Guide · Updated October 2026

Exporting a Classic Car to Australia: The 25-Year Older Vehicle Rule, Import Approval and Asbestos

A classic car can be imported permanently into Australia under the older vehicle category once it was built at least 25 years before you apply. You need the import approval from the Department of Infrastructure before the car ships, the car must be free of asbestos, and it must arrive clean enough to pass a biosecurity inspection. GST of 10% applies, Luxury Car Tax can apply to high-value cars, and cars of UK origin can be free of duty under the UK–Australia trade agreement. RORO from the UK and Europe typically costs US$1,820–2,350 in sea freight for a car.

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Older vehicle rule

Built at least 25 years before you apply

Approval

Before shipping, through the ROVER portal; A$35

Assessment

About 30 business days

Asbestos

Banned in every vehicle of any age

Tax

GST 10%; Luxury Car Tax above the threshold

RORO car from the UK and Europe

US$1,820–2,350

What is the Australian older vehicle rule?

Under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, in full force since 1 July 2021, a classic comes into Australia with a concessional RAV entry approval in the "older vehicles" category. The vehicle must have been manufactured, or significantly modified, at least 25 years before the date you apply. Age is by build month and year, and if the month is not known, December is assumed. It covers cars, vans, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles under 3,500 kg gross vehicle mass.

Not eligible: Restoration projects and new replicas
Modifications: Changes made within the last 25 years make the car ineligible for this category
How to apply: Online through the ROVER portal, with 100 points of identification
Fee: A$35 for an older vehicle approval
Time: About 30 business days to assess; the car can then take up to 48 hours to appear on the Register of Approved Vehicles

Approval does not guarantee state registration; rules for left-hand-drive cars vary by state.

Get the approval before the car ships

It is an offence to import a road vehicle into Australia without an approval, whatever its value. The Australian Border Force advises getting it before shipping: a car that arrives first can face storage charges, or have to be exported or destroyed at the owner's cost. We book the sailing once your approval is in hand.

What if the car is under 25 years old?

Specialist and enthusiast vehicles: A car on the SEVs Register (chosen for performance, environmental, mobility or rarity features, or as a left-hand-drive-only model or a campervan or motorhome) is imported as a vehicle to be modified by a Registered Automotive Workshop, then verified before state registration
Personal effects: For migrants and Australians returning for good who have owned and used the car overseas for at least 12 continuous months before arrival; apply within 6 months of arrival
Otherwise: We confirm the rules for your vehicle before you ship

Importing a vehicle to Australia and New Zealand →

Asbestos: the rule that stops classics at the border

Australia has banned asbestos since 31 December 2003, in every vehicle of any type, age or value, and it does not accept other countries' tolerance levels. Older cars are the highest risk: brake pads and shoes, clutch linings, gaskets, seals, bonnet liners and heat shields can all contain it, and aftermarket parts can be as risky as originals.

A supplier's letter is not enough. Testing or replacing suspect parts before shipment is the preferred route, and any overseas test report must meet Australian requirements and be linked to the car. The owner pays for sampling and testing at the border.

Cleaning and biosecurity

The car must be clean inside and out before it arrives. Biosecurity officers inspect it before customs release, and the importer pays the inspection charges: in 2026–27, A$42 per 15 minutes per officer for an in-office inspection. Check the engine bay, wheel arches, underbody, boot and interior for soil, seeds, plants and insects.

From 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027, vehicles from brown marmorated stink bug target risk countries, which include most of Europe and the USA, must be treated. The UK is an emerging risk country, so cars shipped from the UK may be inspected at random during the season.

Preparing your vehicle for shipping →

GST, Luxury Car Tax and duty

GST: 10% of the value of the taxable importation
Luxury Car Tax: 33% of the amount above the threshold, which is A$80,809 for most cars from 1 July 2026; we confirm whether it applies to your car
Customs duty: Depends on the tariff classification. Cars of UK origin can be duty-free under the UK–Australia free trade agreement, with an origin declaration on the invoice

Which classics go to Australia, and how?

MGBs, Triumph TR6s and Spitfires, Jaguar E-Types, Minis and older Land Rovers all make the journey. For each the questions are the build date, any modifications in the last 25 years, and asbestos in the brakes, clutch and gaskets.

RORO: Typically US$1,820–2,350 in sea freight for a car, and US$2,710–3,560 for a 4x4. The car travels inside the ship's enclosed hold; port drivers drive it on and off
Sole-use container: Sealed from loading to unloading. Best for a high-value classic, a non-runner or a car shipped with spares
Shared container: Container security at a lower price, shared with another shipper's vehicle

RORO ranges are the lower and upper quartiles of our own customer quotes over the last 90 days. Container prices are quoted for your car and port.

Your classic car policy usually does not cover the sea voyage. We arrange marine cargo insurance, from €200 for a single trip for a value up to €25,000; higher values are quoted individually. Older vehicles can be more difficult to insure, so tell us the value and condition early. Marine insurance is not included in shipping prices unless stated.

We provide customs clearance support through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I import a classic car into Australia?

Yes. Under the older vehicle category a car built at least 25 years before you apply can be imported permanently, with an approval from the Department of Infrastructure obtained before it ships. It must be free of asbestos and arrive clean.

Is the Australian classic car rule 25 years?

Yes. The older vehicle category needs the car to have been manufactured at least 25 years before the date you apply, by build month and year. Modifications made in the last 25 years make it ineligible for this category.

Do I need import approval before shipping a car to Australia?

Yes. Importing a road vehicle without an approval is an offence, and a car that arrives before its approval can face storage charges or have to be exported or destroyed. The older vehicle approval costs A$35 and takes about 30 business days.

Does my classic car need an asbestos test for Australia?

It must be free of asbestos, and older cars are the highest risk. Testing or replacing suspect parts such as brake shoes, clutch linings and gaskets before shipment is the preferred route; a supplier's letter is not enough.

Do I pay GST on a classic car imported into Australia?

Yes, 10% GST applies, and Luxury Car Tax of 33% can apply above the threshold for high-value cars. Cars of UK origin can be free of customs duty under the UK–Australia trade agreement.

How much does it cost to ship a classic car to Australia?

RORO sea freight from the UK and Europe typically costs US$1,820–2,350 for a car, from our customer quotes over the last 90 days. A sealed container costs more. Australian taxes, inspection and port charges and marine insurance are extra.