America is known for its performance cars, pickups and classics. If you are looking to import a car from the US to Australia, Personal Import can help you navigate the process, from checking vehicle eligibility and assisting with import approvals to arranging shipping, customs clearance and compliance.
From classic muscle cars to modern pickups, American vehicles include models and variants that can be difficult to find in Australia. Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros and full size pickups such as the F-150, Ram and Silverado are among the American vehicles enthusiasts look for. Not every model can be imported, so it is important to check eligibility before you buy.
If you’ve found a vehicle you want to import, Personal Import can help you understand its eligibility, navigate Australian import requirements and arrange the shipping process. We’ll help you identify the necessary steps before you commit to your purchase.
Importing a car from the US into Australia generally requires an import approval, and the right approval depends on the vehicle and your circumstances. Three common options are shown below, though other approval types may apply. Which pathway applies also affects whether your vehicle needs to be converted from left hand drive to right hand drive.
Left hand drive vehicles that are not old enough to be registered as left hand drive generally need to be converted to right hand drive before they can be registered, and the rules differ between states and territories. We can help you confirm whether your vehicle is likely to need conversion before you purchase.
Once the required vehicle import approval has been granted, we can coordinate freight forwarding in the US and arrange shipping to Australia. Depending on the vehicle and shipping requirements, options may include roll-on/roll-off transport or container shipping, with marine insurance arrangements available.
As experienced vehicle import specialists, Personal Import coordinates vehicle import approvals, shipping, customs clearance arrangements, biosecurity requirements and applicable compliance work. We can also assist with the registration process in your state or territory, subject to local registration requirements. Our volume of shipping also means we receive preferential rates for car imports. Used vehicles must meet Australian biosecurity cleanliness requirements. Inspections or additional cleaning may be required before a vehicle can be released.
Importing a car from the US involves genuine complexity, from confirming eligibility to understanding conversion requirements, customs and compliance. Our team supports every stage of the process, so you can focus on the vehicle itself, not the paperwork.
Let Personal Import handle the entire process for you, from shipping to compliance. Contact us today for a seamless car import experience!
Not always. Whether a left hand drive vehicle can be registered depends on its age, how it was imported and the rules of your state or territory, so check this before you buy. Newer vehicles, for example those imported through the SEVs pathway, generally need to be converted to right hand drive.
Possibly, but not automatically. The vehicle needs an import approval, and newer vehicles generally need to be listed on the SEVs Register and modified by a Registered Automotive Workshop, which usually includes right hand drive conversion. Listing on the register does not guarantee approval for an individual vehicle.
Shipping times vary depending on the departure port, shipping method and available vessel schedules. The overall import process can also involve approval, customs clearance, biosecurity checks and compliance requirements. Contact our team to discuss the arrangements for your vehicle.
