Vehicle import · Australia
Import a car from Australia
Australian-built Holdens and Falcons can enter free of base duty under the Australia free trade agreement. Allied files the CBP entry, the DOT HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1.
Duty in 2026
What duty does a vehicle from Australia pay?
| Vehicle | Total duty | Chapter 99 heading |
|---|---|---|
| Australian-built car made in 2001 or earlier (8703) | 12.5% with an AUSFTA claim, otherwise 15% | 9903.94.04 (no Section 232), 9903.05.23 (Section 301) |
| Australian-built ute or pickup made in 2001 or earlier (8704) | 12.5% with an AUSFTA claim, otherwise 37.5% | 9903.94.04 (no Section 232), 9903.05.23 (Section 301) |
| Australian-built car made in 2002 or later | 25% with an AUSFTA claim, otherwise 27.5% | 9903.94.01 |
| Japanese-built vehicle bought in Australia | The Japan rates | See the Japan page |
The AUSFTA claim (special program indicator AU) needs a vehicle that qualifies as originating under the agreement. The importer must be able to support it. It does not remove the Section 232 duty or the 12.5% Section 301 forced labor duty that applies since July 24, 2026 to a vehicle without Section 232 duty.
CBP also charges the merchandise processing fee: 0.3464%, with a minimum and a maximum. An ocean shipment also pays the harbor maintenance fee of 0.125%. All rates and a worked example.
Leaving the country
What does Australia require when the vehicle leaves?
Export declaration
The exporter, the owner or their agent lodges it with the Australian Border Force. It can be lodged up to six months before export.
State registration papers
Bring the state registration certificate and the bill of sale. CBP needs them as proof of ownership, and so does your state title office.
Arrival
Where does a vehicle from Australia arrive, and does the steering side matter?
Ports of entry
Vehicles from Australia cross the Pacific, usually to West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach or Port Hueneme. Allied files at any U.S. port.
Right-hand drive
Australia drives on the left, and Australian cars are right-hand drive. Federal import rules do not ban right-hand drive. Your state titles and registers the car.
Common imports
Which vehicles do people import from Australia?
Holden Commodore, Monaro and HSV
Holden built cars in Australia until 2017. Australian-market models come in under the 25-year rule.Ford Falcon
Built in Australia until 2016. A Falcon made in 2001 or earlier pays no Section 232 duty, and the base rate is free with an AUSFTA claim. It still pays the 12.5% Section 301 forced labor duty.Utes
A coupe utility built to carry goods is usually a truck (8704) at 25%, or free with an AUSFTA claim. Made in 2001 or earlier, it also pays the 12.5% Section 301 forced labor duty. We classify from the design.Toyota Land Cruiser 70
Built in Japan, so it is a product of Japan. It was not certified to U.S. standards, so it must be 25 years old from its date of manufacture.
A free trade claim needs support
The base rate is free only for a vehicle that qualifies as originating under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. An Australian brand is not enough. CBP decides the claim.
Our service
How does Allied handle a vehicle from Australia?
Before you buy: send the listing, a photo of the labels and the export document. We confirm the HS-7 box, the EPA code, the country of origin and the duty.
Before arrival: we file the CBP entry and transmit the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 in ACE. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.
After release: we send you the released entry papers for your state title. See the full import process.
Request: Vehicle import entry (CBP entry, DOT HS-7, EPA 3520-1)
Quote on request
Questions
Importing a vehicle from Australia: common questions
Is a Holden ute a car or a truck?
A ute built to carry goods is usually a truck in heading 8704. The base rate is 25%, or free with a valid AUSFTA claim. We classify each ute from its design.
Can I import a Land Cruiser 70 from Australia?
Only when it is 25 years old from its date of manufacture, because it was not built to U.S. standards. It is a product of Japan, so the Japan duty rates apply.
Do I need an Australian export declaration?
Yes, for goods valued over AUD 2,000. Your shipper or agent usually lodges it with the Australian Border Force before the vehicle ships.
Buying a vehicle from Australia? Check it first.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.