Hi all,

Im trying to desperatley form a contingency plan here. I purchased my vehicle on 8/02/2012. I began my journey from the UK heading for Australia on the 1st of May. My Carnet is due to expire on the 21st of May 2013.

I am an Australian citizen and the vehicle is here in Australia under a carnet (currently in my driveway, where it hasnt been used since i arrived)

I want to import the car permanently as I have now decided to get married and live here in Australia again

I have got permission from Customs Australia to import permanently, based on me getting my Vehicle Importation Approval from Dept. Transport & Infrastructure Australia

Here is where the complications lie.

I have been advised by Dept Trans. & Infrastructure that a VIA will be given if I have owned and had the Vehicle available for my use for a period of 12 months PRIOR to entering Australia. SO my vehicle entered Australia on 26/10/2012 under a Carnet. As of tomorrow 08/02/12, I have owned the vehicle according to my registration for a period of 12 months. BUT being that it was here under a carnet prior to this, I may not be given approval. I have been advised to submit my application anyway with cover letter explaining my circumstances and it maybe reviewed and decision maybe reached taking into consideration these awkward circumstances.

Secondly whilst on the road, unable to get my MOT renewed. I submitted a SORN decleration, making it offroad in the UK. So ofcourse the loophole I couldnt get it re-taxed on the road, without the MOT. I can forsee this being a problem importing it permantley.


Here is what I am thinking.
I will make my VIA application costing only $50 and hope for some considersation and leneancy, pay stamp duty and GST and everything is great. Get my Carnet cleared. Great result

Or

Ship back to the UK (maybe have to fly myself aswell) clear customs there. Get car fixed, and sell car and return to Australia (Really cant afford this)

Or

another option I was toying with. The Carnet Ts&Cs stipulate that "The Vehicle temporarily imported under cover of a carnet must not be loaned, abandoned, hired, sold or otherwise disposed of without the prior agreement of the customs administration of the country visited and of the issuing association"

Considering that I paid £4000 for the vehicle, does this mean my last option could be to get approval from customs here in Australia and with The royal automobile club, London and get the car destroyed (crushed). Get it certified that its been crushed and bringing the matter to an end?

Would love anybodys advice as what to do or recommendations?

Thanks all

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