Shipping a bike as parts to Aus
 

First I would like to point out that I am stubborn and perhaps a little silly. But let me explain why. I am living in the UK currently and have been working on a bike rebuild project on and off while I have been here. The rebuild is a 1981 650 Suzuki Katana so nothing really special and not worth a much. I will be going back to Aus in near future and having some real problems letting go of the project in its unfinished state. ie Stubborn and silly.

My question is has anyone shipped a bike back as parts ? I have been reading other people threads about importing bike into Aus and it seems very expensive and a lot of effort. As the bike is not running I would have no problems stripping it down and sending it as parts. I was thinking as cheap and slow as possible.

Is this a realistic idea ? just because the bike is in parts does that change import tax, customs clearance kind of stuff ?? does anyone have any ideas ?

I know this question doesn't really fit in with the main theme of this section so if it is deemed inappropriate please remove it.

:confused1:

It does n't make any difference to Import Approvals and Customs whether its complete or in parts.

I doubt it will be cheaper as someone (shipping agent/customs/AQIS) will insist that ALL the parts are listed on the Bill of Lading for your crate and that will cost more than the bike. AQIS will be harder with lots of bits. Customs will probably become interested as well - which costs more if they inspect.

Have a look on Bikepoint/Trading Post etc and see if you can get a price for the same year/model - that will be the market value of the bike for Customs unless you can produce a 50 Quid invoice.

You have an absolute right to import the bike as it was built pre 1989, but still need an import approval from Dept of Infrastructure - $50.

You will pay 10% duty on the invoice or market value, then add 10% GST to the total of the bike (duty + invoice) and the shipping costs, AQIS fees and Customs entry (into computers) fee. Plus whatever the shipping company, stevedores and transport company charge to get it to you.

Thanks RogerM, as I said the bike isn't worth a whole lot so this is probably another example of me being silly. Speaking of its worth though, I can get an invoice for the 75 quid I paid for the box of bits so that would not be too bad.

I think there is two things I am going to realise, 1) there is probably no real way of getting approx 215kg of 81 Kat to Aus from UK cheaply and 2) I should stop being so stubborn and let it go as an unfinished project.

Thanks for your info.
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You will need to have owned it for a year or more for it to be allowed at all. and then there is no GST on it.
It is cheaper then you think to ship and if you love it do it..
Here is a link to all you need.

Importing Vehicles to Australia

Thanks Xander I will check out freight costs. Does anybody have a preferred or favourite shipper ? On-line quotes ?

Thanks for the info
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