IMPORT A CAR FROM AUSTRALIA TO THE UK

To import a car from Australia to the UK is not difficult if the vehicle is imported through a transfer of residence and you can provide the necessary documentation for HMRC and the DVSA. As Australian vehicles are right hand drive, they will have to show compliance through the IVA test scheme. The standards applicable for the IVA test are those contained in the relevant European Type Approval Directives. These require proof of compliance in 10 key areas, depending on the age of the vehicle. These are;

• Seat Belt anchorages
• Protective steering
• Noise and silencers
• Exhaust emissions
• Brakes
• Seat Belt installation
• Co2/ Fuel consumption
• Anti-Theft device
• Front impact protection
• Side impact protection

Proof of compliance needs to be the form of a chassis specific letter from the vehicle manufacturers Homologation department, confirming the European Directives the vehicle has been tested in accordance with. Unfortunately, because these vehicles were manufactured for the Australian market, this letter may not be available. The DVSA could however, accept confirmation of the Australian Design Rules (ADR) standards from the vehicle manufacturer, but it should be noted that some of these requirements may be lower than the UK equivalent standard. If that were the case, the vehicles can be tested at an independent test laboratory to the equivalent Directive standards.

A large percentage of customers requesting our services to import a car from Australia have purchased Holden’s which are still are very rare sight In the UK due to the complexities of the paperwork. We have achieved UK car registration for over one hundred such vehicles.

Vehicle registrations have included Holden Commodore, Colorado, SV6, SS-v, Iveco, Territory, FJ Cruiser, Rav 4.

Client Testimonial

"I have moved cars back to the UK on numerous occasions throughout my life; this last time it was from Australia. I decided to put my faith and trust in ‘Specialised Shipping Services (UK) Ltd’. It was not misplaced. By far the best service I have had to date; professional, efficient and with a personal touch that bordered on being family. They organised everything; from picking up my Toyota Rav4 in Sydney, its transit across half the world to its arrival in Southampton. A smooth transition on each phase of the import, including all conformance tests, facia change to MPH, registration, MOT and road tax. I can’t thank them enough for their support every step of the way and the hassle free experience they have given me. You get all my five stars."

James Harper Toyota Rav4

We would like to thank James for taking the time to write about his car import experience from Australia and for giving us permission to publish it on this website.

If you would like further information on importing a car from Australia to the UK, or on any of the vehicle legalisation and conversion services offered by Specialised Shipping Services, please phone 0118 933 2334 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..