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Importing Cars to Australia in 2025: A Complete Guide

Australia continues to be one of the world’s most lucrative automobile import markets, importing vehicles worth billions of dollars annually. Whether you're relocating, a car enthusiast, or a dealer, understanding how to import a car into Australia in 2025 is crucial. From legal requirements and import schemes to cost breakdowns and top car models, this guide provides everything you need to know before shipping a vehicle to the Land Down Under.

Top Car HS Codes and Brands Imported to Australia

When importing cars to Australia, it’s essential to know the Harmonized System (HS) Codes. Here are the most commonly used codes:

8703 – Motor cars for transport of persons

87038030 – Electric vehicles

87031090 – Three-wheeled motor cars

870321 – Cars with spark-ignition engines (≤ 1,000 cc)

Popular Imported Car Brands in Australia:

Daihatsu

Honda

Lexus

Mazda

Mitsubishi

Nissan

Subaru

Suzuki

Understanding the Legal Framework: Regulations & Approvals

Australia enforces strict car import regulations under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA). All vehicle imports must be approved through the ROVER system (Road Vehicle Regulator).

Key Regulatory Authorities:

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts – Vehicle import approvals

Australian Border Force (ABF) – Customs and duties

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) – Biosecurity inspections

State/Territory Road Agencies – Vehicle registration and compliance

Top Car Imports from the USA to Australia

Many Australians prefer importing American muscle and performance cars. The most popular US imports include:

Ford Mustang

Chevrolet Camaro

Dodge Charger

To import these vehicles, compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs), safety, and emissions standards is mandatory.

Detailed Australia Car Import Data (2024–2025)

By Value:

According to Seair Exim Solutions, Australia imported $368.22 billion worth of vehicles in the fiscal year 2024–2025.

Top Car Exporting Countries to Australia (2023):

Japan – $8.53 billion

China – $4.37 billion

South Korea – $3.32 billion

Germany – $1.98 billion

Thailand – $1.61 billion

Australia ranked as the 9th largest car importer globally, with cars being its second most imported product.

Why Import a Car to Australia?

Access to rare or collector models unavailable locally

Potential cost savings due to currency exchange or lower prices abroad

For relocating migrants or expatriates returning to Australia

Passionate car collectors and performance car enthusiasts

Car Import Schemes for 2025

1. SEVS Scheme (Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme)

For vehicles not sold locally

Must be listed on the SEVS Register

Imported by Registered Automotive Workshops (RAWS)

2. Personal Import Scheme

Vehicle must have been owned and used overseas for 12+ months

Ideal for migrants and returning residents

3. Older Vehicle Scheme

Vehicles 25 years or older

Fewer safety and emissions requirements

4. Exhibition, Rally & Race Vehicles

Temporary or permanent importation for specific non-road purposes

Step-by-Step: How to Import a Car to Australia

Step 1: Apply for Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)

Register for a ROVER account

Pay a fee (typically $50–$100)

Step 2: Determine Import Scheme Eligibility

Use the Vehicle Import Tool

Check SEVS or Personal Import criteria

Step 3: Arrange Shipping

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or Container shipping

Costs: AUD $2,000–$5,000+

Step 4: Get Customs Clearance

Documents: Bill of Lading, VIA, ownership proof, declaration of value

Inspections by DAFF for quarantine risks

Step 5: Compliance and Modifications

Testing, vehicle modifications (if needed), and RAV listing

Step 6: Register the Vehicle

Managed by state authorities

Requires safety inspection, registration fee, and issuance of plates

Costs Involved in Importing a Car to Australia (2025)

ItemEstimated Cost (AUD) Shipping & Freight $2,000 – $5,000+ Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) $50 – $100 Import Duty 5% of vehicle’s customs value GST 10% (vehicle value + duty) Luxury Car Tax (if applicable) 33% over threshold ($69,152–$76,950) Customs Broker Fee (optional) $400 – $800 Biosecurity Inspection $80 – $200 Compliance Modifications $1,500 – $4,000+ Registration & Stamp Duty Varies by state ($500 – $2,000)

Temporary Vehicle Importation

Cars can be temporarily imported into Australia for up to 12 months under a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), suitable for:

Tourists

Temporary residents

Motorsports events

Required Documents for Car Import

Vehicle Import Approval (VIA)

Photo ID

Ownership & registration documents

Bill of lading

Declaration of value

Insurance and quarantine compliance documents

Carnet (if temporarily imported)

Customs clearance forms

Where to Find Australia Car Import Data

To access detailed Australia car import data, consider using Seair Exim Solutions, which offers:

Import/export data

Car HS code listings

Trade stats from 120+ countries

Forecasts and shipment tracking

Australian importer directories

Final Thoughts

Importing a car into Australia in 2025 involves many legal and procedural steps, but with the right knowledge, it can be a highly rewarding endeavor. Whether you're importing a classic muscle car or a rare Japanese model, compliance and preparation are key.

If you need help with the documentation, finding car importers, or understanding customs rules, Seair Exim Solutions offers a robust platform for tracking data, trends, and buyers. Schedule your free demo and access the latest insights on Australia's automotive trade today.