Importing Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof from India into Australia (2026)

Importing Chapter 87 vehicles and parts from India can attract preferential AIECTA duty rates, but only if a valid Certificate of Origin issued by an authorised Indian body such as the Export Inspection Council is presented at clearance; simultaneously, all vehicles must meet MVSA 2018 compliance requirements including RVCA registration or a RAW/Concessional RAV entry approval before Australian border release.

✓ FTA Active: AIECTAHS Chapter 87

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement

Chapter 87 goods originating in India may qualify for preferential duty rates under AIECTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AIECTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

⚠Obtain an Export Inspection Council COO before shipment to claim AIECTA preferential duty rates at the border.
⚠Confirm each vehicle has RVCA approval or secure RAW/Concessional RAV entry approval prior to import clearance.
⚠Ensure used vehicles meet the clean, dry and free of contamination standard to avoid costly DAFF biosecurity treatment on arrival.
⚠All road vehicles must comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (MVSA) — vehicles not on the Road Vehicle Certificate of Approval (RVCA) register require a RAW (Registered Automotive Workshop) or Concessional RAV entry approval before import clearance
⚠New and used vehicles are subject to DAFF biosecurity inspection for soil, plant material and pests — used vehicles and machinery must be cleaned to 'clean, dry and free of contamination' standard or face mandatory treatment costs at the border
⚠Anti-dumping measures apply to certain steel road wheels from China (Case 2014/1) — importers of steel wheels must check the Anti-Dumping Commission register and may be liable for dumping duty in addition to customs duty
⚠Electric vehicles and e-bikes with lithium-ion batteries must comply with the Australian Consumer Law and relevant Australian Standards (AS/NZS 62133 for batteries) — ACMA type approval is required for any wireless components such as keyless entry or Bluetooth systems
⚠Personal imports of vehicles over 25 years old via the Enthusiast, Left Hand Drive or other concessional pathways require a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Department of Infrastructure before shipment departs — this is a pre-import requirement, not a post-arrival fix
⚠A Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by an authorised Indian body such as the Export Inspection Council must be presented to claim preferential AIECTA duty rates at the Australian border
⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duties apply to several Indian steel products including hot-rolled coil and reinforcing bar - importers must check the Anti-Dumping Commission register before shipment
⚠Pharmaceutical and chemical imports from India must comply with TGA registration requirements and Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approvals where applicable
⚠Biosecurity declarations and inspections are mandatory for textiles, garments, leather goods, spices, and any goods with organic material that may carry pest or disease risk under the Biosecurity Act 2015

Key documents required

Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications — mandatory for most vehicle imports
Certificate of Conformity or Compliance Plate documentation confirming compliance with ADRs (Australian Design Rules) under the MVSA
Foreign registration certificate or title document (for used vehicles) to establish year of manufacture and ownership history
Commercial invoice with full VIN, engine number, make, model, year, engine capacity and FOB value — incomplete invoices are the leading cause of ABF delays for this chapter
Biosecurity declaration and evidence of pre-export cleaning or fumigation treatment (DAFF-approved treatment certificate where applicable)

Import tip

Always lodge the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) application before the vessel departs the origin port — the Department of Infrastructure does not issue retrospective approvals and ABF will not release the vehicle without one, meaning demurrage and storage costs accumulate rapidly while you wait.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 87 goods from India — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed Cost Find HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from India

Ch.62Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted Ch.61Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted Ch.72Iron and steel Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof Ch.29Organic chemicals Ch.52Cotton