moazahmedMoving a car from the United Kingdom to Australia is one of the most thrilling procedures, which, however, needs some strategy and thought.
If you are moving, buying a special car, or just want to take your car with you, there are several things that you need to bear in mind.
To import cars from the UK to Australia, there are different formal and legalities that should be taken into consideration regarding the authorities, the costs and the Australian standards.
Here are some important guidelines that will assist you in order to achieve a successful import transaction.
1. Understanding Import Regulations
The first and probably the most important part of the process of importing a car from the UK into Australia is the acquaintance with the legislation of the country.
Australia has a set procedure in place concerning imported vehicles in such a way that no vehicle that is imported into the country is below the set safety standards ad emission standards, not to even resemble the Australian designed vehicles.
It still pays to learn for the areas prior to deciding that particular auto model would fit one of the currently existing import schemes, like the Personal Import Scheme, Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme or the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme.
Both the schemes differ from each other in terms of requirements as well as eligibility factors or the type of car to be considered for the program.
Besides, you may require an Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications before your car can be imported to the country.
2. Calculating Costs
The different aspects of exporting a car from the UK to Australia include costs such as the cost of shipping, cost of taxes, cost of duties and sometimes costs of making modifications.
The first of these costs that one has to take into account is the actual cost of shipping.
One option is container shipping while the other is the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RoRo) shipping options.
Container shipping is generally costly compared to RoRo, although it is more secure for your car; in RoRo shipping, your car is actually driven on to the ship and off again.
To these costs, you will add the cost of shipping, importation duty and the GST.
The duty depends on the type of vehicle; the GST as a rule is 10 percent from the total cost of a car and includes the cost of the shipment and the duty.
You may also be subject to other charges for customs clearance, quarantine inspection, and compliance with a us/Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
3. Compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
Some of the national norms that are present in Australia and relate with automobile industry include: Australian Design Rules (ADRs) which include safety, anti-theft and emission norms.
To get your car to qualify to be registered in Australia, the following regulations need to be met.
Thus, vehicles can conform to ADRs at the manufacture or come to conform to such standards after alterations or enhancements.
You should seek the services of an independent engineer or better still a Registered Automotive Workshop to advise you of the extent of the work that needs to be done.
This could include shift of light, seat belt, emission, or some other components of car’s safety system.
It is always advisable to make your car conform to the ADRs so that you will not be held up on the matter of registration and registration fees.
4. Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Another essential factor is fashioning the right shipping method of the car.
As mentioned earlier, you have two primary options: container shipping and Ships which carry Rolling cargos which include vehicles and other very large equipment referred to as Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) ships.
The selection of the particular methods is made depending on the amount of money which is to be spent, at the value of the car, and the customer’s desires.
Container shipping provide, arguably, the greatest level of security, since your car is loaded directly into a shipping container, thus protecting it from exposure to the elements, as well as possible impacts on the course of the journey.
This option is recommended most for expensive vehicles especially those with sentimental value.
On the other hand, RoRo shipping is an economic one as your car is driven on the ship for boarding and is hold fast for the trip.
But it costs less and it is an open space thereby making the car more susceptible to climatic changes which is not good for luxurious and classic models of cars.
5. Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Hiring a reputable shipping company is important for the correct preparation of your car to be shipped to Australia.
Firstly before proceeding further you have to satisfy some of the Australian quarantine requirement, which are to clean the vehicle inside and outside properly.
The car should also be clean because if it’s not, then it will be likely to cause delay during inspection time when it arrives.
Third, all the personal items should be vacated from the vehicle because most of the shipping companies do not allow personal affects to be shipped together with the car.
Also, look at the levels of fluids in the car, depressurize the tire, and remove the car battery and fill the fuel tank to not more than a quarter.
These prevent the leakage of any fluid during transit or any form of damage such as corrosion.
Conclusion
Importation of cars from UK to Australia requires understanding of import laws, handling of expenses, compliance with Australian Design Rules, and method of shipping.
So, it is possible to point out the following key considerations which help to organize the vaccination process as much as possible: Thus, adhering to these essential aspects and providing a proper preparation of the vehicle, it is possible to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Motorists seeking shipping services whether their classics cars or moving from one place to the other should take there time and whip around for the best service provider.
