Can anyone give some advice re: the above title?
I know Julin is an expert in this area but have never spoken directly to him.
I have an ex surgical colleague in Australia who is keen to change his car soon to a prancing donkey or AM.
Luxury car tax is huge there. Is there an advantage to me buying one here he likes- keeping it for some time , the. Sending it over?
Can anyone advise on the most economical way- or if it makes sense to.
Could be a way I could try out some cars I want to and he could save money
Hi Ian,
Just seen this, if you would like to give me a call then would be only too pleased to help.
In a nutshell the Aussies don't want Yank cars over there, they do make exceptions for vintage antique vehicles but are very strict with newer vehicles insisting that they will only accept RHD.
I am aware that a few LHD do get accepted but I think that is more through a back door rather than through the official route.
This was the last infomation we held on importing into Australia: -
MOTOR VEHICLES
Importation of motor vehicles and motorcycles are very difficult; regulations are strict and complicated
Customer must have owned and used the auto for at least twelve months prior to import
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES require Import Permit from Federal Office of Road Safety before vehicle is shipped
Customs requires a formal "Entry" to be lodged to import a vehicle
Formal Entry means:
The Customer is in the country of destination
Customer has completed B357 Form
Customer has submitted Purchase documents, registration papers and paid duty and sales tax
CUSTOMER MUST BE IN AUSTRALIA FOR CLEARANCE TO AVOID BONDED STORAGE CHARGES AND DEMURRAGE
Vehicle must have been steam cleaned and inside vacuumed before departure to Australia
Vehicles are subject to sales tax and very high import duties
Quarantine authorities will inspect the vehicle on arrival
Vehicles must meet minimum safety and emission standards and be right-hand drive, (if not, modifications must be made in Australia
LEFT-HAND DRIVEN VEHICLES SUBJECT TO TEMPORARY PERMIT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ROAD SAFETY
Motorcycles/scooters being imported by first time immigrants are free of duty and sales tax, and those being imported by returning residents are free of duty, but do incur sales tax
The owner or spouse must produce the documents listed below and complete a B357 Form (Statement for Vehicle Imported by a Passenger)
Motor vehicles over 15 years old can be registered without a compliance plate
Documents Required:
Bill of Sale
Certificate of Steam Cleaning
"Approved to Import" Certificate
Current Passport (previous passport required together with current, if current passport has been issued after purchase of vehicle)
Import Permit (will not be granted to Customers who are on a temporary visa)
Original Purchase and Registration Papers (showing purchase price and purchase date)
Receipts for any modifications to the vehicle which would add value to the purchase price
Insurance Policy
Drivers License
Service records and log books
Car Condition Report
Authorization from Federal Office of Road Safety
Clearance from the Australian Quarantine Service
As with all personal imports, you need to have owned the vehicle in your name during the previous 12 months and you can only import duty and tax free on the proviso that you are moving your permanent residence from the UK to Australia, I don't think you are planning on practising on any Kangaroos are you?
in which case your colleague will have to pay the full whack.
A Mustang would be out unless it was RHD, an AM would be OK providing he can meet their very strict import requirements.
Feel free to call me on 01902-790797 if you think I can help?
