Import a pre-1989 vehicle in Australia

Importing pre-1989 vehicles in Australia

Pre-1989 scheme is covered by Regulation 17 of the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989.

The purpose of the scheme

The pre-1989 scheme allows for the approval of the applications to import road vehicles not fitted with identification plates that were manufactured before 1 January 1989.

This scheme caters for the importation to Australia of older vehicles. This includes enthusiast, classic or historic motor vehicles that are destined for restoration and hobby use. This scheme caters for both individual owners and car clubs.

The scheme permits the importation of vehicles which do not comply with current Australian vehicle standards, and are therefore outside normal certification arrangements. However state and territory registration requirements will generally require that the vehicles comply with the standards that applied at the date the vehicle was originally manufactured.

Without a concession, these vehicles may not otherwise be available to enthusiasts and hobby vehicle owners.

What is the date of manufacture?

The date of manufacture is the date the vehicle was first driven or moved from the manufacturer’s production line or production facility, after the vehicle’s body shell and powertrain assemblies were joined. This is equivalent to the concept of the build date (as developed and used by Australia’s automotive industry). To qualify for this scheme the date of manufacture is to be before 1 January 1989.

If parts of a vehicle with a date of manufacture before 1 January 1989 have been assembled into another vehicle, the date of manufacture is taken to be the date on which this new vehicle was first driven. If this conversion (into a different automotive product, such as a replica car, a drag racing car or a hot rod) happened after 1 January 1989, the vehicle does not qualify under the Pre-1989 Scheme.

How to apply

To apply for a Vehicle Import Approval under the Pre-1989 Scheme, you should provide to the Department:

  • A completed IO2—general application form. Ensure you include the year, make, model and vehicle identification number.
  • A $50 application fee. Payment options are set out in the application form (credit card, cheque or money order are accepted).
  • Picture ID of the importer or of responsible officer, if a company is applying. If you have imported in the previous 12 months you will not need to provide your ID again.
  • Purchase document (invoice or receipt).
  • Details which help us to assess the vehicle, including:
    • Details of the pre-1989 vehicle—such as the manufacturer’s specifications, brochures, diagrams and photographs of the vehicle.
    • Registration papers where these are available (registration papers are an accurate source to verify the make, model and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle).
    • The specification of the vehicle you are importing (especially the installed engine, transmission and overall dimensions).
    • A recent photo of the vehicle (in its current condition).
    • A detailed list of all modifications undertaken on the vehicle. Please see below for a comprehensive list of modifications for cars, motorbikes and trailers.

Cars

  • Please advise if the car has had any modifications from the manufacturer’s specification and if so please list the modifications.
  • If there are no modifications, make a statement to that effect.
  • Please advise the body style of the car (e.g. 2-door convertible).
  • Please advise if the body of the car has been customised.
  • If it is not customised, make a statement to that effect.
  • Please advise what engine is in the car (e.g. 289 cu in 4.7L Ford Windsor V8).
  • Please advise what transmission is in the car (e.g. 4-speed manual).

Motorbikes

  • Please advise if the motorbike has had any modifications and if so please list the modifications.
  • If there are no modifications, make a statement to that effect.
  • Please advise the frame style (e.g. Harley Davidson FL 1200 Electra Glide).
  • Please advise if the motorbike has been customised.
  • If the frame is not customised make a statement to that effect.
  • Please advise what engine is in the motorbike (e.g. 1207 cc Harley Davidson V-Twin).
  • Please advise what transmission is in the motorbike (e.g. 4-speed manual).

Trailers

  • Please advise if the trailer has had any modifications and if so please list the modifications.
  • If there are no modifications, make a statement to that effect.
  • Please advise the body style (e.g. caravan).
  • Please advise if the body of the trailer is customised.
  • If it is not customised, make a statement to that effect.
  • If the vehicle’s date of manufacture is unclear—please provide additional supporting documentation to establish the date of manufacture. For example, you may provide a copy of the vehicle’s registration documents or a written statement from the manufacturer.
  • If the vehicle has been the subject of alterations, supporting documentation to establish the details of the alterations and the date(s) on which this work was completed.

Applications for more than one vehicle

To avoid multiple application fees, you may apply for more than one vehicle (within the Pre-1989 Scheme) in one application. You should provide the relevant evidence described above for each vehicle.

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