Hi
Recieved this from the CMC, council of motor clubs.
1302Steve
Shipping a car overseas may not be plain sailing
No doubt many of us have heard the stories of untold riches to be gained by sending your XYZ - GT overseas where there are plenty of eager buyers "hanging out" for just that model because over there they have all rusted away/gone to the crusher/fell apart (strike out to suit your version). Well it MAY be true and with the Australian Dollar the way it is, the Americans in particular must see our cars etc. as almost half-priced in their terms, so they may well come looking in person or more likely via the internet. The one thing that we must all understand is an Act of Federal Parliament introduced some 15 years ago known as The Protection of Moveable Cultural Heritage Act (1986). Transport objects including cars, motorbikes, trucks, tractors and many other items fall under The Act, as it is known, if they were made or assembled in Australia 30 or more years ago or, if imported, they have been in Australia for 30 years or more. To export a vehicle which falls under The Act, either temporarily or permanently, the owner must apply for a permit which involves filling in a form, providing details and the history (if known) of the vehicle, supply some photos and indicate how many similar vehicles are in Australia, particularly those in public collections such as Museums etc. If the vehicle is not extremely rare and /or has not been associated with a famous person or event then the likelihood of a permit being granted is good. If however, it is unique, rare or famous then the Minister's advisors may well recommend that a permit not be given and some means of keeping the vehicle in Australia be investigated. No one should think that they can ignore this law as the penalties are high and you may well have the car or whatever confiscated, plus a fine and possible jail term if the case is bad enough. Some folks have already found that out and claiming ignorance of the Act is not a defence. Customs Officers and Customs Agents are all aware of the rules and we have reciprocal rights with most countries so items can be reclaimed if proven to have been exported illegally.
The Minister maintains a list of volunteer expert examiners. To check over applications and report to a panel who then make recommendations to the Minister for his/her consideration. These expert examiners have good connections in the historic vehicle movement and can find out the facts on any item so it is not worth trying to hide details as that could delay an application or worse. To obtain a form you should contact the Department of Environment and Heritage in Canberra on (02) 6274 1810 or via mail to GPO Box 787, Canberra ACT 2601.
1303Steve ·