Vehicle Import Approval in Australia: ROVER & RAV Guide

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. 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.

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.

Who can help with vehicle import approval in Australia?

Commercial Vehicle Compliance (CVC) assists importers, dealers and manufacturers with Australian vehicle import approval applications through ROVER. We can review the intended pathway, identify the supporting information required, act as an authorised agent where engaged, and coordinate technical evidence where the application involves ADR or vehicle-configuration issues.

Do I need an import approval before shipping the vehicle?

Yes. The Australian Government requires an approval before a road vehicle is imported into Australia. The Department of Infrastructure manages applications through ROVER and advises importers to obtain approval before arranging shipment.

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