Many South Africans have relocated to Australia, and some want to bring a vehicle they already own. If you are looking to import a car from South Africa 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.
Bakkies and 4x4 vehicles are common in South Africa, including models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Hilux and Land Rover Defender. If you already own one, you may be looking at bringing it with you when you relocate.
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 South Africa 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. For people relocating permanently from South Africa, the Personal Effects Pathway may be relevant, though enthusiast and classic vehicles may qualify under the SEVs Register or the older vehicle pathway instead.
South Africa drives on the left, so vehicles sold there are generally right hand drive. This means conversion is generally not needed, which can make the import process simpler than bringing a vehicle from a left hand drive country such as the US or mainland Europe. The vehicle still needs an import approval and must meet Australian requirements.
Bakkies and 4x4s are common in South Africa’s varied terrain, from the Karoo to the bushveld. If you are bringing a vehicle you already own, it still needs an import approval and must meet Australian requirements, so eligibility should be confirmed first.
Once the required vehicle import approval has been granted, we can coordinate freight forwarding in South Africa 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.
Whether you are relocating permanently or importing a 4x4, the process involves genuine complexity, from confirming eligibility to navigating customs and compliance. Our team supports every stage, so you can focus on settling in, 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!
Generally not. South Africa drives on the left, so vehicles sold there are generally right hand drive. The vehicle still needs an import approval and must meet Australian requirements.
It may be possible under the Personal Effects Pathway. Requirements include owning the vehicle continuously for at least 12 months immediately before you first arrive in Australia, intending to stay indefinitely, and submitting the application within 6 months of your first arrival. Other criteria apply, so we can help check your circumstances.
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.
