UK Landy, import to Oz, re import to the UK?
 

I am thinking of moving to Oz for a few years (I'm a Kiwi in The UK).

I'd like to drive my UK registered Landy there and because I will likely stay for a few years I will need to import it into Oz.

Is that possible when it has been modified: larger intercooler, double shock absorbers etc? Chassis is standard etc.

After a few years I will probably want to return to Europe, so I would need to, or at least want to so I can get insurance for it cheaply, re import it back into the UK.

If it was originally a UK vehicle would I need to pay custom duty on it etc to bring it back into the UK?

Thanks in advance!

There are people who will know far more about this than me however:

Importing short term to oz requires thorough cleaning of all traces of dirt, the vehicle has to be completely spotless
Permanent import requires certificate from the manufacturer to confirm the vehicle complies with Australian design rules unless the vehicle is pre 1989. I don't know what landrover are going to be like but BMW weren't too helpful when I enquired. You also need complete all paperwork And get permission to import before shipping the vehicle and pay import duty and get.
If you are intending returning to UK with the vehicle i would investigate whether it is possible to retain the UK registration and avoid the permanent import to oz

There are quite a few threads in 4 wheel section.

To get the basics do a weblookup for "VSB10" which sets out the requirements for a "permanent resident" importing a vehicle. Non permanent residents/tourists can only bring a vehicle into Aus on a carnet.

The vehicle has to comply with the Australian Design Rules at the time it was built - so being standard will help. You can get copies of the ADRs - just Google for the website.

The basic process is;
Check the ADRs - can it comply?
Apply for an import approval $50
Clean vehicle to "as new" standard.
On arrival pay Duty, GST on the vehicle value and shipping costs - usually about 24% on the value - non refundable if you leave though.
Pay for quarantine inspection.
Have the vehicle inspected by a vehicle engineer for compliance to the ADRs.
Depending on the State you are in get the vehicle roadworthy inspected.
Then pay up for registration, etc.

Most UK vehicles easily comply in standard form. Problems arise when you have non standard tyres fitted that dont match the tyre placard, seat belts must have the E mark, glass must show the safety kitemark. The ADRs specify what must be on the vehicle, the roadworthy inspection is to make sure they work.

Thanks Roger,

Who sets the value of the vehicle? Seems Defenders, even used ones, are very expensive over there: a friend writes "my 1996 Discovery was $6000. The same year Defender is $15k".

Mine is a 1991.

By "non standard tyres fitted that dont match the tyre placard" I assume if I have any 'normal' sized Michelin or Coopers it will be ok, but if I have 'Kamikaze' cheap tyres that haven't been shown to comply to Oz standards and so aren't on the list then its a problem?

It's to do with the size of tyre being similar to those fitted originally by the manufacturer. Different states have different rules, so depends where you're going. It's complicated but I think in NSW the rules for tyres are that you can't go more than 50mm larger in diameter without getting engineer certified.

Valuations - best get a half a dozen Ads of vehicles with similar age to show Customs. A '91 vehicle is not going to attract much attention from Customs - Quarantine will be a different matter. Customs can (and does) set values if they think a shifty is being pulled to avoid (say) Luxury Car Tax. BTW you pay for disputed valuations.

For the engineer's inspection you'll need tyres that are the same size as those shown on the tyre placard. Generally its not the make thats called into question as long as they have been constructed to a recognised (US/EU/JP) standard.

Diesels are usually easier to get through inspections as there are no catalytic converters fitted, as long as its not pumping black clouds you'll be OK.

Once you flag your vehicle exported the record stays open on the DVLA so when you bring it back to England the act of MOT reopens the record. You may need to fill out some forms but the record is always there and you keep the same plates. The DVLA don't give a toss about what happens in a foreign land.

Now...i'm not so sure,,, to me a permananet export is just that, permanent. So how do you bring it back if its been permanently exported ? Well watch this space as ours is permanently exported and this is what we were told to do by the export department at the DVLA. They also said the above about MOT when you return and the record is back open. I've checked my reg on the DLVA checker and if you check yours you will note a field that is exported YES or NO. Mine says YES.

I have details for the manager of the export team. PM me if ya want it Darrin.