Carmen Import Centre & Auto Care

Complying your Personal Import has never been easier than at CarMen Import Centre.

Our step by step hassle free service walks you through the process.   Once complied, CarMen registers the vehicle on your behalf so all you are left to do is drive away!

If you are eligible to apply for a Personal Import, follow these simple steps to bring your vehicle into Australia:

Step #1

Apply for a Personal Import Approval:

For comprehensive information and an application for importing a Personal Import, click here.
Your Personal Import Approval will be a set of 4 blue documents which detail the vehicle’s owner, approval number, type of vehicle and its VIN number.  The original documents are required by CarMen in order to obtain a compliance plate and subsequent registration of your vehicle.

Step #2

Engage a Freight Forwarder & Customs Agent

A freight forwarder is the shipping company who will arrange transportation for your vehicle into the country.  Your chosen freight company will also arrange your vehicle’s quarantine once it arrives in Australia.

A Customs agent arranges clearance through customs, and liaises with Quarantine as required.  CarMen will liaise with your Customs Agent.

Step #3

Compliance and Registration at CarMen Import Centre

CarMen Import Centre will arrange collection on your behalf when your vehicle has been cleared and released from customs.

Australian Compliance and registration procedures carried out at CarMen include:

•    Full vehicle inspection

•    Installation of child restraint anchors (if the vehicle is not fitted with them already)

•    Engineer sign-off

•    Niddrie Plate Release and Plating of the vehicle

•    Complete handling of all paperwork

•    QLD Safety Certificate

•    QLD Registration on your behalf QLD Transport

Once the vehicle has been complied and plated, a Queensland Safety Certificate is issued.  Rectification of any Safety Certificate defect items is an additional cost and is dependent on vehicle inspection.  Safety standards such as tyres, brakes, lights etc. need to be met in order to pass a QLD Safety Certificate.

You can be assured that your vehicle receives exceptional care whilst at CarMen.  We are a fully equipped mechanical workshop with full tyre and wheel alignment facilities.  Whilst at CarMen your vehicle is stored in our locked and secure premise.

For further information and a full list of all documents required with associated costs, please Contact Us .

Eligibility for Personal Imports

To be eligible to import a Personal Import, there are several things you must prove:

•    You have owned and used the vehicle overseas for a continuous period of 12 months
•    You are a Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia or in the process of application
•    You are of an age that entitles you to hold a license or permit to drive a vehicle of that type
•    You haven't imported another vehicle under the import concession in the previous 12 months
•    You undertake to comply with any road safety standards requirements imposed by registering authorities

Note: The government administration will consider people who are under the 410 and 457 Visas with additional requirements.

The following persons are not eligible to import a vehicle under the Personal Import Scheme:

•    Visitors
•    Temporary residents
•    Foreign diplomatic personnel
•    Companies and / or corporations