The latest barrier to Aussies importing cars from the US (and other countries) is upon us. The Border Force department of our Customs service is now hot on all asbestos products being removed from vehicles that have been imported before they are cleared to be released to the importer.
When you consider it, its not just the obvious brake linings etc, its also gaskets and seals everywhere in the car. As is usually the case with Customs, its up to the importer to prove that the car does not contain asbestos products or they will not release it.
If there is asbestos present then the importer must have it removed (at the docks) and cleared by certified inspection at their cost. As you can imagine, this can run into thousands of dollars very quickly, and with the shipping agents charging holding fees also..... you can easily spend more than the original vehicle cost.
Just another speed bump in the road for us classic car enthusiasts here in Australia. As a side note, I had Customs remove the bulb from the dealers' travel light gift in the glove box from one of my T-Birds as it contained "gas" that they would not allow......but the lights all through the car were considered acceptable. Go figure...
When you consider it, its not just the obvious brake linings etc, its also gaskets and seals everywhere in the car. As is usually the case with Customs, its up to the importer to prove that the car does not contain asbestos products or they will not release it.
If there is asbestos present then the importer must have it removed (at the docks) and cleared by certified inspection at their cost. As you can imagine, this can run into thousands of dollars very quickly, and with the shipping agents charging holding fees also..... you can easily spend more than the original vehicle cost.
Just another speed bump in the road for us classic car enthusiasts here in Australia. As a side note, I had Customs remove the bulb from the dealers' travel light gift in the glove box from one of my T-Birds as it contained "gas" that they would not allow......but the lights all through the car were considered acceptable. Go figure...
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