Car Shipping from the UK to Australia — RORO & Container Services

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Australia via monthly RORO, weekly shared container and dedicated container services from Southampton and Tilbury. Fremantle (Perth) takes approximately 11–72 days; Sydney and Melbourne approximately 39–49 days; Brisbane approximately 42–85 days starts from £1,475. All vehicles require biosecurity cleaning and an Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure before shipping. We handle all UK export documentation.

Ship Your Car From The UK to Australia

Australia, a vast continent offering unparalleled landscapes and a unique lifestyle, is a dream destination for many. If you’re planning to move your vehicle Down Under, understanding the intricacies of international car shipping from the UK is essential. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in providing secure, efficient, and compliant vehicle shipping services to Australia, offering a range of options including Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), dedicated container, and shared container services. This guide details everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful shipping experience.

What Car Shipping Methods Do We Offer

When it comes to getting your vehicle from the UK to Australia, there are two methods to choose from. The right one depends on your vehicle type, your budget, and how much protection you need during transit.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

RoRo is a well-established method where your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialist car-carrying vessel, secured firmly in the hold, and transported across the ocean. It’s a proven, reliable, and cost-effective solution — and it’s the go-to choice for standard roadworthy cars, SUVs, and trucks.

The one firm requirement with RORO is that your vehicle must be in running condition. It needs to be driven on and off the ship. If your car meets that criteria and you’re keeping an eye on budget, RORO is a solid choice.

Container Shipping

Container shipping places your vehicle inside a sealed steel container for the entire voyage — completely shielded from the elements, sea air, and other cargo. It’s the preferred method for classic cars, luxury vehicles, prestige marques, and non-running vehicles.

• How To Choose Right Car Shipping Method For Your Needs

We offer two container options to suit different needs and budgets:

• Shared container (groupage) — your vehicle travels alongside other shipments in the same container, significantly reducing the cost while still offering strong protection

• Dedicated container — your vehicle has an entire container to itself, ideal for irreplaceable classics, high-value cars, or customers shipping more than one vehicle at a time

How Long Does Car Shipping from the UK to Australia Take?

Transit times vary by destination port. Fremantle is the closest Australian port to the UK via the Suez Canal route and is consistently the fastest.

These are port-to-port sea transit times only. Allow additional time for:

• UK collection and port-in processing — typically 3–7 working days before sailing

• Biosecurity inspection on arrival — usually 1–5 working days

• ADR compliance workshop — 2–6 weeks if modifications are required

• Australian customs clearance — managed by your broker, typically 3–7 working days

• Local delivery from the Australian port to your address

From UK collection to the vehicle being registered and on Australian roads, allow 3–4 months as a realistic planning figure.

• How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car Internationally? Real Transit Times Explained

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Australia?

Shipping costs depend on the method, vehicle size, and destination port. Indicative sea freight costs for a standard saloon car:

These prices cover UK port to Australian port only. The following are payable separately at destination:

• Australian customs duty (5% of customs value)

• GST (10% on customs value plus duty)

• Luxury Car Tax if applicable (see duty section below)

• DAFF biosecurity inspection and treatment fees

• ADR compliance and modification costs if required

• Australian customs broker fees

• Local delivery from the Australian port to your address

For a personalised quote based on your specific vehicle and collection postcode, use our free quote form.

• The Hidden Costs of Cheap Shipping; Why Some Agents Quote Less And Charge More

Destination Rules, Inspections, and Permits for Australia

Rules for Australia:

• Authority: The primary authority for vehicle imports is the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, which oversees the Register of Approved Special Purpose Vehicles RASV  and the Special Imports Scheme (SIS). The Australian Border Force (ABF) manages customs clearance.

• Department of Infrastructure: www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/

• Australian Border Force: www.abf.gov.au

• Compliance Standards: All imported vehicles must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for safety and emissions. Many vehicles, especially older ones or those not originally manufactured for the Australian market, will require modifications to comply.

• Registration: To be registered for road use in Australia, a vehicle must have a current Import Approval and meet all relevant state or territory registration requirements.

What Does ADR Compliance Involve and How Much Does It Cost?

UK vehicles are manufactured to European standards. Australian Design Rules (ADRs) differ from European standards in several areas, meaning most UK cars require at least minor modifications before they can be registered for road use in Australia.

Common modifications required for UK vehicles:

• Headlight beam adjustment or replacement — UK headlights are calibrated for left-hand traffic but the beam pattern must meet specific ADR photometric requirements

• Speedometer calibration — Australian ADRs require km/h as the primary display; some vehicles require instrument cluster modification rather than a sticker

• Emissions check — most modern Euro 6-compliant UK vehicles meet ADR emissions requirements without modification

The compliance process:

After clearing DAFF biosecurity and ABF customs, your vehicle is taken to an ADR-approved compliance workshop (Registered Automotive Workshop). The workshop inspects the vehicle, carries out required modifications, issues a compliance plate, and prepares registration documentation.

Typical costs and timelines:

• ADR compliance inspection and modifications: AUD 500–2,500 depending on vehicle specification and required work

• Timeline from vehicle clearance to compliance plate: 2–6 weeks depending on workshop schedule and modification complexity

• High-specification vehicles, unusual imports, or older vehicles may attract higher compliance costs

Your Australian customs broker can recommend ADR compliance workshops in your destination state. We advise confirming compliance costs with a workshop before purchasing a vehicle specifically for import to Australia.

Get a Instant Quote and know the possible charges for shipping car to Australia.

Inspections and Permits:

Import Approval: You must obtain an Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure before shipping your vehicle. This is a critical step. Applications are typically made under the Special Imports Scheme (SIS) for personal imports .

• Pre-Shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory for UK exports, the Australian authorities may require an inspection upon arrival.

• Conformity and Modification: If your vehicle does not meet ADRs, it will need to be modified by a registered workshop to comply. This process is overseen by the Department of Infrastructure.

• Biosecurity Clearance: Upon arrival, all vehicles undergo a strict biosecurity inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

• Customs Clearance: Handled by the ABF after biosecurity checks are completed.

What DAFF Biosecurity Cleaning Does My Car Need?

All vehicles shipped to Australia must be cleaned by a commercial facility before departure from the UK. A home car wash or domestic jet wash does not meet the required standard and will be rejected at the destination port.

Before the vessel sails, your vehicle must be:

• Steam-cleaned inside and out by a commercial cleaning facility

• Free from all soil, mud, seeds, plant material, insects, and organic matter

Areas DAFF inspectors check on arrival in Australia:

• Undercarriage and chassis

• Wheel arches and wheel wells

• Engine bay (around filters, pipework, and heat shields)

• Boot area and spare tyre well

• Interior footwells and carpeting

• Any attached accessories — tow bars, roof racks, bull bars

Why Australia’s rules are this strict:

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive agricultural pest widespread in the UK and Europe. Egg clusters are tiny and are commonly found in vehicle cavities. Australia has progressively tightened inspection protocols since 2018 specifically in response to stink bug interception from European-origin vehicles, per DAFF guidance.

If your vehicle fails the DAFF inspection on arrival:

Your vehicle is transferred to a DAFF-approved treatment facility. Treatment costs range from AUD 500 to AUD 3,000+ depending on contamination level, and port storage charges accrue daily while the vehicle is held.

We recommend arranging your commercial clean within 5 days of the sailing date. Ship Cars Ltd will confirm the cleaning standard required at your specific departure port when you book.

What Paperwork Is Required For Importing Cars to Australia

Meticulous documentation is vital for a smooth import process into Australia.

In the UK (Origin):

• Proof of Ownership: Original V5C (logbook), bill of sale, or equivalent.

• Photo Identification: A clear copy of your passport’s photo page.

• Import Approval: The pre-approved document from the Department of Infrastructure is essential.

• Completed Shipping Booking Form: Provided by ShipCars.co.uk.

• Vehicle Condition Report: Essential for insurance purposes, especially for comprehensive cover.

• UK Export Declaration: We will manage this process on your behalf.

• Proof of Ownership Duration: For returning residents, documentation proving you owned and used the vehicle overseas for at least 12 months may be required for potential concessions.

In Australia (Destination Port):

• Import Approval: The pre-approved document from the Department of Infrastructure is essential.

• Bill of Lading: The original shipping document.

• Customs Declaration: Completed by your appointed Australian customs broker.

• Proof of Ownership: For customs and registration.

• Passport/Visa/Residency Documents: For the importer.

• Compliance Documents: Evidence that the vehicle meets ADRs, including any modification certificates.

• Biosecurity Clearance Certificate: Issued after successful inspection by DAFF.

• Roadworthy Certificate/State Compliance: Depending on the state of registration.

Ports We Ship To in Australia

We sail regularly from UK ports including Southampton and Tilbury, serving all major Australian destination ports:

• Sydney (Port Botany)

• Melbourne (Webb Dock)

• Brisbane (Fisherman Islands)

• Fremantle (Perth)

• Adelaide

What Is Duty and Tax in Australia

Australia applies Goods and Services Tax (GST) and customs duty on imported vehicles. The Australian Border Force (ABF) manages these charges.

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): Currently 10%, calculated on the sum of the customs value of the imported goods, plus 5% customs duty, plus any other taxes or charges.

• Customs Duty: For passenger vehicles, this is typically 5% of the customs value. For other vehicle types, rates can vary.

• Luxury Car Tax (LCT) applies when the GST-inclusive value of the imported vehicle exceeds the annual threshold set by the Australian Tax Office (ATO). For the 2025–26 financial year, the thresholds are:

  • Standard vehicles: AUD 71,849

  • Fuel-efficient vehicles: AUD 80,567

  LCT is charged at 33% on the value above the applicable threshold. For a vehicle with a GST-inclusive customs value of AUD 100,000, LCT on the excess above AUD 71,849 would be approximately AUD 9,290. This makes the total Australian tax burden very significant for high-value vehicle imports.

  Thresholds are adjusted annually — verify the current figures at ato.gov.au before importing. Your Australian customs broker will calculate LCT liability precisely based on the assessed customs value on the date of import.

• Import Processing Charge (IPC): A fee applied by the ABF for processing import declarations.

• Valuation: The customs value is generally the price paid or payable for the vehicle. If insufficient, the ABF may use market value.

Important Note: It is crucial to consult with an Australian customs broker for precise duty and tax calculations, as these can be complex and vary significantly based on the vehicle type, value, and specific import conditions.

How Is My Vehicle Collected In UK

We offer convenient collection services across the UK to streamline the shipping process:

Transporter Collection: For vehicles that are not roadworthy or if you prefer a secure door-to-door service, we can arrange for a professional vehicle transporter to collect your car from your UK address and deliver it to the departure port or our loading depot.

• Your Complete Guide On Car Collection and Car Delivery Services

Can I Ship an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle to Australia?

We accommodate the shipping of modern electric and hybrid vehicles:

• Hybrid Vehicles:

  • RORO: Generally allowed. Standard RORO rules apply.

  • Container (Dedicated/Shared): Allowed. Standard container loading procedures apply.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs):

  • RORO: Not Allowed.

  • Container (Dedicated/Shared): Allowed, with a hazard surcharge of £295 applicable.

  • Battery Charge: EVs typically require their battery charge to be below a certain percentage (e.g., 40-50%) for shipping, and the vehicle must be accurately declared.

Does My Car Need Marine Insurance for the Voyage?

Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages 

Cost Breakdown: What Contributes to the Total Price

The total cost of shipping your vehicle from the UK to Australia is influenced by several factors;

1. Australian Destination Charges: Terminal Handling Fees at the Australian port.

• • Customs Broker Fees for import clearance.

  • Import Duties, GST, and potentially Luxury Car Tax.

  • Biosecurity inspection and clearance fees.

  • Vehicle compliance and modification costs (if required).

  • State registration and roadworthy certificate fees.

  • Local delivery/collection from the Australian port.

You may like to read about The Cost Breakdown.

Ship Your Car To Australia With Ship Cars Ltd

Shipping your vehicle to Australia is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning and the right partner, it can be a smooth process. Ship Cars Ltd is committed to providing expert guidance and reliable services. For precise quotes, to discuss your specific vehicle and requirements, or to receive a personalised shipping plan, please contact our experienced team today.

Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Australia?

Shipping a car from the UK to Australia via RoRo starts from £1,779 for a standard car. Shared container starts from approximately £1,475 and a dedicated 20ft container from £1,705. These figures cover UK port to Australian port sea freight only — Australian duty (5%), GST (10%), DAFF fees, ADR compliance, customs broker fees, and local delivery are all additional destination charges.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Australia?

Port-to-port transit takes 11–72 days to Fremantle (Perth), 42–85 days to Brisbane, and 39–49 days to Sydney or Melbourne. Including UK collection, DAFF clearance, ADR compliance, and customs processing, allow a total of 3–4 months from UK collection to the vehicle being on Australian roads.

Do I need Import Approval before shipping a car to Australia?

Yes. Import Approval from Australia’s Department of Infrastructure is mandatory before your vehicle can be shipped. Most personal imports use the Special Imports Scheme (SIS). Applications take approximately 2–4 weeks. Do not book your shipment until approval is confirmed — vehicles arriving without it face serious complications at the Australian border.

What biosecurity cleaning does my car need before shipping to Australia?

Your vehicle must be professionally steam-cleaned by a commercial facility. The undercarriage, wheel arches, engine bay, boot, and interior must be completely free from soil, mud, seeds, and organic material. A dated commercial cleaning receipt must be presented at the UK departure port. DAFF inspects all vehicles on arrival — failure results in compulsory treatment in Australia at the owner’s expense, potentially costing AUD 500–3,000+.

How much is GST and duty on a car imported to Australia?

Australia charges 5% customs duty on the vehicle’s customs value plus 10% GST on the combined customs value and duty. If the GST-inclusive value exceeds AUD 71,849 (standard) or AUD 80,567 (fuel-efficient) for 2025–26, Luxury Car Tax at 33% applies on the excess. Verify current LCT thresholds at ato.gov.au. Your Australian customs broker calculates your exact liability.

Can I ship an electric vehicle from the UK to Australia?

Yes, but only by container — RoRo carriers do not accept EVs under maritime fire-safety regulations. A hazard surcharge of £295 applies and the battery must be charged below 40–50% at loading. EVs must also meet Australian ADR electrical safety standards (ADR 100), which may require specialist compliance workshop work. Contact Ship Cars Ltd to confirm EV container availability before booking.

Related articles