How Import Vehicle Compliance Works in Australia

From early approval to road-ready registration, we manage the entire compliance process for your imported vehicle in Australia.

Early VIA approvalbefore shipping

Full compliancein-house

Fixed process& clear timelines

AVV inspection& RAV entry

Road-readyin NSW

Talk to our team

Two stages from approval to road-ready

Stage 1

Pre-Shipment (Japan)

We assess and apply for VIA approval before the vehicle is shipped.

Provide vehicle information

You send us the auction sheet & invoice.

We assess & confirm eligibility

We review and confirm the vehicle can be approved for import.

VIA application

We lodge the application with the Department of Infrastructure.

VIA approval issued

Once approved, the vehicle is cleared to be shipped to Australia.

Stage 2

Post-Arrival (Australia)

We complete the compliance process at our workshop and get it road-ready.

What is VIA Approval?

Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) is issued by the Australian Department of Infrastructure and confirms the vehicle can be imported and complied in Australia.

We prepare and lodge the application on your behalf
Approval is linked to the vehicle (not to a person)
Required before the vehicle can be shipped
Typically 1–4 weeks (varies by case and Department workload)

What we need from you

Auction sheet

(clear grade)

Invoice / Purchase invoice

Any additional spec sheets

(if available)

Photos

(optional)

After VIA Approval

You're ready to arrange shipping to Australia. We'll guide you on port booking and arrival.

Stage 2: Post-Arrival Compliance Process (Australia)

Vehicle Arrival

Vehicle arrives in Australia and is discharged.

0–3 days

Initial Inspection & Assessment

We inspect the vehicle and create a compliance plan & quote.

1–2 days

Compliance Work

(Modifications if required)

Our in-house team carries out the required work to meet ADR standards.

1–7 days

Internal Quality Check

We check all work is completed and ADR-compliant.

0.5–1 day

AVV Inspection

Approved Vehicle Verifier (AVV) inspects and issues the compliance certificate.

0.5–1 day

RAV Entry

We lodge the compliance details into the RAV system.

0.5–1 day

Road-Ready

Vehicle is compliant and ready for registration.

Same day

Total post-arrival time: typically 2–12 working days (varies based on vehicle condition and required work).

Documents Required

VIA Approval

(issued by Dept.)

Invoice / Purchase Invoice

Export / De-registration Certificate

Auction Sheet

(grade sheet)

Bill of Lading

or Shipping Docs

Port Entry

(if available)

Identification

(when required)

We handle all compliance paperwork and submissions on your behalf

Compliance Service Includes

In-house compliance work & modifications
ADR compliance inspection
AVV inspection
RAV entry
Documentation & submission
Road-ready support

Payment Structure

30%

Deposit

To start VIA application & secure your booking

Balance

Before vehicle release or delivery

Please Note

Extra compliance items (tyres, parts, repairs, additional mods) are quoted separately.
All prices are in AUD and include GST unless stated otherwise.
Payment terms are confirmed with your quote.

Extra Items (If Required)

Some vehicles may require additional items to meet Australian standards.

Tyres

(Load/Speed rating)

Modifications

(ADR compliance)

Repairs

(Body/Chassis/Other)

Other Parts

(Brackets, Lights, etc)

We'll provide a clear quote before any additional work is carried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

VIA approval means Vehicle Import Approval. For eligible imported vehicles, the VIA application must be lodged before shipping where required. The vehicle must have valid import approval before it can proceed through Australian compliance, AVV inspection, and RAV entry.

VIA Approval

What is VIA approval?

How long does VIA approval usually take?

VIA approval usually takes 1-4 weeks, depending on Department processing, document quality, vehicle details, and application requirements. Timing can vary, so Carbarn checks the vehicle details and supporting documents before the import and compliance process continues.

Documents

What documents are required for compliance?

Required documents may include the vehicle invoice, export or deregistration certificate, auction sheet, vehicle photos or port images, import approval details, and customer identification or authority documents where required. Carbarn checks the document set before starting the compliance pathway.

Workshop Compliance

What happens during workshop compliance?

Workshop compliance is completed after the vehicle arrives. This may include compliance preparation, required documentation, checks, modifications where required, and confirmation that the vehicle can proceed to AVV inspection and RAV entry under the applicable import approval and compliance pathway.

How long does compliance work usually take?

Compliance work usually takes 2-12 days after the vehicle is ready for the compliance stage. Timing depends on the vehicle, workshop workload, required documentation, parts availability, AVV inspection timing, and whether any ADR-related or roadworthiness items are required.

AVV / RAV

What is AVV inspection?

AVV inspection is an independent inspection step required before eligible imported vehicles can proceed to RAV entry. After Carbarn completes the required compliance work and documentation, the vehicle is inspected before the next stage of the Australian compliance process.

What is RAV entry?

RAV means Register of Approved Vehicles. Once the vehicle has passed the required compliance process and AVV inspection, the vehicle can be entered on the RAV. RAV entry is required before the vehicle can move toward registration and road use in Australia.

ADR, Registration & Delivery

What happens if extra ADR or roadworthiness items are required?

The vehicle must meet applicable Australian Design Rules and compliance requirements. If tyres, repairs, modifications, ADR-related work, or other required items are needed, they are quoted separately before work proceeds. Carbarn explains the required items before completing the work.

Can Carbarn help with registration-ready support?

Yes. After compliance work, AVV inspection, and RAV entry are completed, Carbarn can help prepare the vehicle for registration-ready handover where applicable. Registration requirements may vary depending on the state, vehicle condition, documents, and customer delivery location.

Does compliance-only service include warranty?

Compliance-only service does not automatically include dealer warranty unless separately stated. The compliance service focuses on import approval support, workshop compliance, AVV inspection, RAV entry, ADR-related requirements, and registration-ready support where applicable.

Ready to make your import road-ready?

Book compliance with Carbarn. We'll guide you from VIA approval to NSW road-ready.