VEHICLE ASSESSMENT SIGNATORY SCHEME
The Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) is a scheme for the certification of
modified, imported, and individually constructed vehicles in Victoria. Participants in VASS
are able to issue an Approval Certificate for registration purposes in Victoria.
To obtain an Approval Certificate you will need to engage the services of a VASS Signatory
authorised to certify the class of modification or vehicle for which you need the certificate.
A VASS Signatory who provides an Approval Certificate must:
Personally inspect the vehicle;
Ensure all work, including any modifications, are correctly carried out; and,
Certify that the vehicle complies with the applicable standards.
The VicRoads Copy of the Approval Certificate must be presented, together with the vehicle,
at a VicRoads Registration and Licensing Office for registration, or to have its description
changed. If the vehicle is to be registered, the usual supporting documentation will also need
to be supplied.
Note: VicRoads cannot accept an Approval Certificate more than 30 days after the date
of issue. However, this time period can be extended for modified Heavy Vehicles,
provided the vehicle has not travelled more than 1000 km after the certificate is
issued.
Valuing your vehicle for Customs purposes
The Customs value of imported private motor vehicles and motor cycles (whether new or used) is assessed in the following way:
The Transaction Value Method
The Customs value of new or second hand privately imported motor vehicles or motor cycles will ordinarily be calculated using the "transaction value" method. Under this method the Customs value is based on the "price actually paid or payable" for the vehicle or cycle in a bona fide sale where the price is not influenced by any other factor.
This method will be used where the importer can show that the vehicle or cycle was purchased to be exported to Australia. The transaction value method will not be used where there is insufficient or unreliable information regarding the purchase.
In determining the Customs Value, certain adjustments may be made to the price paid by the importer to have the vehicle or cycle brought to Australia (eg. the deduction of overseas freight and insurance).
Alternate Methods of Valuation
When the "transaction value" method cannot be used to determine Customs Value, the alternate methods of valuation, as set out in Section 159 of the Customs Act will be applied in sequential order.
Where the Fall-Back alternate method is used, Customs will usually accept as the basis for determining the Customs Value, the landed cost of the vehicle or cycle in Australia as assessed by a person qualified in valuing such vehicles and cycles. Customs may then make certain deductions to determine the Customs Value of the vehicle or cycle.
The valuation procedures outlined above are applied by Customs to privately imported motor vehicles and motor cycles purchased by the importer on or after 2 March 1998. The previous set of valuation guidelines used for motor vehicles and motor cycles purchased by the importer prior to 2 March 1998 are contained in the 'Guide to the Importation of Privately Owned Motor Vehicles and Motor Cycles' included below.
Conversion to Australian currency
The Customs value of your vehicle is calculated in Australian dollars. Where it is necessary to convert any prices, costs, etc. from a foreign currency to Australian dollars, the conversion will be based on that rate of exchange in effect in Australia on the date of exportation of your vehicle to Australia.
Guide to the Importation of Privately Owned Motor Vehicles or Motor Cycles(222KB)
Customs Valuation of Imported Goods Factsheet (42KB)
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Concessions for tourists and temporary residents
As a tourist or temporary resident, you may bring a motor vehicle or a motorcycle and attached trailer or a caravan to Australia for a period of up to 12 months (or longer under certain circumstances) without paying duty on them, provided they are subsequently exported from Australia.
For this concession to apply, you will need one of the following:
a Carnet De Passages en Douanes issued by an overseas organisation which has a reciprocal arrangement with the Australian Automobile Association, or
a cash or bank security, equal to the amount of duty and GST and, where applicable, LCT otherwise payable.
If your vehicle is stolen, damaged or destroyed whilst you are in Australia you should notify Customs as soon as possible at your original port of arrival.
All fittings and accessories imported with your motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer or caravan must also be exported with that same vehicle.
