Shipping a car from Singapore to Australia is possible if you qualify for import approval, which includes owning the car for at least 12 months. Biosecurity cleaning, compliance checks and taxes then add cost, so many people sell in Singapore and buy locally. This guide covers the rules and how to decide.
Cars in Singapore are costly because of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), while Australia has different regulations, taxes and road requirements. This guide explains how international car shipping works and whether it makes sense for your move from Singapore to Australia.
What are the rules for shipping a car from Singapore to Australia?
Step 1: Understand the Import Regulations
Shipping a car from Singapore to Australia requires import approval from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Importing a road vehicle without approval is an offence. The car must also meet Australian safety and emissions standards and pass biosecurity checks. Rules change, so confirm them as of October 2026.
If you plan to ship your car from Singapore to Australia, securing import approval is the first and most important step.
- Eligibility: the Department of Infrastructure asks that you have owned the car continuously for at least 12 months before you first arrive in Australia, and used it on public roads overseas. See the Department of Infrastructure overview of bringing a vehicle into Australia as personal effects.
- Approval: you need an import approval for a vehicle brought as personal effects. The Department’s overview sets out the criteria, documents and process.
- Timing: the Department’s guidance says to apply within six months of first arriving in Australia. Confirm with the Department how this fits your shipping date.
- Standards: vehicles must comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for safety and emissions.
- Biosecurity: quarantine checks are mandatory, and cars must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid bringing in soil, seeds or pests.
Should you use RoRo or a container for your car?
Step 2: Choose Your Shipping Method
RoRo is usually the cheaper option: the car is driven onto the ship and secured, but you cannot load personal belongings inside it. Container shipping is more secure and lets you pack some household goods with the car, though it is often more expensive. CM Relocation usually recommends container shipping for Australia.
| Option | How it works | Personal belongings | Cost and security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) | The car is driven onto the ship and secured for the journey. | Not allowed inside the car. | Usually the cheapest option. |
| Container shipping | The car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container, alone or shared with other cargo. | Some household goods can be packed with the car. | More secure, but often more expensive than RoRo. |
Container shipping and RoRo both work for shipping a car from Singapore to Australia, and many people combine car transport with shipping household goods overseas to reduce the overall relocation cost.
How do you prepare your car for shipping?
Step 3: Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly, because Australia is very strict on quarantine. Drain most of the fuel, usually leaving about a quarter of a tank. Remove personal items unless you are shipping by container, and gather the original ownership papers, registration and proof of use before inspection.
A car can’t just be driven onto a vessel as-is. You’ll need to:
- Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly (Australia is very strict on quarantine).
- Drain most of the fuel (usually only a quarter tank is allowed).
- Remove personal items unless you’re shipping via container.
- Provide original documentation such as ownership papers, registration, and proof of use.
Before shipping a car from Singapore to Australia, proper cleaning and documentation are essential to avoid delays during inspection.
What costs come with shipping a car to Australia?
Step 4: Factor in the Costs
Expect four cost areas: shipping fees, GST and any duty on arrival, compliance modifications, and registration. Shipping fees depend on the method and destination port, so ask for a written quote rather than relying on a general figure. Luxury cars may also attract Luxury Car Tax.
International car shipping is rarely cheap, so look at the whole bill, not only the shipping fee. When shipping a car from Singapore to Australia, consider not just shipping fees but also taxes and compliance costs.
- Shipping fees: these depend on the method and the destination port. Ask for a written quote.
- GST and duty: Australia charges GST on imported goods, and luxury cars may attract Luxury Car Tax (LCT). Confirm the amount with the Australian Border Force or a customs broker. See the Australian Border Force fact sheet on importing a vehicle.
- Compliance modifications: some cars need adjustments, such as headlights or seat belts, to meet Australian standards.
- Registration and licensing: you will need to register the vehicle once it passes inspection.
By the end, shipping and clearing your car in Australia can sometimes cost more than buying a good used car locally.
Is shipping a car from Singapore to Australia worth it?
Step 5: Weigh the Pros and Cons
It can be, if you own a high-value or classic car and qualify for approval. For many people moving from Singapore to Australia, selling the car first and buying locally is cheaper and involves less paperwork. Compare the full cost of shipping, taxes, compliance and registration with a local purchase.
Reasons to Ship Your Car:
- You own a high-value or luxury vehicle that would cost far more to buy in Australia.
- Your car has sentimental value (e.g., a classic or collector’s car).
- You’ve used the car for over a year and qualify for import approval.
Reasons to Buy in Australia Instead:
- Your current car is older or lower in value.
- Compliance and modification costs will be too high.
- You’d prefer a car suited to local driving conditions.
- You want to avoid paperwork and wait times.
For many expats, selling the car before the move and buying locally is more cost-effective than shipping a car from Singapore to Australia.
What are the alternatives to shipping your car?
The main alternatives are buying a used car in Australia, leasing or renting for a temporary move, and using public transport in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Each avoids import approval, compliance work and biosecurity cleaning, so you can decide on a car after you arrive.
- Buy a used car: Australia has a wide second-hand car market at competitive prices.
- Lease or rent: If your move is temporary, leasing may be more practical.
- Public transport: In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, public transport is reliable and convenient.
Shipping your car internationally is possible, but it’s not always the smartest move financially. Before deciding, calculate the true cost of shipping, taxes, compliance, and registration compared to simply buying a car in Australia.
CM Relocation can guide you through the process if you decide on shipping a car from Singapore to Australia. Whether you need door-to-door container shipping or advice on customs clearance, request a quote and we will explain the options for your car and your household goods. Our guide to moving to Australia covers the wider move.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship my car from Singapore to Australia?
Yes. Shipping a car from Singapore to Australia works only if you qualify for import approval and the car meets Australian standards. The Department of Infrastructure asks that you have owned the car for at least 12 months and used it on public roads overseas. Many people find selling and buying locally simpler.
How long must I own a car before shipping it to Australia?
The Department of Infrastructure asks that you have owned the car continuously for at least 12 months immediately before you first arrive in Australia, and that you used it on public roads in your country of residence. A car that was only stored does not meet this test. Confirm current rules before you ship.
Is shipping a car from Singapore to Australia cheaper than buying locally?
Often it is not. Shipping fees, GST, compliance modifications and registration can add up, and for an older or lower-value car the total can exceed the price of a good used car in Australia. Shipping tends to make sense for high-value, luxury or classic cars.
Can I pack my belongings inside the car?
It depends on the shipping method. When shipping a car from Singapore to Australia by RoRo, you cannot load personal belongings inside the car. With container shipping, you can pack some household goods alongside the car. Declare everything accurately, because Australian biosecurity checks apply to all goods in the shipment.
Does Australia charge tax on an imported car?
Shipping a car from Singapore to Australia means paying GST on imported goods, and luxury cars may also attract Luxury Car Tax. The amount depends on the vehicle and how it is valued. Confirm what you would pay with the Australian Border Force or a customs broker before you commit to shipping.
What biosecurity checks apply to a car shipped to Australia?
When shipping a car from Singapore to Australia, quarantine is very strict, so the car must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out to avoid bringing in soil, seeds or pests. A car that arrives dirty can face delays at inspection and extra cleaning. Keep your documents ready for the inspection.
Can CM Relocation help with shipping a car to Australia?
CM Relocation can advise on shipping a car from Singapore to Australia as part of a wider household move, including container shipping and customs clearance guidance. Request a quote and tell us the make, year and how long you have owned the car.
Thinking of relocating from Singapore to Australia? Book a free relocation consultation with CM Relocation today to discuss your shipping needs: cars, furniture, and everything in between.