Unsure Of A Few Things For Personal Imports.....

[Abnrml]

Hi guys,

I am new on here, but I have been following a thread for quite sometime, regarding the importing of the Nissan Cube and it is quite apparent, that there alot of people on here who really know there stuff when it comes to importing cars in to Australia and so I am hoping they maybe able to help shed some light for me

I am looking to move from NZ to Perth in a couple of months times and have been researching the option of bringing over my 2000 Toyota bB with me, but I'm not 100% sure yet, on if I can, or if I can't?

I brought the car into NZ from Japan in July last year and so it has been registered and driven on NZ roads for the last 12months, however, I run my own small business and so for tax purposes, when I registered the bB I put it under the company name and not my own personal name.....I can prove that I am the sole proprietor, director and shareholder of the company, but will this affect my application?

Secondly, the car is quite heavily modified.....As I understand it, when bringing a car into Austrailia, there are two procedures, an application for Approval and then the compliance/registration....so I might get the application approved, but because of the mods, fail the registration...Is this correct?

The modifications are basic things like bodykit, aftermarket headlights & tailights, aftermarket rear muffler, through to a Blitz Supercharger kit, HKS oil cooler kit, Defi gauges, HKS ecu, Full TRD suspension (Shorter shocks and springs, larger swaybars, etc...), Cusco underbody and strut braces and Endless 6pot front caliper and rotor kit......Would all this need to be removed and returned to stock, in order to be registered, or is it like here in NZ, where it simply needs to be checked and approved as safe? (Has all been checked, complied and carries a NZ certification plate if that makes a difference?)

Any help or advice would be appreciated, as theres not much of a market here for bB's at the mo, and I have 2 more of them to sell before I leave already, so would really like to bring this one with me for the missus to drive, but not if I'm likely to have to turn around and ship it back

Here's some pics for those that are curious....

[kakimoto33]

Regarding the modifications, you should have little or no trouble getting that through as long as it's all legal (ride height, exhaust noise, etc.) and that there is emissions evidence available for that engine here in Australia which should be no trouble as both the 1300cc and 1500cc were available in the locally delivered Toyota Echo.

The trouble could come with getting import approval which you would want to do before you consider shipping the car, then once you have the approval there is no way it can be rejected at the port so you know that you will be safe. The problem is going to be that this is a "personal import" laws designed for importing a car that has been your personal vehicle, it's not a company car import law so you would most likely need to prove very clearly that in the business you were a sole trader so anything owned by the business was actually owned by you, or that the business name and your name were one in the same. If it was a proper business/company and you were the sole employee then you will most likely not get approval. You should call DOTARS on +61 2 6274 7506 to discuss it with them as they are the ones who will decide your destiny.

[Abnrml]

Thanks for that info J-Spec and especially the contact number, I will call DOTARS first thing Monday and keep my fingers crossed .

Is anyone able to give me an indication of the costs for the compliance/registration process, assuming there were no problems with the car? And for those in the business, or anyone with first hand experience, would you recommend using a broker in my case (personal import from NZ) or simply go it alone?

Thanks,

Leon.

[gazza750]

in Peth a vehicle movement permit costs $17.50 you need this to be able to drive to the pits for car to be examined

a vehicle exam costs $87 i think and rego cost is about $450 a year

[Abnrml]

in Peth a vehicle movement permit costs $17.50 you need this to be able to drive to the pits for car to be examined

a vehicle exam costs $87 i think and rego cost is about $450 a year

Thanks for gazza750, the movement from the wharf to inspection area and the cost of inspection sounds easier and cheaper than here in NZ.

I took J-Specs advice and called DOTARS today and things sounded positive, the guy I was speaking to said, aslong as I could prove I was the sole proprietor/director of the company, then shouldn't be a problem

I am now really keen to get this underway, so back to my other question, would people recommend I proceed with this through a broker/importer, or should I do the application for approval myself and then contact a broker/importer, or should I do the whole thing on my own?

I know a few members on here are broker/importers, if you were able to provide me with some estimates for costs for using your services (if you deal with personal imports), it would be much appreciated. If you want to pm them to me rather than post here, thats cool

Thanks,

Leon.

[Chris Rogers]

up to you really. hte last car I imported from NZ I did myself. that said I did fly over and inspect it first and sorted it with the owner first. then I rang canberra sorted the approval, rang a local customs broker to collect the car in ashburton, got it shipped to me in brissy. paid all the fees to the broker and collected the car from the docks. I'm about to do it again shortly with another Subaru RX II. one point to note mine are 15 yr + cars

the rules for you should be the same as the brokers in NZ have connections here so they can sort the moving side of it. RORO is cheaper to do . mine was $1700 in shipping roughly and the customs/tax/tarrif/cleaning fees about the same. pull any expensive stuff out of it. things do go missing on docks.

most of the RAWS will do personal imports - best to ring a few if you are not comfortable doing this yourself.

Edited July 13, 2009 by Chris Rogers

[kakimoto33]

We do quite a few personal imports, especially from New Zealand, however it's mostly for people who either don't have the time or don't want the hassle of doing it themselves. If you are a confident sort of person who doesn't mind working out how do do new and unfamiliar things then it shouldn't be too hard to get through it yourself. If you would rather not do it on your own for some reason then let us know and we will be happy to help although it will obviously cost more for our services so it really is your choice.

[Abnrml]

Thanks for that info guys, have read a large number of articles both on here and other sites, but it seems there has been a reasonable number of changes to import laws over the ladt few years and so does get alittle confusing trying to piece everything together .

The biggest worries I have is, me getting to WA with car stored in NZ, only to be denied approval and have to try sell the car back in NZ without being there (as my understanding is that I cannot be granted an Import Approval until I am in Australia myself)......Or, getting the car to WA only to be told I need to return all mods to stock if I want it complied, as I haven't been able to find any bB's advertised for sale in Australia, (looking on websites that is), so I am guessing you guys don't have many of them over there yet, meaning I'm not likely to find what i'd need local

Craig I have sent you am email

Thanks.