods toAustralia
Customs clearance broker fees
Storage and delivery charges;
Logistic services provider charges
Steam cleaning for quarantine purposes
Other wharf and transport charges;
Any costs relating to having your motor vehicle meet State or • Territory registration and insurance requirements.
Other information|
Tourists and Temporary Residents
Vehicles can be imported temporarily for a specified period by:
Tourists and temporary residents by providing a security in lieu of duty and GST at the time the vehicle is imported or by obtaining a Carnet De Passages en Douane (CPD carnet) which isissued by an overseas organization that has a reciprocal arrangement with the Australian Automobile Association.
A CPD carnet allows for the temporary admission of vehicles into Australia without the payment of duties or taxes, and without the requirement for a VIA. The vehicle must be exported from Australia within the approved time limit. All fittings and accessories imported with the vehicle must also be exported with the same vehicle.
Vehicles returning to Australia that left Australia on an Australian carnet do not require a VIA if the vehicle is being imported within the expiry date of the carnet. If the carnet has expired, a VIA will be required.
Returned Australian Vehicles
Vehicles that were exported from Australia and are imported require the importer to hold a VIA before Customs and Border Protection can authorize the vehicle to be released.
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)
Visiting military personnel that are members of a “Visiting Force” that is subject to the provisions of a SOFA, do not need to obtain a VIA for an imported vehicle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For information on any importation matter, contact the Customs Information and Support Centre on 1300 363 263 or email information@customs.gov.au or visit www.customs.gov.au.
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