Import Car UK to Australia
& Shipping Car From Australia to UK

The cost of shipping a car from UK to Australia is between $4000 and $5000 AUD for a standard vehicle. Prices of course do vary on the shipping method and space availability. 

Although more expensive, we recommend container shipping for high-value and rare vehicles. On the other hand, RORO shipping is more economical for vehicles. You also have the option of sharing a container with someone. Thus, splitting the container cost of shipping a car from UK to Australia. 

This price range typically covers pick-up and delivery near most common ports, ocean freight, customs clearance, and necessary documentation. 

However, there are also other costs associated with the cost of shipping a car from UK to Australia. Any non-standard customs and quarantine costs can include additional inspection fees, cleaning, and port fees. These can be unpredictable and out of the freight agent’s control as they are typically government and customs related. We recommend preparing for car shipping UK to Australia by having a clean, running condition vehicle, without any personal items. This minimises your chances of additional inspections and customs queries that can increase costs. 

You also need to consider the cost of taxes and duties related to importing cars to Australia. Typically, you must pay 10% GST and 5% Duty in Australia. There is also a luxury car tax of 33% if your vehicle is greater than $60,000 in value. The luxury car tax threshold is over $75,375 for fuel-efficient cars. 

You also need to ask your freight agent whether marine insurance is included in the quote or additional. Peach Transitions highly recommends and provides marine insurance as an option in all quotations. 

Ultimately, it’s important that you’re aware of all associated things that make up the total cost of shipping a car from UK to Australia.

You are able to do so only under certain circumstances. Unfortunately, you can’t buy any car model, year, or make you want without having to worry about it. You must check with the Australian government before car shipping UK Australia to adhere to the strict import requirements. 

You can buy and import car UK to Australia if you have owned and used it for over 12 months. Under these criteria, you may be eligible to import under the Personal Import Scheme. This is suited for Australians looking to move back or UK citizens looking to immigrate to Australia. 

You may also be eligible to import car UK to Australia that is more than 25 years old. These typically include classic, historic, and enthusiast vehicles. The UK is a bigger market and thus allows you to source rare and classic cars not available in Australia.

Another way of buying and car shipping UK Australia, is by importing special purpose vehicles. These generally include things like garbage trucks, mobility vehicles, airport service vehicles, that don’t comply with certain Australian Design Rules. Certain trailers may also be eligible.

Vehicles that will be modified by a registered automotive workshop may mean that you can import car UK to Australia. These vehicles still need to be on the register of approved vehicles (RAV) list. The workshop then ensures the vehicle meets all road standards once it has landed post car shipping UK Australia. 

In exceptional circumstances, you can also apply for discretionary approval for car shipping UK Australia. These approvals are rare and often come with conditions attached. 

Importantly, you can’t just buy anything and import car UK to Australia without approval. You are responsible for ensuring that Australian import requirements are met before car shipping UK Australia.

It is important to weigh up your options before making the decision to import car UK to Australia. You need to consider things like reason, timeframe, eligibility, and the cost of shipping a car from UK to Australia.

Benefits of car shipping UK to Australia:

There is a vast pool of specialist and historical vehicles readily available for purchase in the UK. You can take advantage of classic vehicle schemes to import car UK to Australia and find yourself a bargain. 

You can also temporarily import car UK to Australia and tour the country with the vehicle you’re comfortable with. When comparing rental expenses and associated costs, temporary car shipping UK Australia doesn’t seem like a far-fetched idea. In addition, you may be eligible to not pay the standard GST (10%) and Duty (5%) associated with imports.

You may also consider car shipping UK to Australia when a vehicle has been in the family for generations. We have many clients that have shipped classic vehicles that they had restored across the years. Another scenario to import car UK to Australia is because of reliability and not wanting to lose on resale value. 

Drawbacks of car shipping UK to Australia: 

It can take approximately 2 months to import car UK to Australia. You need to make alternative arrangements until your vehicle is registered and ready for road use in Australia. 

Car shipping UK to Australia is only available to those who meet Australia’s strict import requirements. Many people aren’t aware of the criteria and may be rejected entry without the right documentation and advice.

The cost of car shipping UK to Australia is upwards of $4000 AUD. Therefore, you need to consider whether it is worthwhile shipping your car or you’re better off selling it.

Absolutely, UK has less restrictions in regards to shipping car from Australia to UK than Australia has. As long as you are eligible to enter and stay in the UK, you can also import a vehicle. The UK government has a shortlist of 4 steps when importing a vehicle. You are able to hire Peach Transitions to help you complete the steps and have it registered for UK roads. These steps are: 

• Notifying HM Revenue and Customs within 14 days of import.
• Paying VAT and duty (if applicable).
• Getting vehicle approval to ensure your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards. 
• Get the vehicle registered before you drive on UK roads. 

Typically, you may consider shipping car from Australia to UK for travel purposes or during a permanent move. 

Temporary imports into the UK can bypass some of the regular steps taken when shipping car from Australia to UK. However, you must still meet certain criteria. You can apply for a temporary import if you’re only visiting, and the car is registered in Australia. The timeline you’re eligible to do so is for up to 6 months in total. However, if you’re traveling around Europe, this can be accumulated over shorter visits within 12 months. Shipping car from Australia to UK temporarily means you may also be eligible to drive with AU plates and avoid paying VAT or duty. 

If you’re moving to the UK from Australia, you might consider bringing a family car with you. You can also bring any classic cars or rare vehicles that you don’t want to leave behind. In this case, you will need to go through the 4 steps mentioned above. Regardless, it’s best to get in touch with an experienced provider in shipping car from Australia to UK.