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Import Regulation Changes will be delayed at least a further 6 months to around mid-2019 according to today’s Media Release from Minister Paul Fletcher:
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Stakeholder consultation period ending 28 Feb 2018
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New legislation then to be passed through both houses of Parliament
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Reforms to commence 12 months AFTER the passage of legislation as the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA)
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The changes themselves remain much the same as previously announced, with a quick recap below of the key points of interest.
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The “Parallel import” of new cars is NOT happening.
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Back in August 2017 the Govt. reneged on their plans to allow the private import of new cars in direct competition with dealers.
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HOWEVER, some good news here – variants of models sold here new WILL be allowed for import (new or used) providing they are significantly different to a variant supplied new in Australia AND they meet one of the six new SEVS criteria.
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Significant differences would included things such as transmission, drivetrain, turbo / super charging, and body type.
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This would allow the import of many models such as the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO wagon, which have previously been excluded due to a lower powered / 2WD variant having been offered new in Australia.
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Another noteworthy small change with a big impact
A vehicle need only be supplied on the international market for 3 months before becoming eligible for addition to the new SEVS. Previously this was 18 months.
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Among other models which took some time to be first released in Australia, this should allow import of the first year or two of R35 GTR’s.
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A new “rolling” 25 Year Rule will allow unrestricted import of passenger vehicles, light commercials and motorcycles that are at least 25 years old.
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Age would be evaluated based on the month of manufacture (at the time of vehicle import approval application) as per the current 1988 and older rule.
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Additional changes affecting the import of vehicles newer than 25 years (under a modified SEVS)
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No compliance limits for Registered Automotive Workshops (RAWs)
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Standardised model reports will make compliance cheaper and easier (and more available for rare vehicles)
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Catalytic converters and tyres will no longer require replacement
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Compliance plates will not be used
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A new Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) will be set up by the Govt. and controlled by the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information Services (NEVDIS) – this is an online, publicly searchable database of approved vehicles (via the VIN)
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Once a vehicle is complied by a RAW, independent third-party inspection will be undertaken by an Authorised Vehicle Verifier (AVV) – to prevent conflict of interest an AVV cannot be associated with a RAW
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Increased Govt. monitoring and investigation powers, plus new enforcement tools including infringement notices, civil penalties and enforceable undertakings
