***Importation of pre-1989 Vehicles. A Must Read***

[cpu]

[align=center]WARNING
DO NOT SHIP A MODIFIED PRE 1989 VEHICLE TO AUSTRALIA
UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED IMPORT APPROVAL[/size][/align]

It has been reported on the web that the:

" Department of Infrastructure has recently, without any form of consultation or advance warning, begun
rejecting Import approval applications for the importation of modified pre 1989 vehicles. Many innocent individuals
have been caught by this sudden change in policy, and have vehicles in transit or stranded in foreign or domestic
ports.
The Department has belatedly placed an Alert notice on their website, and have issued a new version of the Vehicle
Standards Bulletin (VSB) that relates to importation."

Click on each of the below links for more information

1) http://www.asrf.org.au/docs/Import-Bulletin-001.pdf

2) http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/general/pre1989scheme.aspx

3) http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/general/pdf/VSB10_11.pdf

[srh]

There is a lot of talk about this on various hot rod forums etc
You would think that if you have a vehicle on the way and you have an import permit for it you would be okay! :mad:

[mattlea1]

What constitutes a modified car, mag wheels?

[usmusclecars]

Good question Matt, that would be the million dollar one!
I am working on getting a reply to that exact question as we heard a car was seized because it had mags wheels.
From what we understand if you buy a 67 Camaro that has some mad blower out the bonnet etc if you can prove it was done before 89 you will be ok, but if it was done after 89 forget it you will not be granted approval.

[mattlea1]

Can you imagine how hard that would be to prove.
So would there be a problem fitting a set of standard wheels and putting the mags in the boot and any other non standard parts?

[usmusclecars]

Not sure thats what Im waiting to find out, I would think you could do that. The problems is so many cars have already left the US and if you did not have your approval inhand then thats were the problem is going to be if you did not submit a picture with your approval they will request the photo and if they do not grant approval because its modified than you are in big trouble and the costs will be in the thousands of $.
If you have submitted a false photo and you do have the approval your car can still be seized once it arrives as you have falsified your paperwork. Not even sure who is policeing the arrivals.

[68PONY]

Mick i was at price and speed when they opened the container with the olds , i didn't notice the custom guys with photos of the cars , but in saying that if the cars were modified they may have checked, after a quick look they told me all is good but will need to be cleaned, it looks like the days of bringing in a hot rod may be over.
cheers chris.

[usmusclecars]

Hi Chris, Customs do not attend the opening of containers, they are checked at the port before delivery to the depo for unloading, they will xray a container then if necessary they would open it, not 100% sure because its never happened to us, but they have been xrayed. Customs sometimes do a spot check at the unloading depo, usually looking for drugs etc with their dogs. But who knows now how they will police it.
On a happier note congrats on yours and Sharons new ride!


Cheers Yvette

[Bumblebee]

They were doing a spot check for Souvlaki!  It was for Chris you know!!

[68PONY]

Hi Chris, Customs do not attend the opening of containers, they are checked at the port before delivery to the depo for unloading, they will xray a container then if necessary they would open it, not 100% sure because its never happened to us, but they have been xrayed. Customs sometimes do a spot check at the unloading depo, usually looking for drugs etc with their dogs. But who knows now how they will police it.
On a happier note congrats on yours and Sharons new ride!


Cheers Yvette

Actually it was aqis that were there , i thought they were part of customs but are a different department more do do with quarantine i suppose.
cheers chris.