Applies to all vehicle models newer than 25 years where at least 3 months have passed since the model was first made available in another country. Certain models that were sold here can still be imported if they are “significantly different” versions of the locally sold model.

Significantly different is defined here

• An application must initially be made for each model to be evaluated, approved and added to the eligible model list.
• Eligible vehicle models and approved compliance workshops and model reports under new SEVS can be viewed on the ROVER system.
• How to use ROVER to check import eligibility and compliance
• 1st eligibility test for SEVS – the same vehicle model CANNOT have been sold in Australia new (in full volume) by the manufacturer during the same time period.
• This blocks many standard models of sedan, people mover and SUV sold new in Australia that you may be familiar with such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Honda, Land Cruiser, Range Rover and so on – ie. if you could have bought the same year, make, model and specification new in Australia, then that vehicle cannot be imported secondhand under SEVS.
• There is one interesting exception here – if an overseas model has design characteristics that are ‘significantly different’ to the locally sold model then it may be considered eligible for import as a different variant.
• So if the manufacturer decided not to offer all variants (or perhaps a special commemorative model) for sale in Australia, you may be able to import one of those, either new or secondhand.
• Differences are evaluated on a case by case basis, and an application will need to be submitted to the Govt. together with supporting evidence.

What does significantly different mean ?

For vehicles of 12 tonnes or less (ie. regular passenger vehicles):

(a) the capacity, configuration or induction of an internal combustion engine;

Examples – 2L engine vs 1.8L engine, turbo / super charged vs normally aspirated.

(b) the type of motive power driving the engine or motor;

Examples – plug-in hybrid vehicle vs standard hybrid is considered significantly different, but running on unleaded petrol vs premium unleaded petrol is not.

(c) the transmission or drivetrain system;

Examples – different number of gears such as 6 speed vs 5 speed, manual transmission vs automatic, all wheel drive or rear wheel drive vs front wheel drive.

(d) the body shape;

Examples – different number of doors, coupe or sedan vs hatchback or wagon.

(e) the vehicle category;

(f) where the application is made on the basis of the mobility criterion – features designed to assist people with a disability;

Examples – disabled access vehicles with factory-fitted powered chairs for entry, rear ramps etc.

(g) or any other differences in the discretion of the Minister

A model may also be considered a significantly different variant if it exhibits differences in more than one of the following design characteristics:

– colour, upholstery, trim or other cosmetic features;

– same engine but different engine tuning or software;

– marketing name;

– other differences in the discretion of the Minister

Once a model passes the initial tests above, to be approved for import it must then meet any

ONE of the following SIX criteria:

• Performance – power to weight threshold
• Must produce at least 110 kW/T (kilowatts per Tonne) if manufactured before 1 January 2020, or if manufactured after 1 January 2020 must produce at least 130 kW/T.
• Environmental Performance – low emissions, alternate power source to internal combustion (of oil or gas), or micro-car (such as 660cc kei cars):
• Originally designed and manufactured to use an alternate means of propulsion to internal combustion of gas or oil either exclusively, or in addition to an internal combustion engine, e.g. hybrid or fully electric;
• Meets or exceeds the national road vehicle emissions standards at the time of application (or as determined by the Minister). This figure will change over time as vehicles generally become more fuel efficient);
• Micro-car (kei-class car) with less than 660cc / 47kW, and under 3.4m long x 1.48m wide.
• This allows the import of a wide range of hybrid models and kei cars that were not sold new in Australia.

   

Browse the current hybrid electric import options

Mobility – originally manufactured or fitted from the factory with substantive specialist mobility features to assist people with disabilities. Features would include rear ramps for wheelchair access, lift up and out style powered access seats, and portable wheelchair car seats.

Rarity – total worldwide production of the vehicle ‘Make’ < 3000 units per year; or total worldwide production of the vehicle ‘Model’ < 1000 units per year; or total worldwide production of the vehicle ‘Variant’ < 100 vehicles per year.

• *The production number thresholds are based on annual average over the life of the model.
• *Left-hand drive vehicles imported under the rarity criterion will not require conversion to right-hand drive BUT will still need to meet relevant State or Territory registration requirements prior to road use (these vary between 0 and 30 years). So in some cases this will mean a model CAN be imported, but CAN’T be road registered until old enough to meet the relevant LHD regulations for that location.
• Left-hand drive – originally manufactured as a left-hand drive vehicle AND not available as an originally manufactured right hand drive vehicle in another world market.

Must be in one of the following vehicle categories:

(i) Passenger Car (MA);

(ii) Off-road Passenger Vehicle (MC);

(iii) Light Goods Vehicle (NA);

(iv) Medium Goods Vehicle (NB);

(v) Heavy Goods Vehicle (NC);

These vehicles will require conversion to right hand drive for safety reasons, at the time of compliance. Campervans and Motorhomes – originally manufactured as a campervan or motorhome OR suitable for such modifications as would be necessary to convert it into a campervan or motorhome in compliance with the applicable standards determined by the Minister.