[paul7v7]

Got this from another forum.

L11/05

Monday February 7 2005

MINISTER ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF CAR IMPORT LOOPHOLE

A plan to tighten Australia’s vehicle importation laws that will reinforce motor vehicle safety and emission standards was announced today by the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd.

“The Government is closing a loophole that has enabled mainstream cars over 15 years of age to be imported in commercial quantities, and not subjected to safety and emission certification,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Importers of these cars were using an exemption that allows hobbyists and enthusiasts to import classic and historic cars. This exemption exists as these vehicles generally perform low mileages and are limited in numbers, and therefore represent a minimal risk to overall Australian vehicle and safety goals.

“Without such an exemption, the private importation of these types of older, collectible cars would become uneconomic.

“The closure of this loophole will only apply to those vehicles which do not fit in the classic and historic category, thus preserving the ability of hobbyists and enthusiasts to obtain older classic cars and historic vehicles.”

Mr Lloyd said a transitional arrangement would be provided for other vehicle importers who had current commitments to bring in vehicles under the old rule.

“The changeover is being introduced gradually, to allow importers and consumers time to react to the revised focus of the exemption,” Mr Lloyd said.

Under the new rule:

Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989 may be imported without restriction.
Vehicles built during 1989 (or later) will need to qualify under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) and will need to be certified as complying with Australian Design Rules (applicable at the date of manufacture). To qualify under RAWS, vehicle models must meet the specialist and enthusiast criteria.
The buffer period (between collectible vehicles and mainstream vehicles) will be gradually extended over time – up to a maximum of 30 years.

A transitional arrangement will also be established. Those importers who have already made a financial commitment before today on a vehicle manufactured in 1990 intended for future import, will be allowed to bring the vehicle into the country under the old rule up to the end of December 2005.

“This new rule will re‑instate a ‘level playing field’ within the industry. Vehicles supplied to the same market will be subject to the same regulatory environment, substantially reducing cost pressures on mainstream businesses,” Mr Lloyd said.

Media inquiries:

Mr Lloyd’s office: Fiona Telford 02 6277 7060

Technical inquiries:

Department of Transport and Regional Services: Justin Bryan 02 6274 7426