You’ve found the perfect vehicle overseas. It’s rare, it’s in excellent condition, and the price is just right. You’ve paid the seller, arranged shipping, and eagerly await delivery—only to get a call telling you the car is being held up at the border.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon scenario. Import delays can happen for a number of reasons, and most of them are avoidable with a bit of upfront planning. Whether you’re new to importing cars to Australia or you’ve done it before, it’s important to know what the most common holdups are—so you can avoid getting caught in red tape.
Here’s what might be slowing things down—and what to check before your car ever leaves port.
Missing or Incorrect Import Approval
One of the most common reasons a vehicle gets stuck at the border is simple: the required import approval was never granted, or the paperwork doesn’t match the vehicle. Every vehicle being brought into Australia must be approved by the Department of Infrastructure, and that approval must match the vehicle’s VIN, model, and intended purpose.
If there’s a mismatch—or if the approval wasn’t obtained before shipping—customs can (and will) detain the vehicle until the issue is resolved. In some cases, the car may be sent back at your expense.
Tip: Always apply for your Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) before the car is shipped. Processing times can vary, and without it, the vehicle won’t be cleared.
Biosecurity Issues
Australia has strict biosecurity laws, and vehicles are subject to inspection under the Biosecurity Act. If your car arrives with soil, plant material, or signs of insects, it can be quarantined for cleaning or further inspection.
Even small amounts of dirt in wheel wells, engine bays, or under the chassis can trigger a full clean order. This isn’t just inconvenient—it can cost hundreds of dollars and several extra days at port.
Tip: Have the vehicle thoroughly cleaned before shipping. Professional steam cleaning of the underbody and engine bay is often worth the extra cost.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Shipping a vehicle involves a long list of documents—Bill of Lading, Import Approval, Purchase Invoice, and customs declarations, to name a few. If any of these are missing, inaccurate, or contain conflicting information, your car could be flagged and held until clarification is provided.
One common error? Differences in listed vehicle value, which can trigger a review of your import duty and GST obligations.
Tip: Work with a reputable shipping agent or customs broker who knows the process well. They’ll help make sure every form is completed accurately and submitted on time.
Non-Compliance With Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
Before a car can be registered in Australia, it must comply with the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for its category. Customs doesn’t require full compliance at the border—but if your vehicle is clearly non-compliant (for example, missing side indicators or improper lighting), it may be flagged for inspection or modification.
This is particularly relevant if you’re importing a vehicle under the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) or the older-than-25-years rule. These vehicles often need post-arrival work to meet registration standards.
Tip: Check ADR requirements for your vehicle type and year before committing. Some modifications may be minor; others can be costly or even impractical.
Declared Value vs. Market Value
If customs believes the declared value of your vehicle is suspiciously low, it can trigger a valuation review. They may request market comparisons, condition reports, or sales data to assess whether the declared value matches fair market pricing.
Understating a vehicle’s value to reduce import duty and GST isn’t just risky—it can result in fines or seizure of the vehicle if the underreporting is deemed intentional.
Tip: Be transparent with pricing and keep all receipts and communication with the seller. A clear paper trail helps justify your declared value if questioned.
Delays with Customs Clearance or Inspection Backlogs
Sometimes it’s not about missing paperwork or mistakes—it’s just a matter of timing. Ports can experience backlogs, especially during peak shipping seasons or if there’s a high volume of vehicle imports. This can slow down inspections, clearance processing, and handovers.
Tip: While you can’t always control port delays, working with a freight forwarder who has experience with Australian vehicle imports can help minimise delays and provide updates throughout the process.
You’re Not the Registered Importer
If someone else arranged the shipment but the import approval was issued in your name, or vice versa, this can also create issues at customs. The details on the import approval must match the importer listed on the shipping documents and invoice.
Tip: Ensure consistency across all documents—same name, same address, same contact details. Mismatches can delay release or lead to refusal of entry.
Importing a vehicle to Australia can be a smooth and rewarding experience—but only when all the details are in order. If your car is being held up at the border, it’s usually because one of these common steps was overlooked or mishandled. A bit of extra diligence on the front end can mean the difference between a fast, successful delivery and a frustrating, expensive delay.
