When you’re preparing to ship a car to Australia, there’s more to think about than just the transport and customs paperwork. One of the most important and sometimes overlooked requirements is the Asbestos Test Certificate. According to Australian Border Force regulations, any vehicle that is 10 years old or more must be proven asbestos-free before importation. That proof comes in the form of a formal asbestos test certificate, obtained through proper inspection and laboratory analysis. Why Australia is strict on asbestos Australia enforces a complete ban on asbestos due to its serious health risks. In vehicles, asbestos can still be found in older brake pads, clutch linings, gaskets, insulation materials and even some engine parts. Even if your vehicle was built in a country that phased out asbestos years ago, the requirement to test still applies.
How to ship a car to Australia:
1. Confirming eligibility – Ensure your vehicle meets Australia’s import regulations and is permitted entry under the appropriate import scheme.
2. Arranging asbestos testing – Required for all vehicles over 10 years old and recommended for others if there’s any uncertainty.
3. Choosing a shipping method – Options include container shipping (for extra protection) or roll- on/roll-off (RORO) shipping for a more cost-effective option.
4. Preparing the vehicle – Clean thoroughly inside and out to meet Australia’s strict biosecurity requirements.
5. Completing customs paperwork – This includes the asbestos test certificate, import approval, and any relevant export documents.
What if you don’t get the certificate?
If you attempt to ship a car without the correct asbestos documentation, you could face:
 Significant delays at the Australian port of arrival
 Costly local testing (often more expensive than arranging it in the UK)
 Possible refusal of entry or return of the vehicle
 Risk of fines and legal issues
How the testing works
When you ship a car with us, we can arrange the asbestos test before it leaves the UK. This involves nspecting the vehicle for asbestos-containing parts, taking samples and sending them to an accredited lab, providing the official certificate required by Australian authorities. This way, when your car arrives in Australia, it passes straight through the compliance checks without unnecessary delays or costs.
Don’t leave it to chance Even if your car is “only” 10 years old, the safest approach is to complete the asbestos testing before shipment. The rules are clear, and preparation is far cheaper than dealing with problems at the port. If you plan to ship a car to Australia, get the asbestos test done early. It’s a small step that could save you time, stress, and money later. Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Vehicle Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment. Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk