Vehicle Import Approval in Australia: ROVER & RAV Guide

Looking for a vehicle import approval consultant or ROVER agent? CVC can review the proposed import pathway, identify likely evidence requirements, act as an authorised ROVER agent where engaged, and coordinate technical compliance work where ADR or vehicle-configuration evidence is required.

Who can act as a ROVER agent for a vehicle import approval in Australia?

Commercial Vehicle Compliance (CVC) can act as a ROVER agent and technical compliance consultant for vehicle import approval applications. CVC supports importers with pathway selection, evidence review, concessional RAV entry applications where applicable, ROVER submissions and technical responses. ROVER refers to the Australian Government Road Vehicle Standards approval portal; it is unrelated to the Land Rover vehicle brand.

Commercial Vehicle Compliance (CVC) assists importers, dealers and manufacturers with Australian road vehicle import approval applications through ROVER. ROVER is the Australian Government online portal used for Road Vehicle Standards applications and approval management; it is unrelated to the Land Rover vehicle brand. The correct pathway depends on the vehicle, its history, whether it is new or used, and how it is intended to enter the Australian market.

Do you need approval before importing a road vehicle?

Yes. The Australian Government requires an import approval before a road vehicle is imported into Australia. Applications are managed through the ROVER portal. The Department of Infrastructure warns that vehicles arriving without approval may not be released from customs control and can incur storage and other costs.

Common import approval pathways

Not sure which pathway applies? CVC can review the vehicle before shipment and identify the likely approval route, evidence requirements and whether the project needs import-only support, a concessional RAV pathway, a Vehicle Type Approval strategy or additional ADR engineering work.

Depending on the vehicle and circumstances, the pathway may involve:

• Vehicle Type Approval.
• Concessional Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) entry approval.
• Non-RAV entry import approval.
• Reimportation approval.
• Registered Automotive Workshop or other specialist pathways where applicable.

Vehicle Type Approval

Vehicle Type Approval is generally the national pathway used where a number of vehicles of the same type will be provided to the Australian market. The approval holder must demonstrate compliance with the applicable national road vehicle standards and maintain the supporting information and production controls required by the RVS framework.

Concessional RAV Entry Approval

Concessional RAV entry is available for eligible vehicles that meet one of the prescribed concessional pathways. Examples can include older vehicles, certain special purpose vehicles, personal-effects vehicles, eligible trailers and vehicles to be modified through an approved Registered Automotive Workshop pathway. Eligibility must be checked against the current Australian Government criteria for the actual vehicle.

Non-RAV Entry Import Approval

Non-RAV entry can apply where a vehicle is imported for a specific purpose or temporary period and is not being entered on the RAV for normal supply to the Australian market. Examples can include racing, public exhibition, film or television work, testing and market evaluation, subject to the approval conditions.

Reimportation Approval

Reimportation is a separate pathway for eligible vehicles that were previously exported from Australia and are being brought back. The vehicle and applicant must satisfy the current reimportation eligibility requirements.

The approval pathway should be established before the vehicle is shipped. CVC can review the vehicle, intended use and available evidence and advise which ROVER application pathway should be investigated.

Concessional RAV entry approvals

A concessional RAV entry approval can allow certain vehicles to be imported and entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles where the eligibility requirements are met. An individual or company may apply, and an authorised agent can act on the applicant’s behalf with appropriate authority.

What CVC can help with

• Review the vehicle and intended import pathway before an application is lodged.
• Identify the information and evidence likely to be required.
• Prepare and manage ROVER applications as an authorised agent.
• Review ADR, vehicle configuration and supporting technical evidence where relevant.
• Assist with RAV-related documentation and approval follow-up.
• Coordinate engineering evidence where a compliance issue needs technical assessment.

Import approval is not the same as state registration

An Australian import approval or RAV entry does not automatically guarantee registration in every state or territory. Registration authorities can have additional requirements, so the intended registration location should be considered as part of the overall approval strategy.

Apply before shipping the vehicle

The Department of Infrastructure advises importers to obtain approval before arranging shipment. Assessment time can vary depending on the pathway and completeness of the application, so approval planning should start early.

Official Australian Government guidance

• Importing a road vehicle into Australia
• Concessional RAV entry approvals
• Australian Border Force – importing a motor vehicle

Need help with a vehicle import approval?

When comparing providers, look for a consultant who can assess the approval pathway, understand ADR evidence, manage ROVER documentation and explain the difference between Commonwealth import approval and later state registration. See CVC’s guide to choosing a ROVER agent or ADR compliance consultant.

Send CVC the vehicle details, country of origin, current status and intended use in Australia. We can review the likely pathway and advise what should be prepared before the ROVER application is lodged.

When should an importer engage a ROVER agent or compliance consultant?

Ideally, before the vehicle is purchased or shipped. Early review can identify whether the proposed vehicle is eligible for an import pathway, what documents or technical evidence are likely to be needed, whether ADR compliance work may be required and whether the intended Australian use matches the proposed approval route. This reduces the risk of importing a vehicle that cannot readily satisfy the intended approval pathway.

How does CVC support a vehicle import approval application?

CVC can review the vehicle and intended use, identify the likely application pathway, act as the applicant’s ROVER agent where engaged, coordinate technical evidence, review ADR compliance issues and manage supporting documentation through the approval process. Where third-party testing or specialist evidence is required, CVC can coordinate that work as part of the compliance program.

Technical content reviewed by Darren Ludecke, Managing Director | AVE | VASS Signatory. Updated September 2026.