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What to Know Before Shipping Cars or its Parts To Australia
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Australia’s auto market is growing modestly, with more growth expected in the coming years. It is also a huge market for auto parts exports from the US, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The annual Australian exports of replacement parts and accessories are estimated to be approximately US$1.4 billion. This shows great potential and opportunity for exporters in Singapore interested in shipping to Australia from here.

International shipping comes with its list of common challenges. Shipping car parts and vehicles to Australia entail a complete export process. It involves specific packing details, rules, and regulations laid down by the Australian Customs agencies. You, as an exporter, must be aware to ensure a smooth procedure given the information on shipping and logistics. Read along further for more details. 

Understanding Singapore’s trade relationship with Australia

Free trade agreements set up between two countries aim to facilitate trade and remove barriers that impede the efficient flow of goods across borders. Australia and Singapore signed the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), allowing trade between the two Asia-Pacific countries to flourish and for Singapore to be Australia’s largest trade partner in Southeast Asia. Under this agreement, most of the tariffs on imports and export between the two countries were eliminated, hence increasing opportunities for both Singaporean and Australian exporters in various sectors. 

Importing car parts to Australia

Before you start exporting car parts from here to Australia, you would have to ensure you are aware of the custom guidelines in place locally and in Australia – so that your shipment arrives its destination safely. In terms of vehicles or car parts, when shipping to Australia from Singapore, some specific rules and regulations must be followed. 

According to international shipping standards, most vehicle parts are termed dangerous or hazardous, which means that more scrutiny and laws apply to them. Car accessories that have liquid in them come under this category, for example, cleaning materials or different oils and lubricants. 

For radiators, gearboxes, engines, and fuel tanks that may have liquid in them, they must be liquid-free before being shipped to Australia. Depending on the shipment's size, weight, and fragility, you may have to pay surcharges or taxes depending on the particular product. Also, do note that you will need import approval for some items, but for others, especially if the shipment value is less than AU$1000, you would not need any prior approval. 

Is it Worth Shipping A Car To Australia?

Shipping car parts from Singapore to Australia is cost-effective in the long run since the Australian automotive market is expensive. Companies like DHL Express offer affordable shipping services  that make exporting vehicles and accessories from Singapore to Australia possible. Through an efficient logistics network and streamlined processes, your exports can reach their destination with minimum hassle and on time.

Which Car Parts To Import Into Australia?

If you want to ship a car to Australia or just its parts, you can follow the above-mentioned guidelines of how to go about it. The items and parts that hold potential for business include the following:

  • Used engines

  • Panels

  • Lights

  • Gearboxes

  • Radiators

  • Fenders

  • Doors

  • Bumpers

  • Airbags

  • Windows

  • Windscreen

  • Catalytic convertors

  • Wheels, tires, and rims

  • GPS systems and Sat-Navs

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Australian Import Guidelines And Rules

Exporters must adhere to the following guidelines and rules for importing cars to Australia:

  • The first step before importing cars is doing in-depth research about the parts you want to export. The custom rules and tariffs of that country determine whether specific items can be shipped over or not. These cross-border custom laws also influence the charges or taxes you will have to pay.

  • If the total value of the shipments is less than AU$1000, you will not have to pay any duty or tax. You also do not need an import declaration. 

  • The general tariff on motor vehicle parts in Australia was 2.43% in 2019, but this may be different for different items under the SAFTA agreement between both the countries. Always check your particular product’s harmonized code and its entry in the tariff classification by the Australian Border Force to know about the exact tariff rates and custom duties. 

  • According to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, motor vehicles and its parts can introduce biosecurity risks into Australia. Thus, the exporter must ensure that the items being imported are clean from any such risk since the items will be subject to biosecurity control and checking upon arrival.

  • Importing items containing asbestos to Australia is prohibited. Therefore, shipping from Singapore to Australia of automotive accessories and items must be checked to rule out any sign of asbestos.

  • In cases where an import approval is required, it must be applied at the start of the export process.

  • Then comes the process of shipping the vehicle or its parts through a reliable and trusted logistics partner like DHL Express.

  • Upon arrival in Australia, an import declaration is lodged and all the related taxes and custom duties paid. If you plan on shippingcase of a luxury cars, additional luxury car tax may be applicable.

  • In the current COVID-19 scenario, you may be required to meet certain quarantine requirements as outlined by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

How DHL Express Can Help You Ship Car Parts To Australia From Singapore

DHL Express is your reliable and trusted logistics partner when it comes to international car shipping to Australia from Singapore. It offers a streamlined logistics process that allows you to track and trace your shipments at any point during its delivery journey. With the use of its sustainable fuels and environment-friendly delivery transport, car shipping to Australia was never this convenient. Understanding the customs rules and regulations of Australia also makes the process of shipping parcels from Singapore easy. Apply for a DHL Express account and  start enjoying the benefits it offers.