Importing a car to Australia - All the facts... Hopefully!

Importing a car to Australia - All the facts... Hopefully!

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Discussion

Jamest5r

32 posts

119 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2014
quotequote all
Hi hasbeen thanks for the speedy reply smile, my cars not "to out there" lol standard volvo 5 pot just forged internals and a.garrett turbo, koni struts with 993 porky front disks and calipers, straight through exhaust, which begs another question do you require catalyst to be fitted?? Sorry for all the questions cheers

Hasbeen

2,073 posts

220 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2014
quotequote all
On pollution gear you are supposed to have what ever was fitted by the manufacturer.

What you do require depends on where you are. Some states have annual inspections, [MOT] others don't. Some inspectors know what was stock, others don't.

Many older cars have had much pollution gear removed, or replaced, without trouble.

I would stay that the first registration you would be unlikely to get away with less than standard gear.

Jamest5r

32 posts

119 months

Wednesday 23rd April 2014
quotequote all
It's going to be queensland, brisbane area, does this help my case lol, I'm there in January for a.month is it worth me finding engineers etc in advance of the transportation later in the year? Cheers

Hasbeen

2,073 posts

220 months

Thursday 24th April 2014
quotequote all
Queensland is a state that only has roadworthy inspection for original registration, & then for change of ownership. That is of course if you don't get stopped for hooning.

When the time comes I can put you onto a helpful compliance engineer on the southern outskirts of Brisbane. He is also an importer of US muscle cars, mostly Mustangs, but may be able to advise or help you with customs & shipping people.

My 8 had fallen out of Victorian registration when I bought it. It had to be re-compliance in Queensland, with existing & some new modifications. This bloke picked up my car, using his trade plates, & returned it the next day complianced & fully registered. His service was so much less hassle than any others I could find I would recommend him to anyone.

Jamest5r

32 posts

119 months

Thursday 24th April 2014
quotequote all
Hasbeen said:
Queensland is a state that only has roadworthy inspection for original registration, & then for change of ownership. That is of course if you don't get stopped for hooning.

When the time comes I can put you onto a helpful compliance engineer on the southern outskirts of Brisbane. He is also an importer of US muscle cars, mostly Mustangs, but may be able to advise or help you with customs & shipping people.

My 8 had fallen out of Victorian registration when I bought it. It had to be re-compliance in Queensland, with existing & some new modifications. This bloke picked up my car, using his trade plates, & returned it the next day complianced & fully registered. His service was so much less hassle than any others I could find I would recommend him to anyone.
That would be a.great help mate thank you, can see a case of beer coming your way smile funny enough just booked flights today so be in qld 27th January for a month onwards, would it be ok to have your email addy for future contact I'm not a stalker or anything lol cheers

onny

324 posts

261 months

Monday 28th April 2014
quotequote all
I thought if you are importing your car as a personal import (which you will be) then there is no need for any engineering certification as the compliance check only involved something similar to a MOT in the UK. At least in the ACT anyway.

I think the only problem you will have is not having a CAT but how do you get pass MOT in the UK without one?


Edited by onny on Monday 28th April 20:44

Jamest5r

32 posts

119 months

Monday 12th May 2014
quotequote all
onny said:
I thought if you are importing your car as a personal import (which you will be) then there is no need for any engineering certification as the compliance check only involved something similar to a MOT in the UK. At least in the ACT anyway.

I think the only problem you will have is not having a CAT but how do you get pass MOT in the UK without one?


Edited by onny on Monday 28th April 20:44
Sorry for the delay in replying been busy trucking lol, very confusing this import lark, my car is fully legal apart from the missing cat, all mods fully declared to insurance and accepted it's not very radical just a quick volvo 360bhp /410lb/ft but mostly standard, oh and I.have a tuneable ecu which allows me to turn the fueling very lean to pass emissions but it's not really nesserary as plenty of places will pass on dodgy emissions in the city's of the UK

Andy B

4 posts

241 months

Monday 14th July 2014
quotequote all
Awsome thread and helped us no end with the complicated information.

Richard at Karman shipping our VW Touareg V10 out for us in a couple of weeks.

Import approval form is a pain but not so bad once you have info

Gingerbread Man

9,171 posts

212 months

Friday 18th July 2014
quotequote all
I'm hoping to ship the Caterham out in late October. I've applied for my VIA, lets hope it comes through sooner rather than later!

The 7 is going in a 20' container with some belongings in the other half. It's being shipped into Brisbane.

I've been told that it's easier to turn up with a trailer to take it from the port to 'home'. Then I can apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) which is valid for 28 days. I can then drive it about, taking it to an Engineer to help get it official on the road and get a pink slip, green, brown,....I was told there were numerous colours I had to get. One (Pink!?) being the mains facts of the car, like ownership regs? Brown being similar to an MOT?

Does this all sound about right? I'd hoped to be able to drive it home from the port. Hopefully I can arrive in Oz (4th November), get an Oz driving licence and apply for a UVP enabling me to drive it straight out of the port I believe but often it can be a pain getting one, hence the recommendation of the trailer.


Also, charges once it's landed. Do the customs people just check it out and give you a bill, or do I need to arrange for a broker or similar to aid the transition?
I'm rebuilding it currently, but will also make sure it's spotless being shipping. The fuel tank will need to be on fumes I'm told.

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Friday 18th July 2014
quotequote all
Gingerbread Man said:
I'm hoping to ship the Caterham out in late October. I've applied for my VIA, lets hope it comes through sooner rather than later!

The 7 is going in a 20' container with some belongings in the other half. It's being shipped into Brisbane.

I've been told that it's easier to turn up with a trailer to take it from the port to 'home'. Then I can apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) which is valid for 28 days. I can then drive it about, taking it to an Engineer to help get it official on the road and get a pink slip, green, brown,....I was told there were numerous colours I had to get. One (Pink!?) being the mains facts of the car, like ownership regs? Brown being similar to an MOT?

Does this all sound about right? I'd hoped to be able to drive it home from the port. Hopefully I can arrive in Oz (4th November), get an Oz driving licence and apply for a UVP enabling me to drive it straight out of the port I believe but often it can be a pain getting one, hence the recommendation of the trailer.
Quite a bit of this stuff varies by state, I'm more familiar with NSW than QLD.

Not sure what a VIA is, are you talking about a visa? What sort? It matters, it has to be a permanent visa or one leading to permanent residency or citizenship, essentially 457 or better.

A UVP is, to my knowledge, for specific journeys. So you can't just go where you want in 28 days it's for A to B to C or whatever.

Getting a car like a caterham compliant is the challenge, I've never tried, in QLD it could be easy or a whole world of pain. Equally I don't know what getting a QLD licence us like but you can drive on a UK one ok.

Gingerbread Man

9,171 posts

212 months

Friday 18th July 2014
quotequote all
HenryJM said:
Gingerbread Man said:
I'm hoping to ship the Caterham out in late October. I've applied for my VIA, lets hope it comes through sooner rather than later!

The 7 is going in a 20' container with some belongings in the other half. It's being shipped into Brisbane.

I've been told that it's easier to turn up with a trailer to take it from the port to 'home'. Then I can apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) which is valid for 28 days. I can then drive it about, taking it to an Engineer to help get it official on the road and get a pink slip, green, brown,....I was told there were numerous colours I had to get. One (Pink!?) being the mains facts of the car, like ownership regs? Brown being similar to an MOT?

Does this all sound about right? I'd hoped to be able to drive it home from the port. Hopefully I can arrive in Oz (4th November), get an Oz driving licence and apply for a UVP enabling me to drive it straight out of the port I believe but often it can be a pain getting one, hence the recommendation of the trailer.
Quite a bit of this stuff varies by state, I'm more familiar with NSW than QLD.

Not sure what a VIA is, are you talking about a visa? What sort? It matters, it has to be a permanent visa or one leading to permanent residency or citizenship, essentially 457 or better.

A UVP is, to my knowledge, for specific journeys. So you can't just go where you want in 28 days it's for A to B to C or whatever.

Getting a car like a caterham compliant is the challenge, I've never tried, in QLD it could be easy or a whole world of pain. Equally I don't know what getting a QLD licence us like but you can drive on a UK one ok.
I'm actually moving to Coffs Harbour, but Brisbane is a nearer port than Sydneys NSW port. So I fancied the Brisbane one.
I'm then told I need to get the car made road legal which obviously I will have to go about this in NSW.

Australian Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). So the online form to prove I've had it for a while, used it for longer than 12 month, etc etc.

I'm coming over on a Skills Visa which is permanent based.

Hasbeen

2,073 posts

220 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
To bring an unregistered car from NSW to Qld I was going to have to get a permit for NSW, which was only a one day permit, & another for Queensland. both were one day specific. It was easier, & no more expensive to get it delivered on a car carrier.

I have a TR8, with not much more Triumph than the body. I had it complianced in Queensland, [everything approved by a registered compliance engineer]. The thing now has an official compliance plate attached which makes it registerable anywhere in Oz. It is important to have that official plate attached, or another state may not recognise the compliance.

This has nothing to do with pink slips, which are roadworthy certificates, [MOT equivalent], which is annual in NSW, but not in QLD, or some other states.

There are a number of compliance engineers, who are also vehicle importers. Some of them would be equipped to pick up the car, & give it to you complianced, & registered in Queensland, & probably registered in any other state.

The one I used for the Triumph is a Mustang importer. He picked the car up, using his trade plates, & delivered it back the next day, registered in my sons name, as requested. I believe he delivers Mustang & other US cars he has imported, registered in the new owners name, in their state anywhere in Oz.

custardtart

1,725 posts

252 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
Gingerbread Man said:
I'm hoping to ship the Caterham out in late October. I've applied for my VIA, lets hope it comes through sooner rather than later!

The 7 is going in a 20' container with some belongings in the other half. It's being shipped into Brisbane.

I've been told that it's easier to turn up with a trailer to take it from the port to 'home'. Then I can apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) which is valid for 28 days. I can then drive it about, taking it to an Engineer to help get it official on the road and get a pink slip, green, brown,....I was told there were numerous colours I had to get. One (Pink!?) being the mains facts of the car, like ownership regs? Brown being similar to an MOT?

Does this all sound about right? I'd hoped to be able to drive it home from the port. Hopefully I can arrive in Oz (4th November), get an Oz driving licence and apply for a UVP enabling me to drive it straight out of the port I believe but often it can be a pain getting one, hence the recommendation of the trailer.


Also, charges once it's landed. Do the customs people just check it out and give you a bill, or do I need to arrange for a broker or similar to aid the transition?
I'm rebuilding it currently, but will also make sure it's spotless being shipping. The fuel tank will need to be on fumes I'm told.
In NSW you can't drive it home as it has to be complied first then registered and only once registered and you have licence plates (only issued ounce you present the compliance certificate together with the Import Approval, proof of ownership, customs clearance form and Registration docs).

HOWEVER - I have been told a number of times that as long as you are driving to a compliance engineer then the Police will let you go. Personally, I find this hard to believe as the Police rarely miss an opportunity to get money off you and the fine for driving an unregistered car is more than $500!!!!

Hence why I picked the car up on a trailer. smile

I'd be interested to hear how you go getting Import Approval for the Caterham too.

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
Gingerbread Man said:
I'm actually moving to Coffs Harbour, but Brisbane is a nearer port than Sydneys NSW port. So I fancied the Brisbane one.
I'm then told I need to get the car made road legal which obviously I will have to go about this in NSW.

Australian Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). So the online form to prove I've had it for a while, used it for longer than 12 month, etc etc.

I'm coming over on a Skills Visa which is permanent based.
So a 189 or 190 I assume.

Brain fade from me on VIA, I hate acronyms, obviously it's your first hurdle, I'd get it applied for because it can take a while, I think the one I was involved in took about seven weeks and until you've got it you don't really know you are going to be able to do it.

I'd also talk to Karman Shipping, they know what they are doing and are really helpful.

I would also be wary of importing to QLD when you are moving to NSW. Lots of things vary between states and this is one of them. Might not be a problem, but it's an extra complication.

Jader1973

3,946 posts

199 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
custardtart said:
In NSW you can't drive it home as it has to be complied first then registered and only once registered and you have licence plates (only issued ounce you present the compliance certificate together with the Import Approval, proof of ownership, customs clearance form and Registration docs).
VIC must be different, there was a UK plated Landcruiser driving about our town for a couple of weeks before it got VIC rego.

Gingerbread Man

9,171 posts

212 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
HenryJM said:
Gingerbread Man said:
I'm actually moving to Coffs Harbour, but Brisbane is a nearer port than Sydneys NSW port. So I fancied the Brisbane one.
I'm then told I need to get the car made road legal which obviously I will have to go about this in NSW.

Australian Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). So the online form to prove I've had it for a while, used it for longer than 12 month, etc etc.

I'm coming over on a Skills Visa which is permanent based.
So a 189 or 190 I assume.

Brain fade from me on VIA, I hate acronyms, obviously it's your first hurdle, I'd get it applied for because it can take a while, I think the one I was involved in took about seven weeks and until you've got it you don't really know you are going to be able to do it.

I'd also talk to Karman Shipping, they know what they are doing and are really helpful.

I would also be wary of importing to QLD when you are moving to NSW. Lots of things vary between states and this is one of them. Might not be a problem, but it's an extra complication.
Sorry, I'm not an acronyms man myself, it's just how I was referred to it in the first place. I'm on a 189 Visa.

I've had a few quotes for shipping a 20' container from the UK to Brisbane and we're about to pick on any day now, just waiting for a response or two to come back through. To be honest, it'll mostly be empty!

I believe that as I'll be doing all of the paper work in NSW and trailering it out of Brisbane port, I'll be okay, but I need to 100% confirm this prior to accepting a shipping quotation.

Gingerbread Man

9,171 posts

212 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
custardtart said:
Gingerbread Man said:
I'm hoping to ship the Caterham out in late October. I've applied for my VIA, lets hope it comes through sooner rather than later!

The 7 is going in a 20' container with some belongings in the other half. It's being shipped into Brisbane.

I've been told that it's easier to turn up with a trailer to take it from the port to 'home'. Then I can apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) which is valid for 28 days. I can then drive it about, taking it to an Engineer to help get it official on the road and get a pink slip, green, brown,....I was told there were numerous colours I had to get. One (Pink!?) being the mains facts of the car, like ownership regs? Brown being similar to an MOT?

Does this all sound about right? I'd hoped to be able to drive it home from the port. Hopefully I can arrive in Oz (4th November), get an Oz driving licence and apply for a UVP enabling me to drive it straight out of the port I believe but often it can be a pain getting one, hence the recommendation of the trailer.


Also, charges once it's landed. Do the customs people just check it out and give you a bill, or do I need to arrange for a broker or similar to aid the transition?
I'm rebuilding it currently, but will also make sure it's spotless being shipping. The fuel tank will need to be on fumes I'm told.
In NSW you can't drive it home as it has to be complied first then registered and only once registered and you have licence plates (only issued ounce you present the compliance certificate together with the Import Approval, proof of ownership, customs clearance form and Registration docs).

HOWEVER - I have been told a number of times that as long as you are driving to a compliance engineer then the Police will let you go. Personally, I find this hard to believe as the Police rarely miss an opportunity to get money off you and the fine for driving an unregistered car is more than $500!!!!

Hence why I picked the car up on a trailer. smile

I'd be interested to hear how you go getting Import Approval for the Caterham too.
I see that you've a Westfield,did you buy in Oz as opposed to ship over?

I've joined an Australian clubbies forum a while back (Ozclubbies) and have sourced advice from there with regards to shipping. Just the other day one of the chaps rung me to answer some questions. He brought a Dax into NSW, so hopefully knows his stuff. I thought I'd just reply to this thread also as you can never know too much on the subject.

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Saturday 19th July 2014
quotequote all
Gingerbread Man said:
Sorry, I'm not an acronyms man myself, it's just how I was referred to it in the first place. I'm on a 189 Visa.

I've had a few quotes for shipping a 20' container from the UK to Brisbane and we're about to pick on any day now, just waiting for a response or two to come back through. To be honest, it'll mostly be empty!

I believe that as I'll be doing all of the paper work in NSW and trailering it out of Brisbane port, I'll be okay, but I need to 100% confirm this prior to accepting a shipping quotation.
As I say, never tried that but don't underestimate how weird inter state things can sometimes be, you think they are the same country but sometimes it doesn't seem like it.

I would get the import approval (if you haven't) all come through before you arrange shipping, you'd be in a mess if it gets to Australia without import approval.

custardtart

1,725 posts

252 months

Sunday 20th July 2014
quotequote all
Gingerbread Man said:
I see that you've a Westfield,did you buy in Oz as opposed to ship over?

I've joined an Australian clubbies forum a while back (Ozclubbies) and have sourced advice from there with regards to shipping. Just the other day one of the chaps rung me to answer some questions. He brought a Dax into NSW, so hopefully knows his stuff. I thought I'd just reply to this thread also as you can never know too much on the subject.
Yeah Ozclubbies are v. helpful.

I actually just sold the Westie. I found it really hard to get consistent answers from compliance engineers and although it seemed possible to get import approval I was facing the prospect of having to remove the gearbox, engine and roll cage to get it here and complied. In the end I probably could've done it knowing what I know now about how useless most compliance engineers are and also knowing some really good ones who would've probably seen me through the process but with a little baby on the way and a busy work life I couldn't be ar*ed.

I guess you've seen the astronomical price of Caterhams here? If you can persevere, do it but I'd second the comment that you MUST get import approval before shipping the car.

onny

324 posts

261 months

Tuesday 29th July 2014
quotequote all
Gingerbread Man said:
I've had a few quotes for shipping a 20' container from the UK to Brisbane and we're about to pick on any day now, just waiting for a response or two to come back through. To be honest, it'll mostly be empty!
Do you mind telling me the ballpark quotes you are getting for the 20' container? Does that include port charges at both end? I'm going to need 2 of these or a 40' one as I have 2 cars to ship back next year.