How is Valuation Calculated on Imported Cars?

[robm3]

Howdy, we've firmed up our dates for emmigration (Dec 26th) and now getting the quotes for exporting the two cars I have.

One thing concerns me though, when I read online www.customs.gov.au it tells me that vehicle value calculation (for import duty reasons) is based on New Purchase Price not current value OR at least alludes to this.
This is a big concern because one of the cars I brought new 6 years ago.

My question is this:

Is my 6 year old Land Rover Discovery valued at A)it's £40K purchase price or B)it's current £14K value?

Makes a big difference in duty you see ($16,000 vs $4,000)

Hope someone can clear this up for me.

Thanks in advance.

Robin.

[sdseng]

Hi Robin - As a starting point give Gerry Connolly [First Vehicle Valuers] a call Mob [phone] or email [e-mail] for a "Landed value" for your vehicles. He may also offer advice on other issues as well for your importation.

Have you obtained approval from Canberra yet?


Steve

[robm3]

Steve,

Does this mean cars are actually valued at landing?
It's not what customs makes out but there again they are out to get the maximum from you.

I have got the import permit yet because I don't have a house/lease etc.. but will be over in December to rent a place. Then bring the documents back, apply and get the cars moving across.

[Bob the Planner]

In NSW my Tuscan was evaluated by the customs at the bonded warehouse - may be diferent in other states. I went down to meet him armed with a bunch of adverts from the PH classifieds and he advised me of the valuation of the car as we walked back to the car park. from what I recall, he took the UK price, doubled it and then deducted 20% for import and that was the value to pay tax on ($24000). No looking at Aussie adverts at $90000 and then having to pay luxury car tax too - best 4 hours round trip I spent I reckon.

I put in my application before I had an address, indicating that I would be renting on arrival (scanned & emailed). The paperwork was accepted and sent to the UK and I advised them of my address on arrival. May be worth ringing the office, explaining the situation and getting the application in - could be much easier getting the paperwork sorted so the vehicles can be loaded at about the same time you leave the UK, especially if you are transporting them with your other goods rather separately.

Edited by Bob the Planner on Thursday 23 September 21:48

[Steve-B]

It pays you to spend a wee bit of hard-earned Poundage and get a local valuation from an Auctioneer skilled with UK cars like the TVR. This will be the basis of your challenge to their valuation, and if the valuer is from a known auction house, likelihood is their valuation will be far lower.

Challenge, Challenge, Challenge BUT BE POLITE AT ALL POINTS. I know someone who was a real 4rse to them and frankly put, he got what he deserved! Pain misery, delays, more paperwork, and never got his car on the road!

[robm3]

Bob the Planner said:

I put in my application before I had an address, indicating that I would be renting on arrival (scanned & emailed). The paperwork was accepted and sent to the UK and I advised them of my address on arrival. May be worth ringing the office, explaining the situation and getting the application in - could be much easier getting the paperwork sorted so the vehicles can be loaded at about the same time you leave the UK, especially if you are transporting them with your other goods rather separately.

Edited by Bob the Planner on Thursday 23 September 21:48

Bob,

Good advice here, I really want to get the cars on the water before we fly out but was concerned because we don't have an address in NSW. We do however have the one way flights, all the paperwork for my wife and children's visas etc..
I'll start work on the paperwork today I think and maybe try your way. Did you call them beforehand by chance?

Also, what company did you use to do the shipping, clearance and compliance plating?

Robin.

[Bob the Planner]

robm3 said:

Bob the Planner said:

I put in my application before I had an address, indicating that I would be renting on arrival (scanned & emailed). The paperwork was accepted and sent to the UK and I advised them of my address on arrival. May be worth ringing the office, explaining the situation and getting the application in - could be much easier getting the paperwork sorted so the vehicles can be loaded at about the same time you leave the UK, especially if you are transporting them with your other goods rather separately.

Edited by Bob the Planner on Thursday 23 September 21:48

Bob,


Yes, I called them beforehand - very helpful and talked me through the process.

The shipping was part of my relocation. The guys at the reloaction agents sorted everything, all I had to do was pay the bills. All within a short distance in Sydney so about a 2 hr drive to visit. Can't lay my hands on the paperwork at the minute but will post if/when I find it.

[ariddell]

I had mine valued sight unseen whilst it was in the container at sea.

Filled out a form, attached a load of pictures detailing the cars condition and provided a 1 page covering letter giving info on everything wrong with the car to allow them to assess the landed value.

Seem to recall there was a list of customs approved valuers who could provide the service and since these guys were on their list customs didn't question the valuation they provided at all.

And it came in low..... Very low...