New Zealand quietly holds one of the best-kept European collector markets anywhere — dry stored, low-kilometre Porsches, Mercedes, Ferraris and Jaguars with full paper trails, many right-hand drive from new. Here's how to bring one across the Tasman to Australia.
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility
A European classic built 25 or more years ago is eligible under the Road Vehicle Standards Act's older-vehicle pathway (import approval via ROVER). Many newer models are on the SEVS list and come in through a Registered Automotive Workshop. See our European classics import guide for the marque detail.
Step 2 — Source and inspect
Pick from New Zealand's collector market or brief us on a specific spec. Because the car is here, it can be inspected and often driven before you commit — with an independent pre-purchase inspection verifying originality, service history and condition.
Step 3 — Asbestos certification
Every imported car must be certified asbestos-free before Australian customs, and older European cars are exactly where asbestos hides. We handle NATA-accredited testing in Auckland — see asbestos certification for classics.
Step 4 — Ship, clear and register
We ship RoRo or container into Brisbane, Melbourne, Port Kembla or Fremantle and handle NZ export. On arrival you pay 5% duty, 10% GST and any Luxury Car Tax, then register in your state.
See what it costs, or start with our exotic & classic import guides by region.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import a European classic to Australia?
Confirm the car is eligible (25+ years old under the Road Vehicle Standards Act's older-vehicle pathway, or on the SEVS list), source and inspect it, certify it asbestos-free, and ship it from New Zealand. On arrival you pay 5% duty, 10% GST and any Luxury Car Tax, then register it in your state. Importify handles the New Zealand side end to end.
Are European classics eligible for import to Australia?
Yes — a Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, Jaguar or other European car built 25 or more years ago qualifies under the older-vehicle pathway, and many newer models are on the SEVS list. New Zealand holds a surprising number of well-kept, low-kilometre European classics.
Do European classics need asbestos certification for Australia?
Yes. The asbestos ban applies to all imported vehicles regardless of origin — and older European cars used asbestos in brakes, clutches and gaskets just as Japanese cars did. We certify on the New Zealand side before shipping.
