Boat Shipping - Import Regulations in Australia

Import Regulations in Australia

Yachts are subject to a common duty rate of 5% based on the customs value (generally, the price) and 10% GST calculated on the customs value plus international transport, insurance and the duty.

Yachts imported for private use are generally valued using the transaction way of valuation when purchased abroad new or second-hand for export to Australia. The Customs may use another method of valuation under the following circumstances: the yacht was constructed by owner or his wage labourers; the yacht has been extensively altered since buying; the purchaser and seller are related parties and that relationship has influenced the price of the boat; or the purchase was made too long ago and its price is irrelevant.
In the above cases the yacht will be valued by a marine surveyor in Australia. Such valuation will be grounded on the market cost and will contain other elements, such as customs duty and GST. Customs will have to deduct the above elements plus overseas transport from the local valuation.

Such vessels as sailing boats, motor boats or boats can be imported without payment of customs duties and GST on the ground of one vessel per family per 3 years. A vessel can enter the country duty free only if customer is able to satisfy the collector of customs at the port of entry that: (1) The owner of imported boat intends to reside permanently in Australia; (2) The importer has owned and used the boat overseas for the period of 12 months right before his departure for Australia; (3) The proof is given to Customs that the boat will not be sold or otherwise disposed of in Australia, by (or on behalf of himself) within 24 months after its importation into Australia; (4) The boat is designed for sporting purposes or recreational use in sheltered waters, and conforms to one of the following detailed elaborations: (a) vessels propelled by manual or pedal power; (b) sailing vessels which, in the sailing conditions, do not exceed 2.5 metres in width at any part; do not exceed 1000 kilograms weight in unloaded state; don’t include any mechanism for propelling the vessel by power (e.g. - auxiliary motor); don’t belong to the deep keel type; (c) powered vessels, which don’t transcend 7 metres in general length; don’t transcend 2.5 metres in width at any part; don’t transcend 1250 kilograms loaded, unladen weight (i.e. with driving units and transmissions) or 800 kilograms unladen weight without regard for driving units and transmissions.

Note: If the imported vessel is carried on a boat trailer, the trailer is required to have a valid Authority to Import from the Australian Vehicle Safety Standards Office. Import documentation: registration documents, purchase receipts.

Registration of private boats
The legislation of all States in Australia require that the majority of recreational (pleasure) vessels to be registered. Each State has somewhat different definitions and exemptions but by and large if its got an engine or is over 5 metres in length, registration will most likely be required. An owner will have to gather some documents and pay a fee, which differ from state to state.

Every registered boat should have a registration certificate and a registration label attached to the vessel. Transfer of registration and the documentation required varies from state to state.