Import Car Process

How to Import a Road Vehicle to Australia

Importing a vehicle to Australia involves several key steps managed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). This guide outlines the complete process.

Step 1: Check Import Eligibility

Before anything else, confirm your vehicle is eligible for import. Use the official government tool to check:

Check Import Eligibility

Key eligibility factors:

  • Vehicle age (generally 25+ years for personal imports, or newer under specific schemes)
  • Compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADR)
  • Vehicle identification and history

Step 2: Apply for Import Approval (ROVER)

The Register of Overseas Vehicle Entry (ROVER) system is the online portal used to apply for vehicle import approval.

You will need:

  • Vehicle identification details (VIN, make, model, year)
  • Proof of ownership or purchase
  • Import pathway selection (e.g., Personal Import, SEVS, RAW)

Apply via ROVER

Step 3: Arrange Shipping & Customs

Once import approval is granted:

  1. Book vehicle transport with a licensed international freight forwarder
  2. Prepare customs documentation including the import approval, bill of lading, and commercial invoice
  3. Pay customs duty and GST — typically 5% customs duty + 10% GST on the customs value
  4. Biosecurity inspection by the Department of Agriculture — the vehicle must be clean of soil, plant material, and pests

Step 4: Authorised Vehicle Verifier (AVV) Inspection

After the vehicle clears customs, it must be inspected by an Authorised Vehicle Verifier (AVV) before it can be registered in Australia.

WAAVV is a WA-based AVV and ROVER Partner. We provide:

  • Full vehicle verification inspection
  • Compliance assessment against Australian Design Rules
  • Submission of verification results to ROVER

Book Retail AVV Service | Book RAWS Workshop Service

Step 5: Roadworthy Certificate (Pit Pass)

In Western Australia, imported vehicles require a Roadworthy Certificate (also called a Pit Pass) before registration. This is separate from the AVV inspection.

Learn About Roadworthy Certificates

Step 6: Vehicle Registration

With AVV verification complete and a Roadworthy Certificate in hand, you can register the vehicle with the Department of Transport WA.

Required documents:

  • ROVER approval letter
  • AVV verification certificate
  • Roadworthy Certificate
  • Proof of identity and ownership
  • Payment of registration fees and stamp duty

Need Help?

Our team at WAAVV can guide you through the entire process. Contact us for a free consultation.

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