How To Export A Race Car From The U.S. To Australia?

Exporting a race car from the United States to Australia is a specialized process that requires careful preparation, detailed paperwork, and strict compliance with Australian customs and motorsport regulations. Whether you’re shipping a purpose-built dragster, a circuit racer, or a historic rally car for an event or long-term use, the keys to success are proper documentation, container handling, and early coordination with all regulatory agencies.

To explore every facet of cross-Pacific motorsport logistics, see the full motorcycle and race car shipping guide for Australia.

Compliance First: Approvals, ROVER System, and Motorsport Rules

Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) Through the ROVER System

Every race or rally car import to Australia must begin with a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) application submitted via the ROVER portal—Australia’s online compliance platform. Attempting to ship a car without approval puts importers at risk of shipment seizure and costly fines.

Key compliance steps:

• Register in ROVER and select the appropriate category (“race, rally, and support vehicle”)

• Upload ownership records, including clear title, bill of sale, and supporting documents

• Provide comprehensive specs—VIN, engine, chassis, prior modifications, competition history, and evidence of compliance with technical/safety standards

• Demonstrate competition or event intent, with supporting membership/licensing from recognized organizations like CAMS/Motorsport Australia or FIA.​

Usage Restrictions

• Imported race cars are limited to competition or display use; road registration is typically not allowed for modern builds

• Evidence of prior racing participation, event registration, or a competition license is often required

• Submit all event invitations, results, or sanctioning documents that validate motorsport intent

Container Shipping: The Best Option for Race Cars

Race cars demand the protection, flexibility, and security of container shipping. At WCS, a dedicated or consolidated container from New York to Sydney is $2,150 for a car, with a standard 39-day transit. Containerized shipping also makes it possible to transport chassis with tools, wheels, and support equipment.​

• Dedicated 20- or 40-foot containers: For high-value or fragile vehicles, or when shipping multiple race cars as a team

• Soft-tie and custom racking: To protect suspension, body panels, and wide-track setups

• Pre-load logistics: Arrange for ground clearance loading at U.S. warehouses, and drain all fluids, disconnect batteries, secure removable parts

U.S. Export and Australian Import Documentation

Must-have U.S. export documents:

• Title or original MCO (manufacturer’s certificate of origin)

• Bill of sale

• Automated Export System (AES/ITN) filing—required 72h before vessel departure

• Packing list covering all included parts, spares, and tools

• High-res, date-stamped photos of the car before loading

For Australia:

• Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) granted in advance (ROVER)

• Racing credentials: competition license, event registration, sanctioning body letters

• Technical/race logbooks (FIA, SCCA, or equivalent)

• Asbestos-free certificates and evidence of professional cleaning (biosecurity prep)

Preparation tips:

• Remove or document any hazardous materials (fluids, batteries)

• Document all spares, wheels, and parts for customs to streamline clearance

Australian Arrival: Quarantine, Clearance, and Duties

Biosecurity and Cleaning

Australia imposes strict biosecurity inspections. All used vehicles, especially race cars with underbody modifications or exposed parts, must be professionally cleaned before shipment:

• Eliminate all dirt, plant material, and organic debris from chassis, wheel wells, engine bay, chassis tubes, and interior

• Obtain a biosecurity cleaning certificate and photographic evidence

• Prepare to pay $300–$500 AUD for additional cleaning on arrival if standards aren’t met

Customs and Duties

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): 10% calculated on combined car value + shipping + applicable duty

• Import Duty: 5% for vehicles under 30 years old (waived for most U.S.-made vehicles under FTA agreements)

• Customs fees: Typically $410 AUD or more for processing and inspection

See full Australian biosecurity and compliance requirements.

Track Use, Registration, and Motorsport Entry

• Imported race cars cannot be road registered; use is limited to sanctioned racing, rally, or motorsport events

• Motorsport Australia/CAMS documentation is required for event eligibility

• Comply with any additional technical regulations for your racing category upon arrival

Common Challenges… And How to Solve Them

• Missing VIA or incomplete ROVER application: Delays, fines, or denied entry—always start compliance weeks before shipping

• Poor documentation of racing history: Without competition evidence or a suitable racing license, approval may be denied

• Biosecurity failures: Incomplete cleaning leads to $300–$800+ in extra arrival fees

• Improperly packed spares or unlisted accessories: Delays at customs, risk of seized items

Leverage the WCS Australia team—we guide you through paperwork, cleaning, and timing for zero-surprise results.

To explore every facet of cross-Pacific motorsport logistics, see the full motorcycle and race car shipping guide for Australia.

Get a Custom Race Car Export Quote to Australia

Don’t leave your championship project or track hero to chance. With decades of cross-Pacific success, West Coast Shipping provides A-to-Z export expertise for U.S. race car owners and teams headed to Australia’s circuits. For exact $2,150 container rates, compliance checklists, and scheduling, get connected below.