It surprises a lot of buyers: the same asbestos rule that catches JDM importers applies just as firmly to a Porsche, Mercedes or Ferrari — and classics are actually more likely to contain asbestos than the cars it usually gets discussed around.
Yes — and classics are the higher risk
Australia has a complete ban on asbestos in imported goods, vehicles included, with no age exemption. Classic European cars were built when asbestos was standard in friction and sealing components — brake pads, clutch discs, gaskets — so a genuine 1970s or 1980s car is more likely to contain it than a 1990s one. Certification is mandatory before the car can clear customs.
How certification works
Two accepted routes:
- NATA-accredited laboratory testing of samples from the friction components.
- Replacement with verified asbestos-free parts plus statutory declarations.
Open-market testing typically runs AU$1,500–3,500. We handle it in Auckland as part of pre-shipment prep, with the NATA-accredited lab work and all the paperwork Australian Border Force requires.
Why we sort it before shipping
A classic arriving without certification is held at the port with storage fees running daily — a painful start to owning a car you've waited for. Certifying on the New Zealand side means it clears cleanly on arrival.
See the full cost of importing a classic to Australia and how the process works.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need asbestos certification for a classic car in Australia?
Yes. Australia's asbestos ban applies to every imported vehicle, and classic European cars are exactly where asbestos hides — in brake pads, clutch friction material and gaskets. Even a 40-year-old car must be certified asbestos-free before it clears customs.
Where does asbestos hide in a classic car?
Historically in friction and sealing components: brake pads and shoes, clutch discs, and various gaskets. Because classics predate the asbestos phase-out, they're more likely than modern cars to contain it — which is why certification is non-negotiable.
How is a classic certified asbestos-free?
Either a NATA-accredited laboratory tests samples from the friction components, or those components are replaced with verified asbestos-free parts backed by statutory declarations. We handle the testing route in Auckland before the car ships.
