Import boat from the USA to Australia. How it works, the cost and need-to-knows

Is cruising Australia’s vast coastlines and exploring its spectacular waterways and oceans in your own boat or yacht a long-held dream? A fast growing industry, it is estimated the number of luxury boats and yachts in Australia has increased by more than 50% between 2018 to 2024.¹

If you’re ready to join these numbers and you’ve discovered your ideal boat at the perfect price in the USA, you may be wondering whether importing it to Aus is permitted.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at what’s involved with importing a boat from the USA to Australia. We’ll delve into how it works, import duties, which ports are used and more so you can decide if this is the right move for you.

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Table of contents

Can you import a boat from the USA to Australia? How does it work generally - Steps involved 1. Ensure compliance with Australian Standards 2. Research import requirements and gain approval 3. Adhere to biosecurity and quarantine regulations 4. Determine customs duty and GST 5. Prepare documentation 6. Make shipping Arrangements Ways to import a boat into Australia Customs for importing boats into Australia from the USA What is the import duty on boats? Cost to transfer a boat from the USA to Australia Which ports are used to import boats from the USA into Australia How long does boat shipping take? What happens once you receive your boat Companies that handle boat imports into Australia from the USA Keep in mind Send money the Wise way

Can you import a boat from the USA to Australia?

Yes, it is permitted to import a boat, yacht or pleasure craft from the USA to Australia.² However, there are several conditions and restrictions related to this and duties (taxes) may be payable.

We will cover all of this in more detail further on.

How does it work generally - Steps involved

To ensure a smooth importing process of a luxury boat or yacht from the USA to Australia you will need to adhere to the following general steps:

1. Ensure compliance with Australian Standards

The boat must comply with Australian standards for safety and equipment. It is strongly recommended to review this before making a purchase or trying to initiate the import process.

Some boats may need modifications to meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) or other regulations before being approved for import.

2. Research import requirements and gain approval

Australia has specific rules for importing vehicles, including boats. These are regulated by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications and enforced by the Australian Border Force.

You will need to familiarise yourself with what is permitted for import and may need to apply for import approval before shipping the boat.

3. Adhere to biosecurity and quarantine regulations

Australia’s strict biosecurity laws mean the boat must be free of contaminants, like dirt, algae or any invasive species or marine life. You may need to get the boat professionally cleaned or fumigated at an approved location either before it is shipped or upon arrival and have this documented.

4. Determine customs duty and GST

Importing a boat into Australia from the USA will typically incur customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST). Though this can vary depending on where the boat was manufactured – we’ll look at this in more detail below.

5. Prepare documentation

Legal paperwork outlining the purchase, such as the bill of sale, title of ownership (plus ID), certificate of origin should be prepared. Insurance documents and any permits or similar must also be ready prior to shipping.

6. Make shipping Arrangements

You’ll also need to organise international shipping through a freight forwarder experienced with journeys between the USA and Australia. They can guide you on packing, shipping methods and handling costs, where to receive your boat and what will need to occur once it has arrived.

Due to the complexity of importing a boat from the USA to Australia, we recommend considering working with a customs broker or import agent. Experts in their field, they will help you to navigate the process efficiently, prepare all documentation and avoid any unexpected costs, complications or delays.

Ways to import a boat into Australia

There are three main ways in which to import a boat from the USA into Australia, these include:

• Shipping the boat as cargo on a ship, this may include being placed in a container or being rolled on and off (RO/RO)
• Air freighting it or
• Sailing it under its own power into Australian waters

Customs for importing boats into Australia from the USA

Whether you are importing your boat via freight or sailing it in, it will be subject to customs arrival formalities.²

This will typically involve³:

• An inspection by customs officials
• Assessment of duty and GST of the value of the taxable importation (comprising the customs value, any duty payable plus transport and insurance costs)
• A biosecurity inspection

How long this process takes and exactly what is involved will depend on the method of import and the specifics of your circumstances.

What is the import duty on boats?

The customs duty is typically 5% of the boat’s value and GST is 10%, calculated on the cost of the boat, shipping and any other import-related expenses.²

However, when importing from the USA, as per the United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSTFA) there is no duty payable for boats manufactured in the USA.⁴

Strict conditions apply to this agreement including being able to prove the country of manufacture and how the import is handled, so be sure to check these in detail to avoid breaching any requirements.

Cost to transfer a boat from the USA to Australia

Exactly what it will cost to transfer a boat from the USA to Australia will be unique to your circumstances. Factors influencing these costs include:

• Whether permits are required
• How the boat is imported (sailed, shipped, air freighted)
• The size and weight of the boat
• Whether any modifications or repairs are required for compliance
• Whether any biosecurity measures such as cleaning and fumigation are required
• The duty payable based on its value, shipping costs or similar
• Whether you engage a specialist importer to assist
• Quarantine inspection charges and more.

Again, to obtain an accurate idea of costs and ensure there are no surprises with regards to these, it is strongly recommended to engage a professional company experienced in this area.

Which ports are used to import boats from the USA into Australia

Which US port you will be able to export your boat from will depend on your chosen freight company. Most will have specific ports they utilise for these services.

As per Australian Border Force, the ports permitted to receive boats for import in each state and territory are as follows⁵:

State or Territory	Port
New South Wales	Sydney Port Kembla (Wollongong) Eden Newcastle Lord Howe Coffs Harbour
Northern Territory	Darwin Gove
Queensland	Brisbane Bundaberg Cairns Gladstone Mackay Thursday Island Townsville Weipa
South Australia	Port Adelaide Port Lincoln
Tasmania	Hobart Launceston Burnie Devonport
Victoria	Melbourne Geelong Portland Westernport
Western Australia	Albany Broome Bunbury Carnarvon Dampier Esperance Fremantle Geraldton Port Hedland

As seen on 28 October 2024

NB: As these ports can be subject to change, it is advisable to check directly with the Australian Border Force in advance of sailing or shipping.

How long does boat shipping take?

Shipping a boat for import by sea from the USA to Australia can take between 30 to 60 days. However, this will of course vary based on your chosen method of transport and other factors regarding permits, compliance, biosecurity or similar.

Added time for customs clearance on arrival should also be expected.

What happens once you receive your boat

Following customs clearance of your boat and payment of any duties owed you’ll then need to register the boat with the maritime authority in the state or territory where you intend to use it.

Following this, you can then arrange transport to and mooring of your boat in your chosen location and begin to use and enjoy it.

Companies that handle boat imports into Australia from the USA

Several specialist companies are available to assist with importing a boat from the USA to Australia including:

• Aurora Yacht Logistics
• DAZMAC
• Import USA Boat
• Taurus Logistics

We recommend always reviewing customer testimonials and obtaining information on experience, insurance and any licensing before choosing a provider.

Keep in mind

Before deciding to import a boat from the USA into Australia, it is essential to keep in mind a few key points:

• While purchasing a luxury boat in the USA may be cheaper than in Australia, be sure to weigh up the import costs in addition to this before proceeding.
• Depending on where in the USA you purchase your boat, you may need to factor transport costs into the nearest approved port for exports also.
• Certain materials such as wood or asbestos can be restricted for import due to safety or biosecurity concerns so be sure to check your boat adheres to the rules surrounding these.⁶
• If choosing to sail the boat into Australian waters, advance notice of at least 96 hours must be provided to the Australian Border Force.³ Additionally, all crew will need to have appropriate travel documentation including visas.

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This article is purely for general information purposes and is not to be taken as financial advice. We recommend that you obtain independent financial advice before making any form of decision.

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Sources:

1. BOAT International - Market Report
2. Australia Border Force - Boat/Yacht Imports
3. Australian Border Force - Import Factsheet pg. 1, 2, 3
4. Australian Border Force - AUSFTA
5. Australian Border Force - Ports
6. Australian Maritime Safety Authority - Asbestos

Sources checked on: 28 October 2024