Importing and registering a vehicle.

This Page Added to CCCVI Site - 23/12/2004

Any vehicle being imported into Australia must obtain import approval to gain clearance when it first enters the country and then registered to be allowed on public roads.

Obtaining import approval
Import approval may be granted if a Letter of Compliance has been issued by the Australian manufacturer who holds full compliance plate approval, ie those who import or manufacture vehicles for the Australian market in large numbers. This will enable a compliance plate to be issued for the vehicle.

Used vehicles less than 15 years old /Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS)
Effective 8 May 2003, the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) replaces the previous Low Volume Import Scheme. RAWS applies to the registration of used vehicles of a particular model not already sold in Australia in full volume that do not qualify as a personal import and are not more than 15 years old when imported to Australia. Only a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAWS) can import an under 15 year old vehicle that is not a personal import.

These vehicles must have been granted import approval by the Administrator Vehicle Standards, Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS).

Vehicles more than 15 years old
Bulletin No. 10 Importing Vehicles to Australia, produced by the Department. of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) contains an application for Vehicle Import Approval for vehicles more than 15 years old.

• To obtain an Import Approval, which allows clearance of the vehicle at its point of entry to Australia, you must complete this application and return it to the Administrator Vehicle Standards, DOTARS.

• Without this approval the vehicle will not be handed over and the owner may have to export it, scrap it, or face a substantial fine. This is determined by DOTARS.

Personal Imports
A personally imported vehicle is a vehicle imported into Australia by a person who:

• is of driving age

• is an Australian citizen or a migrant holding permanent residency in Australia

• has owned and used the vehicle while overseas for a period of not less than twelve consecutive calendar months

• has not imported another vehicle into Australia in this category in the last 12 months

To obtain import approval you will be required to provide the following documents to Dept. of Transport and Regional Services in support of your application:

• copy of passport ID page, showing citizenship

• copy of permanent resident visa

• passport stamps (full copies)

• statement of travel

• purchase documents

• overseas registration documents in your name

Personally imported vehicles must be roadworthy and comply with the Standards for Registration:

• right hand drive configuration

• complying seatbelts

• child restraint anchorages for the rear seating positions

• head restraints to the front outboard seating positions

• glazing which complies with the appropriate standard

• lights which comply with the requirements for a personal import

A personal import that is less than 15 years old at the date of import must be fitted with a Yellow Personal Import Plate.

Compliance Plate Standards
All vehicles regardless of whether they are imported or manufactured in Australia must be registered to be allowed on Australian roads. All imported vehicles under 30 years old must be in the right hand drive configuration before they can be registered.

Imported vehicles that are less than 15 years old at the date of importation are subject to the certification requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, and are required to be fitted with a compliance plate, which indicates they comply with the Standards for Registration.

The exemptions are:
- vehicles imported before 1989 and more than 15 years old when imported. While they do not need a compliance plate, they must still comply with the Standards for Registration as at their date of manufacture.

- vehicles such as agricultural and earthmoving equipment, competition, display, farm and evaluation vehicles are not subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, and are exempt from obtaining a compliance plate/personal import plate. However, import approval is required to gain clearance at the port of entry and registration if granted will be conditional.

Documents required for Registration
The following table outlines the documents required when registering the imported vehicle in Victoria.