Permanent Import to Australia

**Mango** · #1 15 Mar 2005

I'm an Australian in London planning a trip rtw back to Oz. I am hoping to buy a bike here in London, ride it back to Oz, and then keep the bike in Oz.

I can't keep the bike permanently in Oz under a Carnet. However, it seems that the only way that I can permanently import the bike is if I have owned it for 12 months prior to applying for permanent import approval.

This seems crazy. I have written to the import authorities to ask if there is any way around the need to own it for 12 months, and they say it is. However, I have heard occasional stories that it is possible to get approval for permanent import by first entering on a carnet and then applying. This doesn't sound likely to me, but who knows.

If anyone has any information about this topic, then I'd be delighted to hear from them.

Thanks.

Mango.

**beddhist** · #2 15 Mar 2005

Hi Mango and welcome to HUBB.

This topic has been discussed here recently, but I can't remember the details. I'll let YOU use the Search function. It's more interesting that way.

Also, check out the carnet link on the left. There is a link to the relevant AUS web site hiding in there.

Happy travels.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

**Mango** · #3 15 Mar 2005

Mmmh, that search function is a bit odd. It produced about 5 million results, none of which helped.

I have seen a lot of posts on the site about "temporary" imports with the carnet, but none about how to manage a permenant import. Given that travellers are generally more likely to do temporary imports, I may be asking/hoping for too much. However, if you don't ask...

**beddhist** · #4 15 Mar 2005

Well, I searched for "australia permanent import" and got only 19 results, at least two of which are relevant:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000048.html

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000330.html

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

**Grant Johnson** · #5 16 Mar 2005

Mango, what DID you search on?

See search tips here

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/search.shtml

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Mango** · #6 16 Mar 2005

Beddhist & Grant

I obviously have a little bit of work to do on getting a grip on the search function. Many thanks for your guidance - those links were spot on target. Certainly means I've got something to think about. So much paperwork, when all I wanna do is ride my bike home!

Many thanks, much appreciated.

Mango.

**city2surf** · #7 22 Mar 2005

Why not take 12 months to ride to Oz?!!!

I bought my bike new, by the time I got to Oz, I'd had it for a year before importing.

Customs is the least of your worries, have a look at the RTA rules.

[This message has been edited by city2surf (edited 22 March 2005).]

**Mango** · #8 22 Mar 2005

City2Surf

Yes, this appears to be the option I am heading towards after heeding the wise words of others on the forum. It seems like there are ways and means of battling the bureaucrats, but it seems easier to just buy the bike, ride it around London for a few months as I get used to it, set it up,etc, and then apply en route, which has been confirmed as being possible by the import authorities.

So, whilst you seem to have suggested it in a mildy tongue in cheek fashion, I think you're on the money.

Mango.