Australia applies strict control on imports. In order to import a car, it must be either built before January 1, 1989, a private import, or imported under the RAWS (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme).

Know more about them with details

1. Personal Import Scheme:

This scheme allows migrants settling in Australia, and Australian citizens returning permanently to Australia after a long period overseas, to bring their personal vehicles with them

Requirements for import under Personal scheme

1. Applicant be an Australian citizen or have applied to become an Australian citizen.

2. He/she an Australian permanent resident (e.g. hold a permanent visa), or have applied to become an Australian permanent resident

3. Hold a visa that allows you to apply to become an Australian permanent resident (e.g. hold a temporary visa that allows you to apply for a permanent visa.

4. Is a citizen of New Zealand and eligible to stay in Australia indefinitely.

5. Applicants must intend to change their residence. He/she intend to become Australian residents on a permanent basis and remain in Australia indefinitely.

6. Applicants must be of an age to hold an Australian license to drive the vehicle.

7. The vehicle to be imported should be owned by applicant for at least one year overseas.

8. The vehicle must have been used by applicant for transport for last one year (qualifying period).

9. The vehicle should be registered (name) and garaged (proximate to your residence) throughout the year.

10. Applicant must have held driving license to drive the vehicle overseas.

Documents required for application

1. A completed Application for a Personally Imported Vehicle.

2. The application fee - $50 Australian dollars, by cheque, money order or credit card (MasterCard or Visa only). If paying by cheque from overseas, please seek advice from your bank on the correct procedure.

3. A copy of your driving license.

4. A copy of the purchase documents for the vehicle, in your name.

5. A copy of the registration documents for the vehicle (for the qualifying period), in your name.

6. A copy of the Japanese deregistration certificate, in your name.

7. A copy of the Japanese parking approval, in your name.

8. A copy of the Japanese compulsory tax and insurance documents.

9. Applicants may submit an intention to remain in Australia indefinitely, by establishing:

10. His/Her employment details, such as a letter from Australian employer, rent agreement / purchase agreement for your residential property in Australia, the shipment of his household goods to Australia, enrolment of children in an Australian school, Australian telephone/electricity accounts.

11. The sale of his residential property in former country of residence, cancellation of residential rental property in former country of residence, and resignation from employment in former country of residence.

12. Foreign citizens settling in Australia may submit an intention to remain in Australia indefinitely, by providing evidence that they have:

a. Applied for an Australian Tax File Number, Registered with Medicare.

b. Applied for Australian medical insurance.

c. Applied to open an Australian bank account; and

d. Applied for an Australian driving license.

2. Vehicles manufactured before 1989:

The scheme is designed to cater for the personal importation of older enthusiast, classic or historic vehicles - for example, vehicles destined for restoration and hobby use, whether by an individual owner or within a car club. Popular models imported under the scheme include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac Eldorado - primarily from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s vintages.

Requirements for import under Vehicles manufactured before 1989:

Vehicle Import Approval has to be obtained for import.

Documents for application of Import Approval

1. A completed Application for Approval to Import a Vehicle;

2. The application fee $50.00 Australian Dollars by cheque, Money Order, or credit card (MasterCard or Visa only) if paying by cheque from overseas, seek advice from your bank on the correct process.

3. A copy of the vehicle purchase document(s).

4. A clear picture of the vehicle in its current state.

5. If the vehicle has been modified, supply a complete list of all modifications and evidence of when the modifications were completed.

6. Photographic identification by way of an Australian drivers license or picture page of a passport of the person making the application.

3. The Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS):

This scheme allows the importation and supply of used specialist or enthusiast vehicles to the market in Australia. Under this scheme only a RAW can import a used vehicle into Australia. Company needs to be registered as per Australian rules.

Most popular Japanese used cars in Australia are: Nissan Skyline GTR & GTS-T, Toyota Supra RZ turbo & SZ non-turbo, Toyota Soarer, Nissan Pulsar, Mitsubishi Delica Spacegear, Nissan 180SXNissan 350GT, Mitsubishi Evolution 7 & 8, Honda Civic Type R, Toyota Caldina, Mitsubishi Legnum, Any car manufactured in or before 1988 & Prestige vehicles.