Import a Car from Australia to the UK

Australia is a strong source for right-hand-drive cars — no steering conversion needed, and the UK-Australia FTA can zero out duty for Australian-built cars with valid proof of origin. Most privately imported used cars won't have that proof, so budget for the full 10% duty + 20% VAT unless you qualify for ToR relief.

• The UK-Australia FTA only covers Australian-origin cars — Japanese/European cars bought in Australia do not qualify.
• ToR relief wipes duty and VAT for returning residents who meet the 12+6 month rules.
• No steering conversion needed (RHD), but headlight aim must be adjusted for UK driving.
• Shipping from Australia takes 8-14 weeks.

Do I pay import duty on a car from Australia?

By default, yes: 10% customs duty on the landed value (price + shipping + insurance) plus 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive total. However, under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, goods originating in Australia can qualify for 0% duty with valid proof of origin — Australian-built cars like Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons may qualify, but Japanese or European cars bought in Australia do not. Check with your customs agent before budgeting for the relief.

Can I bring my car to the UK duty free when moving back from Australia?

Possibly, yes. Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief lets people moving their normal home to the UK import personal belongings — including a vehicle — free of duty and VAT, provided you've owned and used the car for at least 6 months before the move and keep it for 12 months after arrival. Apply to HMRC for ToR relief before the car ships. You still need to complete NOVA and register the car with DVLA on a V55/5.

Do Australian imports need an IVA test?

Only if the car is under 10 years old. Under the '10-year rule', vehicles manufactured more than 10 years ago are exempt from Individual Vehicle Approval — they just need a standard UK MOT (if over 3 years old) before DVLA registration. Most Australian classics and Holden/Ford muscle cars qualify for the exemption. Cars under 10 years old need a full IVA test (£199).

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

Roughly 6-10 weeks on the water. RoRo and container sailings run from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle to Southampton or Tilbury. Budget around £2,000-4,000 for shipping depending on route and method (container costs more than RoRo), plus time for export preparation in Australia and customs clearance on arrival.

Do I need to convert the speedometer on an Australian import?

Australia has used km/h speedometers since the 1970s. If the car is under 10 years old, the speedometer must display mph to pass the IVA test — usually solved with an mph dial face or calibrated converter. Cars over 10 years old are not legally required to convert, but an mph overlay is inexpensive (typically £30-150) and strongly recommended for UK driving.

What documents do I need to register an Australian import with DVLA?

A completed V55/5 form, the Australian registration certificate (rego papers) showing the VIN and first registration date, the bill of sale or invoice, your NOVA confirmation from HMRC, an MOT certificate (or IVA certificate for cars under 10 years old), proof of identity and address, the £55 first registration fee, and payment for the first year's vehicle tax. Australian documents are in English, so no translation is needed.

Primary sources

This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.

• Register a used vehicle for the first time (V55/5 form & V355/5 guidance) — GOV.UK
• Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA, duty, VAT) — GOV.UK
• Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — GOV.UK
• Register an imported vehicle (registration and tax) — GOV.UK

v55-5.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA, HMRC, or any government body.