Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Used Cars → Australia
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Used Cars restricted; documentation or permits may apply
Details
Used car imports are subject to complex multi-layered regulations including age restrictions, emissions compliance (Euro 6 in the EU, EPA Tier 3 in the US), safety standards, odometer certification (to prevent fraud), and right vs. left-hand drive compatibility. Australia restricts personal vehicle. Enforcement in Australia carries fines from AUD 444 to AUD 2,664 under Customs Act 1901 s.234; Biosecurity Act 2015 s.535 (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).
Documentation required
- Check destination requirements
Leaving with this item
Exporting a used car from Australia requires deregistration and an export declaration; the destination's vehicle-import regime is the harder constraint.
Practical advice
Personal-import requires destination age limit + emission compliance + RHD/LHD verification. Returning expats may qualify for Transfer of Residence duty-free import. See /vehicles/australia for full rules.
Customs authority
Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au