Import and Customs - Australia

Explanatory Note: I have noticed that some restorers state that the scooter they are selling is "the actual one shown in the photo". Even if that is true (which I often doubt) it is irrelevant because restoration takes 4 weeks and Australian import approval takes 4 to 6 weeks. So the scooter will always be ready to send before approval is received. Our restorers are extremely skilled craftsmen who can make a high quality scooter that is identical to any photo you supply us.

Once payment is received for your order, the restoration of your vintage Vespa scooter will proceed. While this takes place, you need to get the paper work done. Here is the process laid out:

If this is all too much for you, you can just call a Customs Broker to do it instead. Try your local yellow pages.
Note that customs brokers generally have electronic lodgement of forms with customs. This speeds up the process and makes storage fees much less likely. If you choose to take your scooter through customs yourself, there is a risk that this will cost you, with additional storage fees, as much or more than using a customs broker.

NOTE: Imported scooters' clutch and brake pads are inspected for asbestos. To enable this to be done cost-effectively we send your scooter with the clutch and brake pads removed and taped to the floor of the scooter. The pads can be readily reinstalled before registration of your scooter. (We can provide you with instructions on request.)

1: We will send you the chassis and engine number and will establish the year and model of the scooter. Please request this after your order has been finalised.

2: We also send you a purchase invoice document that you need to send in with an application for approval to import a vehicle. Please remind me to send you this!

3: Download an 'application for approval to import a vehicle' (click here to download) form and send it in (if this link becomes obsolete please inform us). This form can also be downloaded from here. There is also a brochure where section 5.1 is relevant. The only thing that will cause a delay will be if your information is incorrect. Just follow it through thoroughly and there will be no problem. Approval can take anywhere between 1 - 4 weeks. During this time we will be restoring the scooter

4: Once approval is granted we will dispatch the scooter. Shipping normally takes 2 weeks but you need to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

5: While the scooter is in transit, you will receive the following documents necessary for customs clearance:

Bill of Lading
Certificate of Fumigation
Certificate of Deleting Registration
Packaging Declaration
Packing List

You will also receive a workshop manual for the scooter.

A customs broker can arrange the following for you:

6: When the scooter arrives, the shipping company will contact you. They will send you an invoice for:

Port services charges
Terminal handling charges
Delivery order
Sea cargo automation fee
AQUIS fee
GST

You can reply by email and request their bank details for transfer of funds. As I understand it, currently these costs will total AU$700-$1000, but you should confirm this.

Once payment is completed, they will unpack their containers and contact you when your scooter is ready for customs clearance. The scooter will be located within the shipping company's warehouse.

7: You then need to download an N10 (Nature10) form: Click here to download

Call customs and arrange a time to meet them to hand in the paperwork. You should have received your approval to import document. Take all the documents with you to customs in your local area and they will go through it all with you and make sure that all is filled out correctly.

Once the paperwork is done, they will contact you and give you clearance. Go back to the customs office and collect your documents and proceed to the holding yard to collect the scooter.

Quarantine (AQIS) may or may not need to inspect the scooter. See the note above re inspection of pads. If inspection is required you will need to meet them there with a jemmy bar and hammer in hand to open the crate.

8: You should arrive with a trailer and be prepared to transport the scooter away with you. The shipping company will load it on to your trailer for you with a forklift.

9: Three people can actually lift the scooter on and off a trailer, so it's not too difficult to pick up and deliver. Alternatively you can hire a courier to deliver it.

If this is all too much for you, you can just call a Customs Broker to do it instead. Try your local yellow pages.
G & J Leyshon & sons Pty.Ltd ph. 08 8240 0366 was highly recommended by a customer.

Hodder Logistics International Phone: +61 3 9645 4033 famato@hodder.com.au Frank Amato. They have competitive fees. They do Customs Clearance Australia wide for clients who have offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Fremantle, Esperance Bay, Newcastle, etc and even mine sites in remote places.

Australian Customs Professionals 07 3262 5552 anita.hayburn@acpbrokers.com.au also seem efficient.

Sapoty Brook trading as Bodybubble Intl. Licenced Motor Dealer 20788 (NSW).

Registration

You may have to get it officially weighed beforehand, and fill it up with 2-stroke petrol. Take your scooter with all the import documents to your local vehicle inspector to get approval to register it. Get you Compulsory Third Party Insurance, then take the approval to register to your nearest motor registry to get your registration. RIDE AWAY and follow the running in instructions on this website!

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