Common Mistakes to Avoid When Exporting a Car to Australia | GVE London – Blog

Exporting cars from the UK to Australia is a common practice now. The UK does export most cars made here, and the cars going to Australia, a country with which we have so much in common, makes sense. However, despite all that, the procedure for shipping isn’t free of complications. Once you dig a little deeper, there are plenty of areas where things can go wrong. From paperwork slipups to shipping delays, it’s often the avoidable mistakes that end up costing the most.

Whether you’re arranging a one-off luxury car export or moving several vehicles from a trade showroom, it helps to know what not to do. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Overlooking Vehicle Eligibility

The one that catches most people off guard is legality. You see, just because a car is legal in the UK, that doesn’t automatically mean it is going to be legal in Australia.

The Australian government has clear import approval requirements, especially when it comes to safety and environmental standards. If you try to export a supercar that doesn’t meet their specifications, it could be rejected before it even leaves the port. So, before doing anything else, check whether or not your car qualifies under one of the permitted import schemes. 

Incomplete or Incorrect Paperwork

Missing or messing up paperwork is the last thing you’d want to do. It isn’t just an inconvenience; it results in fines, holdups at customs, or your vehicle sitting at the port for weeks.

The key documents needed typically include the UK registration certificate (V5C), bill of sale, import approval from the Australian Department of Infrastructure, and proof of vehicle compliance. If you’re exporting from a supercar showroom, you’ll also want documentation showing service history and VIN matching.

Don’t assume paperwork can be fixed later. Customs won’t release your car until everything checks out.

Ignoring Cleaning Requirements

Now, this may initially sound minor, but Australia takes their biosecurity very seriously. Keyword: very. The ecosystem is quite unique, and they go to great lengths to preserve it.

Your car will be inspected on arrival. If it’s found with traces of soil, plant matter, or insects, it will be refused entry until it’s professionally cleaned. That can cost you time and money. So, it is best to get the car thoroughly cleaned before shipping.

Read Also: Top Challenges When Exporting Luxury Cars to Australia

Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method

There are primarily two main types of methods for exporting cars from the UK, namely RoRo and container shipping. 

To put it as simply as possible, RoRo is cheaper and better suited for daily driving vehicles. Luxury car exports, however, use container shipping

Underestimating Costs Beyond Shipping

Many exporters focus only on shipping charges. But Australia’s import taxes and fees can come as a shock if you’re not prepared. These may include customs duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST), luxury car tax for vehicles over the threshold, port handling fees, and quarantine inspection charges. All of these add up quickly. A common mistake is assuming the buyer will cover it all. Clarify who is responsible for which costs before starting the process. That way, no one ends up surprised.

Not Using a Reputable Export Partner

It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option. But luxury car exports require proper handling, careful loading, and accurate documentation. A minor error from an inexperienced shipper can cause major setbacks.

Look for export companies with experience specifically in supercar showroom logistics. These professionals understand how to manage everything from customs clearance to insurance and compliance. Paying a bit more up front often saves headaches down the road.

Forgetting to Notify the DVLA

Remember that you’re legally obligated to inform the DVLA that a car is being exported permanently from the UK. If you don’t, you will be liable to pay insurance and road tax for it. It takes only a few minutes to do so online, so don’t skip it.

Final Thoughts

Exporting cars from the UK to Australia is completely doable. But like anything involving regulations and logistics, it pays to be thorough. To make the entire process much easier, tie up with a supercar showroom or trade showroom like ours, GVE London. From paperwork to the logistics, we’ll take care of it all for you. Contact us today and let’s get these wheels rolling.