Cleanliness Requirements for Exporting Cars From the UK
Being located in Bedfordshire we have several local military bases where upon occasions we have been asked to prepare cars for exporting. Exporting a vehicle from the UK isn’t just about paperwork, shipping logistics, and customs declarations, which we will know very little about. But it is is about cleanliness of both interiors and exteriors . Many countries enforce strict rules around vehicle cleanliness to prevent the introduction of invasive species, soil-borne diseases, and other contaminants that could harm local ecosystems. Which when you think about is both logical and prudent. Especially when we all had the unpleasant experience of covid pandemic.
We have served the US bases as they are prominently local to us. So here is a breakdown of the rules for the United States, as well as several other key destinations where exporters need to pay close attention.
Why Cleanliness Matters in Vehicle Export
We have to clean and treat to a standard to combat the possibilities of the threats listed below
- Soil and mud containing foreign plant seeds, fungi, and bacteria
- Insects and small pests
- Organic material in wheel arches, undercarriages, engine bays, interiors, and boot areas
To protect agriculture and biodiversity, many countries require vehicles to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before entry which is where we come in.
Cleanliness Requirements for Cars Exported to the United States
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforce strict rules regarding the cleanliness of imported vehicles.
Key Requirements are as follows
Absolutely No Soil or Organic Material
The USDA mandates that all traces of soil, seeds, plant matter, and organic debris must be removed. So vehicles are jacked up (wheels removed in some cases) and thoroughly jetted through out with aggressive caustic chemical, followed by bactericidal industrial cleaner. Interiors are thoroughly cleaned with deep clean infused with bactericidal chemical and steam where required.
The areas this specifically applies to is –
- Undercarriage/Chasisis
- Wheel arches
- Tyres
- Engine bay
- Boot wells
- Radiator area
- Interiors (especially if the car has been used for off-roading or transporting animals)
While not legally “required,” steam cleaning is the most reliable method to meet USDA standards.
Cars May Be Rejected or Quarantined on Arrival
If CBP or USDA finds contamination, they can:
- Order the vehicle to be cleaned at the owner’s expense
- Delay release (quarantine)
- Impose additional inspection fees
This can result to days or weeks of delays and expensive port-side cleaning charges.
Cleanliness Requirements for Other Major Importing Countries
Depending upon the specific country there will be some stringent and some not so stringent rules for preventing biosecurity risks.
Australia
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity and quarantine rules in the world, but it is a long way to export a vehicle to there from the UK!
Requirements:
- Vehicles must be spotless, with zero soil, seeds, insects, or organic material.
- Thorough underbody cleaning is mandatory.
- Biosecurity officers inspect every vehicle on arrival.
- If contamination is found, cleaning charges are extremely high.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has similar strictness to Australia, and it’s definitely too far to walk and swim from the UK.
Requirements:
- Pre-export cleaning is mandatory.
- Vehicles must be free of mud, leaves, insects, and food debris.
- MPI frequently orders re-cleaning if standards aren’t met.
Additional Risk:
New Zealand screenings include checks for brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB), especially for cars shipped during high-risk seasons.
Canada
Canada has moderately strict cleanliness rules.
Requirements:
- Vehicles must be free of soil and plant matter.
- Undercarriage cleaning is strongly recommended.
- Agricultural regions (prairies, rural areas) require extra attention.
Border officers may order car washes for contaminated vehicles.
South Africa
South Africa checks for soil contamination, especially from agricultural regions.
Requirements:
- Undercarriage and wheel area must be clean.
- No visible mud or debris.
- If contamination is found, vehicles may be held for cleaning.
Provide receipt of confirmation upon cleaning completion
We provide a fully listed completion of work carried out upon all cars that are to be exported when required. We can also provide before and after photo’s for reference/proof, upon request at cost. We advice that vehicles are not to be driven upon the road where possible after completion of the tasks in hand.
Conclusion
Cleanliness is a critical but often overlooked part of exporting vehicles from the UK. The United States, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries enforce strict biosecurity rules, and failure to meet them can lead to costly delays, cleaning fees, or even rejection of the vehicle.
For exporters, investing in proper cleaning and inspection before shipping isn’t just best practice—it’s essential for smooth international transit and we are happy to assist. Get in contact here to see if we can assist you upon the vehicle exporting requirements?
We provide fully insured mobile/static valeting and detailing vehicle services. Catering for both high value and demanding requirements of all vehicle presentation. We cover Bedfordshire and surrounding counties, but also travel further afield when required.