The contact details for both departments are listed at the end of this brochure.
The simplest way to bring your vehicle to Australia on a temporary basis is by Carnet De Passages en Douane (CPD carnet).
Carnets can be obtained for motor vehicles, motorcycles, campervans, four wheel drive vehicles, caravans and trailers. Carnets are issued in accordance with the Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation of Private Motor Vehicles. Vehicles issued a carnet may not be lent, sold, mortgaged, hired, exchanged, given away or otherwise disposed of while in Australia.
Carnets are available from the motoring organisation in your country of residence. For USA residents, carnets are available from the Canadian Automobile Association in Ottawa.
If you are going to use a carnet to temporarily import your vehicle into Australia you must obtain the carnet before the vehicle arrives in Australia.
A carnet is similar to a personal passport and contains all the relevant information about the vehicle – make, model, colour, engine capacity, seating capacity, registration number, owner and value.
A carnet is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
There are a number of conditions attached to the use of carnets in Australia. Some of those conditions are:
* The vehicle must be exported from Australia prior to or on the expiry date of the carnet;
* It is a condition of use of a carnet in Australia that you, do not leave the vehicle that is covered by a carnet in Australia while you are not here. Should you do so, this is a breach of the provisions of the Customs Act 1901 and Customs Regulations 1926. Once a breach has occurred, the security amount equivalent to the duty and GST (and Luxury Car Tax (LCT), if applicable) will be called up by Customs.
Security Required
To obtain a carnet you have to provide the issuing motoring organisation with a security equivalent to approximately 100% of the market value of the vehicle (26% for motorcycles). Should a breach of the Customs regulations occur, the Customs duty rate for passenger motor vehicles is 15% and $12,000 per vehicle. GST is charged in addition to this and is charged at a rate of 10% of the VoTI. The VoTI is equal to the sum of the Customs value, plus the Customs duty, plus the cost of transporting the goods to Australia and for insuring the goods for that transport.
Further, the security should also cover any Luxury Car Tax that may become payable on the vehicles. Luxury Car Tax becomes payable on certain vehicles that are above the LCT threshold. This threshold is determined by the Australian Taxation Office and reviewed every year.
The amount of LCT payable is set out in 5-15 of the "A New Tax System (Luxury Car Tax) 1999".
Generally three types of security are available from motoring organisations.
* Cash bond.
* Banker's Letter of Indemnity.
* Insurance policy.
Please note that not all motoring clubs offer all three options.
The security is refunded/released after the carnet is returned to the issuing organisation. Contact your local motoring organisation or the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) for more information on Carnets.
2. Temporary Importation Without Carnet
Tourists or temporary residents who cannot or do not wish to obtain a carnet may use the provisions of s162 or s162A of the Customs Act. This method is really only suitable for vehicles that meet the Australian Design Rules (indicated by a compliance plate fixed to the fire wall of the vehicle) or those that are fifteen or more years old on their arrival in Australia.
Vehicles temporarily imported without a carnet will be required to provide a security with the Australian Customs Service on arrival in Australia. The vehicle cannot be released until Customs and Department of Transport and Regional Services requirements have been fulfilled.
If you import a vehicle without a carnet you will require Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) (fee payable). You must obtain this before the vehicle arrives in Australia.
Application forms are available from:
The Administrator of Vehicle Standards
ACT Federal Office of Road Safety
GPO Box 1553
CANBERRA AUSTRALIA 2601
or any Australian overseas mission.
An application for an Import Permit can take up to 21 days to process so it is a good idea to apply well before the vehicle arrives in Australia otherwise you will not be allowed to move the vehicle from the wharf or airport.
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Temporary Vehicle Import Approval
Applications for Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) must be made to the Department of Transport and Regional Services before the vehicle arrives in Australia.
Vehicle Import Approval will be granted if:
? You hold a current Visitor Visa: and
? Your vehicle has overseas registration.
Import approval will be issued for the duration of the visitor visa.
People travelling on Temporary Resident visas are not eligible for a Temporary Vehicle Import Approval. Temporary residents can only import vehicles under carnet. The carnet will be limited to 12 months and not the period of the visa.
All Vehicles arriving in Australia must carry current registration for the duration of the visit and be roadworthy.
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Registration Requirements (to drive a vehicle on Australian Roads)
Requirements for using a temporarily imported vehicle are explained under the requirements for the individual States and Territories that follow.
All vehicles are required to be covered by Third Party (Bodily Injury) Insurance. This insurance covers physical injury to another person in an accident where your vehicle is at fault. For insurance which covers damage to property or your own vehicle, owners/drivers will need to take out separate insurance (more information is available under the heading Insurance).
Light (not over 4.5 tonnes GVM) Left Hand Drive vehicles are not required to display a “Caution Left Hand Drive Vehicle” sign. Left hand drive vehicles over 4.5 tonnes are required to display a “Left Hand Drive” sign on the rear of the vehicle in words at least 75mm high in a colour that contrasts with the background to the words.
For those State/Territories which require an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) you must produce the following documents:
* Current registration papers for the vehicle;
* The vehicle import documents, including the Carnet or Vehicle Import Approval;
* Your passport and visa;
* Your driver's licence and/or International Driving Permit.
The Vehicle must have working:
* Headlights;
* Tail lights, including stop and turn lights;
* Windscreen wipers (if fitted);
* Effective brakes;
* Seat belts (if fitted);
* Child restraints (if fitted);
* Good tyres (with minimum tread depth);
* No oil leaks.
You will need to provide a contact address in Australia and overseas.
Once the vehicle has passed the inspection and payment of the applicable fee is paid, a UVP will be issued.
New South Wales
A vehicle that is in New South Wales (NSW) temporarily is exempt from NSW registration requirements providing that vehicle is registered in another, state, territory or in a foreign country.
(Please note: if you drive into one of our other state/territories it is compulsory to have Third Party Insurance.)
If the operator of an overseas visiting vehicle requires Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) will collect payment through motor registries on behalf of QBE Insurance Ltd and issue a receipt to the operator.
CTP insurance cover can be obtained until the expiry date of the overseas registration up to a maximum of 12 months.
The cost of CTP insurance depends on the type of vehicle and duration of stay in NSW. CTP insurance for a car is approximately $400 per annum.
To obtain CTP insurance provide the following at a motor registry:
* Current registration papers for the vehicle
* Proof of identity (please refer to RTA's website, www.rta.nsw.gov.au or contact the RTA customer call centre on 132213)
* A NSW contact address
* A Safety Inspection “pink slip” report for roadworthiness of the vehicle
* A completed Overseas Visiting Vehicle Declaration.
Queensland
An overseas visitor may apply to Queensland Transport for the issue of an “Overseas Vehicle Permit”. This permit will allow the vehicle to be driven on roads without being re-registered. The overseas registration label (or equivalent) and number plates must remain on the vehicle. To apply the applicant must provide the following:
* A Queensland Compulsory Third Party Insurance Certificate
* A police permit (if the vehicle is left hand drive less than 30 years of age)
* The vehicle must be presented for inspection
And
* An Authority to Import
* A current passport stamped VISITOR visa (except visitors from New Zealand)
* Proof of current registration overseas
Or
* Carnet de Passages en Douane
* A current passport containing any visa
* Proof of current registration
A permit may be issued until the sooner of:
* The expiry date of the visa
* The expiry date of the overseas registration
* 12 months
If a permit is issued for less than 12 months and the visa is extended, the permit may also be extended provided the overseas registration is current until the extension date.
The permit must be carried in the vehicle when it is being driven on the road and must be presented to Police or Transport Inspectors if requested.
To apply for a permit visit a Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre (see local area telephone directory).
Victoria
Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) may be issued to overseas, authorising the use of these vehicles visiting Victoria that do not have registration. The applicant is required to provide proof (eg Entry Visa) that the vehicle is visiting Victoria temporarily.
If the overseas registration is current, an Unregistered Vehicle Permit is not necessary, however Non Registered Vehicle (NRV) cover must be taken out. This cover is only valid for the currency of the vehicle's overseas registration. The NRV fee is based on the garaged address of the vehicle.
A UVP is normally issued for 7 to 28 days, however they may be issued for up to 12 months. Permits of 12 months duration should only be issued for vehicles in cases where it is deemed that it is impractical or unreasonable to have these vehicles registered.
The telephone number for VIC Roads is 131 171.
The nearest VIC Roads office to the airport is:
Cnr Pearcedale Parade & Johnstone Street, Broadmeadows.
Fax: (03) 9302 1393
The nearest VIC Roads offices to the Docks are:-
459 Lygon Street
Carlton
Fax: (03) 9388 9909
or
11 Evans Street, Braybrook
Fax: (03) 9687 990
Tasmania
In Tasmania you may apply for Third Party Insurance for the length of your stay in Australia provided the overseas registration is current for that period.
You must present your overseas registration papers and importation papers (carnet) or evidence that a bond has been lodged with the Australian Customs Service showing that your vehicle is here on a temporary basis.
Tasmania does not require visitors to apply for Unregistered Vehicle Permits to drive overseas registered vehicles in Tasmania. However, the vehicle's overseas registration plates must be attached to the vehicle if required by law in the country of origin.
Third Party Insurance issued in other Australian States/Territories is acceptable in Tasmania provided that any conditions attached to the use of the vehicle are complied with. If the interstate Third Party Insurance cover expires while the vehicle is in Tasmania the visitor will be required to take out additional Third Party Insurance.
Any inquires should be made to:
Registration and Licensing Branch
Level 4, 188 Collins Street
Hobart
Telephone: 03 6233 5201 (8.15 am – 5 pm)
South Australia
An overseas visitor may apply for an Unregistered Vehicle Permit to drive an overseas registered vehicle in South Australia. An application may be made at:
Transport SA
108 North Terrace
Adelaide
Telephone: 131 084 (8am-6pm, Monday-Wednesday)
(8am-8pm Thursday and Friday)
or any of the other offices located throughout the metropolitan and country areas.
A permit may be issued for any period of time depending upon the particular circumstances but must not expire later than the overseas registration period. The permit will cease to be in force if the ownership of the vehicle is transferred.
Evidence must be provided that the vehicle is cover
ed by registration in the country of residence of the owner and that the vehicle is in Australia on a temporary basis. The owner will be required to produce the overseas registration certificate, carnet and their driver's licence. If a carnet has not been issued evidence that a bond has been lodged with the Australian Customs Service will be required.
Special conditions may be specified on the permit and a Third Party Insurance policy must be issued for the period of use in South Australia.
No South Australian number plates are issued but the overseas plates must be attached to the vehicle if required by the laws of the country of registration.
The Overseas Visitors Permit is issued free of charge but an proportionate Third Party Insurance premium is required to cover the period specified in the permit.
If a permit has been issued to an overseas registered vehicle in another State or Territory of Australia, that permit is acceptable to South Australia provided that any conditions attached to the use of the permit are complied with.
Western Australia
After the vehicle has been cleared by Customs, a temporary permit must be obtained from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to authorise the vehicle to be driven from point of entry to any vehicle examinations centre to have the vehicle examined for roadworthiness. The cost of the temporary permit and examination fee is approximately $63.50 as of July 2001.
The closest licensing centre to the Port of Fremantle is:
Department for Planning and Infrastructure
Fremantle Business Centre
Cnr Stock Road and Leach Highway
Willagee
Telephone: 08 9331 4422
Fax: 08 9331 7039
Once inspection is passed, an Overseas Visitors Permit will be issued (Third Party Injury Insurance fee only).
In Western Australia there is no minimum permit cover period, and the maximum period is twelve months, or the expiry date of the carnet, or vehicle licence expiry date, whichever occurs first.
Fees for the Overseas Visitor Permit is based on the type of vehicle concerned. A permit for a motor car is around $20.30 per month, and for a motor cycle around $11.40 per month. “Left-hand drive” vehicles must display a warning sign. The signs may be purchased from The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RACWA).
If a permit has been issued to an overseas registered vehicle in another State or Territory of Australia, that permit is not acceptable in Western Australia.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In the ACT you may apply for Third Party Insurance for vehicles imported under carnet for the period of the registration or the carnet, whichever expires first. You should attend:
Road User Services Office
13-15 Challis Street
Dickson ACT
Telephone: (02) 6207 7000
Fax: (02) 6207 7120
Or one of the ACT Government Shopfronts.
You must present your overseas registration papers and carnet. You will also need an Australian address. The Third Party Insurance fee is proportional to the length of time of its issue and only covers injuries to third parties.
Third Party Insurance or Permits issued in other Australian States or the Northern Territory are acceptable in the ACT provided that any conditions attached to the use of the vehicle are complied with.
If a vehicles current registration expires while the vehicle is in Australia, temporary registration is NOT available in the ACT.
You may apply for registration or an Unregistered Vehicle Permit (UVP) for vehicles imported temporarily under a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) by the Commonwealth.
These vehicles will need to be inspected at the Government Vehicle Inspection Station operated by Road User Services at 13-15 Challis Street, Dickson. An appointment is required and can be arranged by calling (02) 6207 7086. The vehicle will need to meet basic roadworthiness requirements and conditions will be applied to the registration in line with any restrictions detailed on the VIA or deficiencies of the vehicle against the normal vehicle standards. The registration of these vehicles is not transferable and will not be extended beyond the date specified in the VIA for the vehicle to be exported.
Northern Territory
Overseas vehicles arriving in the Northern Territory should contact the:
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment
Motor Vehicle Registry
Goyder Road
Parap Northern Territory 0800
All Correspondence to
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment
GPO Box 530
Darwin Northern Territory 0801
Telephone: 1300 654 628
Fax: (08) 8999 3103
Email: mvr@nt.gov.au
Website: www.nt.gov.au/dtw
Important Information you should know about Motoring in Australia
It is compulsory to carry your licence when driving in Australia. If the licence is not written in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an English translation must also be carried with your licence.
Seat Belts
It is compulsory for all vehicle occupants to wear seat belts (where fitted).
Blood Alcohol
It is an offence to drive or be in charge of a vehicle if you have a Blood Alcohol Concentration is 0.05% or more.
Left Hand Drive Vehicles
Light (not over 4.5 tonnes GVM) Left Hand Drive vehicles are not required to display a “Caution Left Hand Drive Vehicle” sign. Left hand drive vehicles over 4.5 tonnes are required to display a “Left Hand Drive” sign on the rear of the vehicle in words at least 75mm high in a colour that contrasts with the background to the words.
Overseas Registration
Your Vehicle will NOT be permitted to enter Australia if its overseas registration has expired.
Should the vehicles overseas registration expire while you are in Australia it is possible to obtain temporary registration from the State/Territory registering Authority. This concession is not available in Western Australia.
Comprehensive, accident, fire and theft insurance for overseas motor vehicles temporarily imported into Australia is generally not available. RACWA offers a tourist insurance policy except for left-hand drive vehicles.
You must try to arrange suitable cover before shipping your vehicle to Australia.
The Kings Cross Car Market Pty Ltd in Sydney, telephone (+61 2 9358 5000), email (carmarket@bigpond.com.au) offers Third Party Property Damage Cover. This covers damage to another vehicle but not to the insured's own vehicle.
Helmets for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists and their pillion passengers are required to wear helmets. The helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS 1698. Helmets that comply with Snell M90 (US), ERECT (Europe), BS6658 (UK), NZS5430 (NZ), JIST-8133 (Japan) or SS9 (Singapore) standards are suitable.
In all cases the standard label or sticker certifying compliance with the relevant standard must be clearly visible and must not be removed.
Mobile Phones
It is an offence for drivers to use mobile phones while the vehicle is moving and will attract a fine and in some States, demerit points.
Australian Customs Requirements
All importers of road vehicles should contact the Australian Customs Service for information relating to duties/taxes/fees and quarantine requirements.
Upon arrival in Australia the vehicle will need to be inspected by both Customs and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS).
Unless prior permission has been granted the vehicle must not be:
* Lent, sold, pledged, mortgaged, hired, given away or exchanged;
* Parted with, unless for the purpose of exportation;
* Otherwise disposed of; or
* Altered in any way.
It is important to note that any goods that have been temporarily imported may not be left in Australia while the importer is out of Australia.
Vehicles imported temporarily must be exported from Australia within the period allowed.
Should you require further information about temporarily importing your vehicle into Australia please contact:
Australian Automobile Association (AAA)
Telephone: +61 2 6247 7311
Fax: +61 2 6257 5320
Email: aaa@aaa.asn.au
Australian Customs Service (ACS)
Telephone: +61 2 6275 6666 (outside Australia)
Telephone: 1300 363 263 (within Australia only)
Email: information@customs.gov.au
Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS)
Telephone: +61 2 9364 7222 (outside Australia)
Telephone: 1800 803 006 (within Australia)
Fax: +61 2 9364 7340
Email: icon@affa.gov.au
Department of Transport and Regional Services
Telephone: +61 2 6274 7433
Fax: +61 2 6274 6013
Email: Vimports@dotars.gov.au
Selling Your Vehicle
Before your car or motorcycle is sold you must pay Customs Duty and the Carnet cleared by Customs. The vehicle cannot be legally sold or registered without first obtaining import approval from the Federal Office of Road Safety in Canberra. It is an offence to sell your vehicle in Australia unless it can be fitted with a compliance plate that shows it meets Australian standards. Contact the Federal Office of Road Safety for further information.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
AQIS closely monitors imports of used passenger vehicles because there's a high risk that contamination (such as soil, seeds, plant material, insects and so on) could introduce a range of serious exotic pests and diseases.
It is the importer's responsibility to meet AQIS's strict cleanliness requirements by making sure the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned internally and externally, and presenting a Cleanliness Declaration to AQIS when the vehicle arrives in Australia. AQIS inspects the vehicle (and may require further cleaning) at the importer's expense.
More information on vehicle imports can be found on the AQIS website at http://www.aqis.gov.au
Procedure to Follow Before a Vehicle Can be Released from Customs
* Book in to see a Customs Officer to have the vehicle inspected at the wharf
* Book in for a Quarantine Inspection
* Book in for an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection (AUVIS) if applicable
* Obtain insurance if not already organised before leaving home country (Comprehensive is difficult, Third Party Property is available)
Contacts for the State/Territory Automobile Clubs and Associations
New South Wales
Overseas Motoring Coordinator
NRMA Travel
388 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 8222 2271 – Fax: (02) 8222 2268
Victoria
RACV Travel Operations
Royal Automotive Club of Victoria Ltd. (RACV)
550 Princes Highway, MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000
Telephone: (03) 9703 6230 – Fax: (03) 9790 2844
Queensland
Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited (RACQ)
300 St Pauls Terrace, FORTITUDE VALLEY QUEENSLAND 4006
Telephone: (07) 3361 2584 – Fax: (07) 3841 9964
South Australia
Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Inc (RAASA)
55 Hindmarsh Square, ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5000
Telephone: General Inquiries: (08) 8202 4600
International Motoring: (08) 8202 4589 ext 8230
Western Australia
Traffic Consultant
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (Incorporated) (RACWA)
228 Adelaide Terrace, PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6000
Telephone: (08) 9365 4710 – Fax: (08) 9365 4620
Tasmania
Touring Division
The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited (RACT)
Cnr Murray & Patrick Streets, HOBART TASMANIA 7000
Telephone: (03) 6232 6300 – Fax: (03) 6234 8784
Northern Territory
Automobile Association of NT Inc. (AANT)
79-81 Smith Street, DARWIN NORTHERN TERRITORY 0801
Telephone: (08) 8981 3837 – Fax: (08) 8941 2965
Contacts for Australian Customs Service:
Central Number
1300 363 263
Issued by:
Australian Automobile Association
216 Northbourne Avenue, CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6247 7311 - Fax: (02) 6257 5320
