Stolen Australian cars could be finding their way into the hands of Middle East terrorists, independent senator Ricky Muir says.
The Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party senator will seek parliament's support later this month for a motion calling for tougher checks on used vehicle exporters.
Senator Muir says in his motion that terrorism experts believe four-wheel drive vehicles are being exported to Turkey and then driven across the border into Syria for use as armoured vehicles by terrorist organisations.
The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council estimates 20 passenger and light commercial vehicles are stolen and exported from Australia each week.
"If the council's estimate is accurate then this is a matter requiring serious attention," Senator Muir told AAP on Wednesday.
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"It's no secret that importing a used motor vehicle into Australia is not an easy task, even when you have all the ownership papers.
"Yet exporting a vehicle doesn't seem to have the same checks."
Exporters are not required to provide a clean "personal property securities register" report before vehicles leave Australia, he says.
The government should make such reports mandatory and investigate the issue "in the interests of national security".
Exporting a car is a simple process.
The exporter calls a shipping company or a freight forwarder and advises that they wish to export a motor vehicle from Australia.
The booking is made, the car is secured inside the container and the export declaration number is processed through Australian Border Force before the container is loaded onto the vessel and leaves the country.
ABF is not required to run a stolen vehicle check against police registers.
There is also no requirement for the exporter to record a VIN/chassis number or for the registration to be cancelled, produced or verified.
Industry experts say a better customs system would not only prevent vehicles falling into the wrong hands but reduce theft payouts and in turn contribute to lower insurance premiums.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan said he was aware of reports about vehicles heading to the Middle East.
"But there is nothing further that I can add to that," he said.
