Car Shipping From the UK to Australia
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1195
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Weekly
Ship Your Car Efficiently 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.
Car Shipping Methods Explained
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.
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
Destination Rules, Inspections, and Permits for Australia
Rules for Australia:
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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.
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Department of Infrastructure: www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/
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Australian Border Force: www.abf.gov.au
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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.
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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.
Get a Instant Quote and Know: How Much To Ship a car From UK 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 .
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Pre-Shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory for UK exports, the Australian authorities may require an inspection upon arrival.
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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.
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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. Thorough cleaning of the vehicle (including undercarriage) is essential.
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Customs Clearance: Handled by the ABF after biosecurity checks are completed.
What Paperwork Is Required For Importing Cars to Australia
Meticulous documentation is vital for a smooth import process into Australia.
In the UK (Origin):
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Proof of Ownership: Original V5C (logbook), bill of sale, or equivalent.
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Photo Identification: A clear copy of your passport’s photo page.
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Import Approval: The pre-approved document from the Department of Infrastructure is essential.
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Completed Shipping Booking Form: Provided by ShipCars.co.uk.
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Vehicle Condition Report: Essential for insurance purposes, especially for comprehensive cover.
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UK Export Declaration: We will manage this process on your behalf.
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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):
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Import Approval: The pre-approved document from the Department of Infrastructure is essential.
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Bill of Lading: The original shipping document.
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Customs Declaration: Completed by your appointed Australian customs broker.
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Proof of Ownership: For customs and registration.
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Passport/Visa/Residency Documents: For the importer.
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Compliance Documents: Evidence that the vehicle meets ADRs, including any modification certificates.
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Biosecurity Clearance Certificate: Issued after successful inspection by DAFF.
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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:
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.
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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.
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Customs Duty: For passenger vehicles, this is typically 5% of the customs value. For other vehicle types, rates can vary.
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Luxury Car Tax (LCT): If the vehicle’s customs value (plus duty and GST) exceeds a certain threshold, the Luxury Car Tax applies. This is an additional tax calculated at a rate of 33% on the value above the threshold.
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Import Processing Charge (IPC): A fee applied by the ABF for processing import declarations.
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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.
UK Car Collection Service
We offer convenient collection services across the UK to streamline the shipping process:
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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.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Compatibility
We accommodate the shipping of modern electric and hybrid vehicles:
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Hybrid Vehicles:
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RORO: Generally allowed. Standard RORO rules apply.
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Container (Dedicated/Shared): Allowed. Standard container loading procedures apply.
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Electric Vehicles (EVs):
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RORO: Not Allowed.
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Container (Dedicated/Shared): Allowed, with a hazard surcharge of £295 applicable.
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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.
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Insurance and Risk Coverage
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;
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Australian Destination Charges: Terminal Handling Fees at the Australian port.
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Customs Broker Fees for import clearance.
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Import Duties, GST, and potentially Luxury Car Tax.
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Biosecurity inspection and clearance fees.
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Vehicle compliance and modification costs (if required).
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State registration and roadworthy certificate fees.
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Local delivery/collection from the Australian port.
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You may like to read about The Cost Breakdown.
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.
Popular questions about shipping:
How to Prepare Your Car For Shipping
Average Time To Ship Car In The UK
Car Shipping Cost Within the UK
