Importing a Vehicle into Australia: What You Need to Know

What Is a Road Vehicle?

We’ve recently seen an increase in vehicles arriving in Australia without the required import approval issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (ROVER team).

The import approval process is currently taking 6–8 weeks, so early planning is essential.

Before you import, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a road vehicle. Under Section 6 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, a road vehicle includes (but is not limited to):

• Passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks
• Trailers or other vehicles (including equipment/machinery with wheels)
• Partly completed or unassembled vehicles that fall into the above categories

Why You Need an Import Approval

If your vehicle qualifies as a road vehicle, you must obtain an import approval before shipping. Failure to do so can result in significant delays and added costs.

What happens if your goods arrive without a permit?

• 🚫 Goods may be held at your cost: container detention, under bond storage, yard fees, etc.
• 🚢 Goods may need to be exported back to origin.

To avoid these costly outcomes, we strongly recommend checking import requirements with an Australian Customs broker—not your overseas supplier. While suppliers are focused on selling, they often lack understanding of Australia’s complex import regulations.

Think It’s Not a Road Vehicle?

If you believe your vehicle does not meet the definition of a road vehicle, you can apply for an Advisory Notice from the ROVER team.

Once granted, the Advisory Notice can be used to import the same make/model/type of vehicle until the expiry date listed.

Vehicles That Are Not Considered Road Vehicles

According to the Road Vehicle Standards (Classes of Vehicles that are not Road Vehicles) Determination 2021, the following are not classified as road vehicles:

• Agricultural machines
• Golf carts
• Light utility vehicles
• Miniature motorbikes
• Motorised mobility devices
• Motorised recreational devices
• Personal mobility devices
• Power-assisted pedal cycles
• Quad bikes
• Tracked vehicles

If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, you may not need an import permit—but always confirm first.

Final Advice: Don’t Ship Without Approval

No matter how confident you or your supplier may be, do not ship your goods until you have:

✅ A valid Vehicle Import Approval, or
✅ An Advisory Notice confirming your vehicle is not classified as a road vehicle

This one step can save you thousands of dollars in penalties, storage, and re-export costs.

Need Help? Reach Out to the Experts

ROVER Team – Department of Infrastructure

📞 Phone (Australia only): 1800 815 272
📧 Email: roverinfo@infrastructure.gov.au
🔗 Website: 8 Steps to Importing a Vehicle

Transitainer WA – Customs Broker

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle needs approval or would like help with the import process, feel free to contact us:

Mary Steven
📧 Email: marys@transitainerwa.com.au

Let us help make your vehicle import smooth, compliant, and stress-free.