International Car Shipping Blog

Australia Set To Relax Car Import Laws

Written by Alex Naumov | February 9, 2016 at 10:26 PM

The Australian government confirmed today that starting in 2018, import laws will be relaxed on new, used and classic car imports into the country.

With the relaxation of import laws on new, used, and classic cars, Australians will now have access to a plethora of options when it comes to purchasing a new ride. No longer will they be limited to the models and options offered by local dealerships. Instead, they can now scour the global market for the perfect vehicle to suit their needs and preferences. From sleek European sports cars to rugged American trucks, the world is now their oyster. And with the potential savings on classic car imports, Australians can finally realize their dreams of owning a vintage muscle car or a classic convertible without breaking the bank. The future looks bright for car enthusiasts Down Under!

Australian New Car Imports

When the last car manufacturers leave Australia in 2018, relaxed car import laws will provide a form of relief to new car buyers. Similar to the current parallel import laws in China, Australians will be able to import new cars without having to go through local dealers. It is not only expected to drive new car prices down, but it will also open the door to a wider range of models and options which were never offered in Australia.

However, there are a few caveats on new car imports:

  • Car buyers will be limited to purchasing once every two years
  • Vehicles must have comparable standards to Australia (currently only the UK and Japan)
  • Vehicle must be right hand drive, no older than 12 months old, and have no more than 500km on the odometer
  • Vehicles will be required to register in an online database

Australian Classic Car Imports

Used classic and exotic car buyers can also breathe a sigh of relief. This is great news for classic car enthusiasts in Australia. The relaxed import laws now mean that they can now easily import their dream classic car from anywhere in the world, as long as it is over 25 years old or is on the register of specialist and enthusiast vehicles. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether it's a vintage muscle car from the United States or an iconic British sports car, the options are endless. And with the removal of the $12,000 special import duty, Australians can now save money on their dream classic car and make it a reality. So, if you've always wanted to own a classic car, now is the perfect time to start searching for your dream ride!They are also removing the $12,000 special import duty on such vehicles. Expect to see a lot more American classic cars in 2018!