Imported a UK car to Australia? Check its service history
Verify the full UK service history for imported cars in Australia. Protect your money, boost resale value, and avoid hidden repairs. Quick results.
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Popular UK Brands Exported to Australia
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- Abarth
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- AC
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- Acura
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- Aixam
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- Alfa Romeo
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- Alpine
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Secure a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) through the ROVER system before the car is shipped from the UK.
Book roll-on/roll-off or container sailings from Southampton, Liverpool or Tilbury to major Australian ports such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Budget for 10% GST, possible customs duty and compliance upgrades before registering the vehicle locally.
1. Pre-import approvals and eligibility
Apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) in the ROVER portal before you arrange shipping. Without a VIA Australian Border Force will not release the car.
Check the vehicle against the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). If it does not comply, line up a Registered Automotive Workshop to complete modifications immediately after arrival.
- Proof of identity, UK V5C and bill of sale for the application.
- Evidence of the vehicle’s manufacturing date to confirm eligibility under the concessional import schemes.
- Service history and recall paperwork to speed up compliance inspections.
2. Shipping and biosecurity preparation
Compare roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) pricing against container shipping. RoRo is usually cheaper, while containers protect high-value or modified cars.
Schedule a professional steam clean and underbody wash before the vehicle reaches port to pass the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) inspection.
- Popular UK load ports: Southampton, Liverpool, Tilbury.
- Common Australian discharge ports: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle.
- Transit times average 45–55 days door-to-door.
3. Customs, taxes and quarantine on arrival
Lodge an import declaration with Australian Border Force, declaring the customs value (CIF) of the car. Pay 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on this amount.
If the customs value exceeds the Luxury Car Tax threshold, budget for LCT. Biosecurity officers will inspect the car; arrange re-cleaning quickly if they find contamination.
- Customs duty of 5% may apply to newer vehicles.
- Import processing charges are payable alongside GST.
- Keep receipts for shipping, insurance and cleaning for valuation evidence.
4. Compliance, registration and on-road preparation
After customs release, move the car to an authorised workshop for compliance checks. They will handle ADR upgrades, issue a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) and prepare your state registration paperwork.
Arrange Australian insurance and registration with your state transport authority (for example, Service NSW or VicRoads). Retain the UK service history to prove mileage and support resale value.
How long does it take to import a UK car to Australia?
Door-to-door timelines typically run 45–60 days. Allow extra time for Vehicle Import Approval processing, shipping schedules, quarantine inspections and any compliance work before registration.
What taxes will I pay when the car arrives in Australia?
Expect to pay 10% GST on the customs value plus import processing charges. A 5% customs duty applies to many newer vehicles and Luxury Car Tax may be charged if the vehicle exceeds the LCT threshold.
Can I keep the car on UK plates in Australia?
No. Once the vehicle clears customs you must register it in your state or territory and obtain local plates. Temporary movement permits are available to drive the car to compliance inspections.
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