Author Topic: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)  (Read 10730 times)

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Offline Chadza

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15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:10PM »
Prestige Motorsport released this information via email today so for those of you that aren't subscribed with them or are out of the lopp this is for you.

Basically in a nutshell before today anyone could import a vehicle that was over 15 years old to the month only paying import duties. There was technically an unlimited number of vehicles you could import so long as they were over 15 years old. Each year this mean't that progressively 'later' models could be imported. Ie last year 1989 models could be imported and this year 1990 models could be..the most popular was obviously the R32 skyline. Today the government in all their wisdom or lack thereof has ruled that this rule will be frozen and progressivly rolled back to a 30 YEAR RULE!! For more info read on:

A Media Release today by the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the HON. JIM LLOYD MP, spells the effective death of the 15 year rule as we know it.  This is reproduced below for your information.  In essence, from today 7th Feb 2005, only 1988 and older vehicles can be imported under the 15 year rule.  This will be gradually increased to 30 years over time.
 
All other vehicles for road use must be imported under SEVS.  Anyone who can prove a financial commitment to a 1989 or 1990 vehicle prior to today's announcement will be exempted from the changes and will still be entitled to an Import Approval once the vehicle is 15 years old.
 
The statement mentions "a level playing field", obviously to the Australian Govt. this involves sheltering our small and uneconomical local market from imports by grossly and unfairly restricting what is allowed in after conducting limited community / industry consultation.  Not sure what happened to free trade or a fair go in this case.  And this is after setting up SEVS as a means to control the import numbers of a restricted selection of vehicles, leading to less consumer choice and much higher prices.
 
If you have any comments about the changes please direct these to the contact points shown at the end of the statement.
 
---------------------------------
 
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
« Last Edit: Feb 7, 2005, 06:22PM by ChadzaTRX »
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished!
« Reply #1 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:17PM »
well thats pretty fucked!!!

importers are going to be the most annoyed, but what can us so called hobbyist or enthusiast do???
we are the so called minority

sucks


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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished!
« Reply #2 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:21PM »
i was about to go mega happy when i read the topic, yet relising it wasn't gone but now 30 years its fuced big fucking time
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #3 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:24PM »
topic now changed to prevent false advertising claims :P

and yes I was pretty damn fucked of when I read it. Some of those 89 models were getting pretty damn cheap. Ie under about 12k fully complied.

Chad
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #4 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:28PM »
now we can watch the prices of these things jump up through the roof again.
i was hoping to import something for cheap but i am stuffed now

not happy jan!!!!


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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished!
« Reply #5 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:29PM »
As I said on OCAU, it's bullshit. I should be allowed to buy and drive any car I want aslong as it's roadworthy.

Quote
“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.

This statement is pathetic. I would imagine the main culprit of imported cars (Or those 'exploiting' this 'loophole') are those from Japan, a company with far stricter laws on things like emissions than what we have here in Australia.

Upping the age from 15 to 30 years is just another government trend band-aid 'fix' to force people to pay excessive amounts for either an import or a new car, under both circumstances I imagine they make considerable cash. Or we get screwed into buying old pieces of shit which are in far worse condition than those they claim to be outlawing.

To the Aust Government and the tards within it who made this decision and other stupid shit like it: fuck you

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #6 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:37PM »
Fu ck, i'm glad I got my car when I did and did not wait to import.

I'll add to the current theme and say... this is total bullshit!
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #7 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:52PM »
That is absolutely [swearing filters can kiss my arse]ed. The imports have to be complied through regency anyway thats total bullshit stupid damn poliies. Its bad enough that they want to impound your friggin car now with their bullshit antihoon laws, now they stop you from buying them aswell. AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGG GGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhh people are so stupid probably holden, ford, and Mitsubishi havin a bloody cry coz people would rather buy a real performnce car rather than their stoneage pieces of crap.

But no matter what stupid laws they make up to stop hooning they NEVER WILL, the more the government try to stop "hoons" in their big exhaustified, subwoofered, hoons mobiles the more determined i am to make my car the biggest and best hoonsmobile it can possibly be.

Fuckin dickmunchers

 
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished!
« Reply #8 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:56PM »
As I said on OCAU, it's bullshit. I should be allowed to buy and drive any car I want aslong as it's roadworthy.


You can still import any car you like, it just has to meet Australian Design Rules.

This statement is pathetic. I would imagine the main culprit of imported cars (Or those 'exploiting' this 'loophole') are those from Japan, a company with far stricter laws on things like emissions than what we have here in Australia.


Japan may have stricter emissions but saftey is not a major concern of theirs.

If the 15 year rule was not brought in then we would be just like new zealand. We could buy a car that is about 5 years old in good nick for less than $10k. However the local car industry would be dead.

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #9 on: Feb 7, 2005, 06:56PM »
so 88 cefi's are still available for import?

loop hole my arse! we all know the real reason (cops cant keep up with imports!)  :P

Offline Rake

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #10 on: Feb 7, 2005, 07:08PM »
If the 15 year rule was not brought in then we would be just like new zealand. We could buy a car that is about 5 years old in good nick for less than $10k. However the local car industry would be dead.

Does Japan have import restrictions? If not, and we look at how healthy their local car industry is, I'll be laughing. I don't think the sales of imports is exactly the problem, it's not like everyone WILL buy an import unless forced to do otherwise. It's about DEMAND. If local cars weren't so shit, or such poor value for money, people would probably buy them in prefrence of japanese or other imported cars. But thats not the case. Better cars overseas can be had than local cars for the same money.

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #11 on: Feb 7, 2005, 07:16PM »
Japan may have stricter emissions but saftey is not a major concern of theirs.

The Bluebird came out with ABS in 1987... did the VL commodore have any sort of ABS system?  The Falcon of the time?  I consider that a saftey concern.
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #12 on: Feb 7, 2005, 07:43PM »
Hell the VL used a Japanese engine, and I believe would have continued doing so if Nissan had've let them put Holden identifiers on the engines? Then holdens from the Vn up until the VZ (A good 13 or so years?) used an American engine. The new AlloyTec is for the global market. Goes to show how 'australian' holden is, just a part of GM selling Opels - again, hardly local cars.

Then the bluebird with things like AWD, the only 'australian' cars with AWD were the holden adventura (?) and now the Ford Territory, cars from the past couple of years with technology Nissan had over a decade ago.

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #13 on: Feb 7, 2005, 08:19PM »
whilst this ruling absolutely blows it does have one advantage.. you are ALMOST guranteed that imports under the sevs scheme have not been stacked at all as these arent allowed to be imported, another thing is that the compliance has been done properly and not a quick slap up...

keep in mind nothing has really changed, r32s can still be imported under the old scheme, everything newer (r33s, sr20 180s, etc etc etc) will be imported as they are CURRENTLY, under sevs....

everyone knew this was comming since about august when they announced a ' REVIEW ' of their current legislation due to the local car economy dying.


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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #14 on: Feb 7, 2005, 09:08PM »
The Bluebird came out with ABS in 1987... did the VL commodore have any sort of ABS system?  The Falcon of the time?  I consider that a saftey concern.

Janpanese crash testing is a lot easier to pass than Australian crash testing.

But the main reason for the rule is to protect the local car industry, because if it is lost so are a hell of a lot of jobs.

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #15 on: Feb 7, 2005, 09:25PM »
Who, apart from Ford, Mitsubishi and Holden manufacture in Australia? What about car manufacturers who import here in mass quantities and then sell through dealerships? Correct me if I'm wrong but, Kia? Hyundai? Nissan? Mazda? Toyota? General Motors (eg Opel, thru Holden)? BMW? Volvo? Volkswagen? Just to name a few?

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #16 on: Feb 7, 2005, 09:54PM »
well some nissans are actually built here in australia but anyway this sucks total balls f u c k e r s ! ! ! ! ! !
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #17 on: Feb 8, 2005, 06:53AM »
Can anyone say pressure from holden/ford?

oh well...glad i was not planning on importing anything....
i wonder if you can effectively ship the car dismantled as "parts" and get around it that way?

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #18 on: Feb 8, 2005, 09:33AM »
Yeah that was what i was thinking SSS, could a "wrecked" car be imported as "parts"? I am sure they will find a way around it.
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #19 on: Feb 8, 2005, 10:59AM »
and fyi, 99% of all new nissans are imported. Nothing from nissan is made here since 92.

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #20 on: Feb 8, 2005, 12:18PM »
you can import half cuts and whatever else dismantled but you wont get it registered unless its got import approval for that vin/engine number... could try to buy a recked one here and pull a plate job with them... like they do with stolen cars i suppose
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #21 on: Feb 8, 2005, 12:39PM »
everyone that has had the immature responses in this thread, were you even going to import anyway? and did you realise that it isnt as easy or as cheap as you think to import a car yourself or with the help of an agent rather than buying a car that is already landed?

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #22 on: Feb 8, 2005, 02:02PM »
I can't see myself importing anything soon but if I was serious about getting something like a U12 bluebird it's definatly an option I'd want to consider. It'd be at least something I'd like to consider feasable. yes the option will always be there but it's becoming an unnecessarily long, expensive, stupid process. Like, Budgie had to wait 2 years for his bluebird to appear locally and he had to settle for an auto. What chance do I have of finding one locally? And the bluebird would've been imported in the first place.

Sure it might not be as cheap or easy as it might first seem to import a car but the government can be blamed for some of those complications. I mean, why do we have to spend many thousands of dollars to compliance a car when all they basically need to do is check to see if the car meets ADR's and otherwise do what would be done at any normal rego inspection to see if the car is roadworthy?
« Last Edit: Feb 8, 2005, 02:04PM by Rake »

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #23 on: Feb 8, 2005, 02:08PM »
Well rob, my car has has not been correctly complicanced anyway.

The fuel filler was not correctly sealed, the wing mirrors are still convex instead of flat (both sides).  There is no added side intrusion protection (which is already piss weak on a car without a B pillar).

Importing would have cost me closer to 10-11 grand landed and reg'ed.  That was if they could even find a HNU12 like I wanted in good enough condition.

I'm glad somebody else went through the pain of importing my car for me, getting it all sorted then selling it to me cheaper than I could ever import one!
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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #24 on: Feb 8, 2005, 02:44PM »
I mean, why do we have to spend many thousands of dollars to compliance a car when all they basically need to do is check to see if the car meets ADR's and otherwise do what would be done at any normal rego inspection to see if the car is roadworthy?

that is exactly the point japanese cars are not adr compliant. money has to be spent to get the cars up to scratch. unfortunately this involves taxes in the form of compliance plates which suck but thats life.
« Last Edit: Feb 8, 2005, 02:46PM by noss »

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #25 on: Feb 8, 2005, 03:14PM »
Well things could still be greatly improved.

It's just that the government are working in their own interests rather than that of everyone. Sucks yes, but it doesn't make it right. :-\


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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #26 on: Feb 9, 2005, 03:46PM »
i have a few updates which i think should have been posted in this thread..

1)    Until the changes in the 15 year rule are officially "gazetted" (ie. printed in the Govt. Gazette) in either late Feb or early March, it is possible to keep buying and importing 15 year old vehicles (and applying for import approvals) that are CURRENTLY eligible (ie. up to and including Feb 1990 built vehicles);
 
2)    Any Import Approval applications made for vehicles with a build date beyond March 1990 will have to include proof of financial commitment made prior to the announcement of Feb 7th 2005.  This would entail evidence of payment for the vehicle, ie. funds transfer to Japan.  Meaning of course that it is too late now to purchase any more Mazda Cosmos (first production date March 1990) and Mitsubishi GTO's (first production date Oct 1990), but if you have financially committed to one of these vehicles or another of the same age prior to this date then you will be able to obtain an Import Approval once it turns 15 years old;
 
3)    After the changes are gazetted in March, all subsequent Import Approval applications for vehicles with a build date between Jan 1989 and Feb 1990 will have to include proof of purchase prior to the gazetting date, and Import Approval applications for vehicles with a build date between March 1990 and Dec 1990 will have to include proof of purchase prior to the media release of Feb 7th 2005.



CHANGES TO IMPORT ARRANGEMENTS – OLDER (USED) CLASSIC OR
HISTORIC VEHICLES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) What changes are being made?

The Government has decided to replace the “15-year-old” scheme with a new

exemption for hobby & recreational vehicles. This change was announced on 7

February 2005.

Similar to the 15-year-old scheme, the new scheme provides older vehicles with an

exemption from Australian safety and emission standards. Vehicles are cleared for

import, without the need to comply with the ADRs.

Hobby vehicles traditionally perform low mileages and are imported in limited

numbers. These vehicles therefore represent a minimal risk to overall Australian

safety and emission goals.

Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989, implementing the

changeover, are expected to be finalised shortly (before the end of February 2005).

Once the Regulations are amended, the 15-year-old scheme will no longer be

available to vehicles manufactured after 1 January 1989.

2) Will older vehicles still be available for import?

Yes. The ability of enthusiasts to obtain hobby & recreational vehicles will be

preserved.

The purpose of the exemption is to allow the importation of enthusiast (eg, classic or

historic) vehicles, destined for restoration and hobby use. An exemption is provided,

as individuals may find it uneconomic to import these single, one-off vehicles under

established certification mechanisms.

Traditionally, popular models have included the Ford Mustang, the

Chevrolet Corvette, the Porsche 911, the Chevrolet BelAir and the

Chevrolet Camaro. These models have centred around vintages from the 1960s and

1950s. Many other classic models have also been imported under the scheme. These

types of vehicles will continue to be catered for under the new exemption.

3) What is the new exemption?

The new exemption allows the import (without restriction) of all vehicles

manufactured before 1 January 1989. By nominating a specific date, the “buffer”

period (between hobby vehicles and mainstream vehicles) will be gradually extended

over time – up to a maximum of 30 years. This proposal generally preserves current

arrangements. 1988 (and earlier) model vehicles will continue to be available under

the exemption. The changeover will be introduced gradually, to allow importers and

owners time to react to the (revised focus of the) exemption.

In addition, a transitional arrangement will also apply. This arrangement applies to

importers who have made a financial commitment on a vehicle before 7 February

2005. The 15-year-old scheme will continue to apply for these vehicles, until

31 December 2005. That is, the transition applies to vehicles manufactured up to the

end of 1990. The purpose of the exemption is to provide a gradual changeover.

For those vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1989, and that are not covered

under the transitional arrangements, importers will need to have their vehicles

certified (as complying with the ADRs) under the Department’s Registered

Automotive Workshop (RAW) scheme.

4) Why did the Government make these changes?

The changeover to the new scheme will reinforce Australia’s vehicle safety and

emission standards. The 15-year-old scheme had been used to import regular,

mainstream vehicles in commercial quantities. These vehicles did not fit the “classic

and historic” profile. In particular, these mainstream vehicles were previously

imported through normal channels, and had been checked to ensure that they were

compliant with the standards. However, under the 15-year-old scheme, they

by-passed compliance with the Australian standards. By changing to the new scheme,

the Australian community will retain the certainty and confidence of a certification

system (for safety and emission standards).

The changeover will also ensure that vehicles supplied to the same market are subject

to the same regulatory environment. Under the previous scheme, the same vehicles

were supplied by two parallel systems (one based on compliance, one unregulated).

Many commercial importers had been placed at a commercial disadvantage, and were

leaving the industry. Imports of under-15-year-old specialist and enthusiast vehicles

had dramatically declined.

The new scheme will reduce cost pressures on mainstream businesses, and promote

the import of specialist vehicles of all ages. The Government’s intent is to provide a

level playing field. Vehicles – intended for supply to the same market – will be

subject to the same standards.

5) What is the transitional arrangement?

The transitional arrangement will apply to importers who have made a financial

commitment on a vehicle before 7 February 2005. This arrangement will cover those

importers (agents and owners) who have purchased vehicles and stored them

temporarily overseas – awaiting the time they qualify under the 15-year-old rule.

These importers will not need to dispose of the vehicle.

The 15-year-old scheme will continue to apply for these vehicles, until

31 December 2005. That is, the transition applies to vehicles manufactured on or

before 31 December 1990.

6) How long will the transitional arrangement last?

Import applications will need to be lodged with the Department on or before

31 December 2005. Applications may only cover vehicles manufactured on or before

31 December 1990.

7) What evidence will be required for the transitional arrangement?

Evidence that the importer has made a financial commitment. This includes

purchasing the vehicle, or otherwise taking an equity interest in the vehicle, before 7

February 2005. Satisfactory evidence would include an invoice or receipt clearly

identifying the vehicle.

8) Will the transitional arrangement still be based on the month of

manufacture?

Yes. These features of the previous (15-year-old) scheme will apply equally to the

transitional arrangement. The vehicle must be 15 (or more) years old when making

the application.

9) Will RAWs be able to plate vehicles more than 15 years old?

Yes. Vehicles manufactured on or after 1 January 1989, and entered on the Register

of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles, may be handled and certified by Registered

Automotive Workshops (RAWs).

10) What will happen to pre-existing older vehicle approvals?

Pre-existing approvals will continue to apply. Once approved, the vehicle is cleared

for entry into Australia.

11) What did the Government have regard to, when making its decision?

In deciding to replace the 15-year-old scheme, the Government assessed the

performance of the scheme against its goals. In particular, the objective of the scheme

was twofold:

1. to promote the availability of hobby & recreational enthusiast vehicles within

Australia. Their restoration, display and use (eg, in social events, such as

rallies) is a recognised and long-standing recreational activity within Australia;

and

2. to also support the wider goals of safer roads and cleaner air. For example,

vehicle standards are generally recognised as contributing towards Australia’s

National Road Safety Strategy 2001-2010. The strategy target is to save 3,600

lives by 2010 and to permanently reduce annual road deaths by 700.

The Government considered the impact of the 15-year-old scheme on the industry and

on the Australian community, and also considered submissions received from

stakeholders. The Government concluded that – while the scheme successfully

achieved the first objective – it failed the second objective. In particular, the scheme

had created arbitrary and artificial distortions within Australia’s motor vehicle

industry.

12) What consultation process was used?

In January 2004, the Department distributed a discussion paper, outlining the

proposed change and seeking comment. The paper was formally distributed to a wide

range of stakeholders. Since the release of the discussion paper, DOTARS has

received responses from stakeholders – some 737 submissions in total – from State

and Territory Governments, industry peak bodies, members of industry, and

individual importers and owners.

13) When will the Regulations be amended?

Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Standards Regulations 1989, implementing the

change, are expected to be Gazetted before the end of March 2005.

14) Can I continue to import vehicles 15 or more years old until the

Regulations are amended?

Yes. Until the Regulations are amended, the 15-year-old scheme continues to apply.

However, the vehicle must be 15 (or more) years old when making the application.

15) Where can I get information on RAWS?

Information can be found on the RAWS website at http://raws.dotars.gov.au. This

site contains links to general information about RAWS, guides to RAWS, relevant

legislation and a search facility.

If you cannot access the internet, you can call the RAWS team (02 6274 7297); they

will provide you with a hard copy of the information.

16) Where do I get information on vehicles entered on the Register of Specialist

and Enthusiast Vehicles?

Information regarding the Register is available from the RVCS website at http://rvcsprodweb.

dot.gov.au. The website provides a list of vehicles that are SEVS eligible,

and also a list of vehicles that have been ruled as not SEVS eligible.

17) What if the vehicle I want to import was manufactured after

1 January 1989 and is not SEVS eligible?

You will not be allowed to import the vehicle under the RAW scheme.

For further information please contact the Department of Transport and Regional

Services.

Phone: Justin Bryan 6274 7376

Email: [email protected]



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Offline JIMB0

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #27 on: Feb 9, 2005, 06:44PM »
Does Japan have import restrictions? If not, and we look at how healthy their local car industry is, I'll be laughing.

In Japan most cars are put off the road by the time they are 6 years old. That is why we get so many secondhand jap cars here and in New Zealand.

Offline Rake

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #28 on: Feb 9, 2005, 11:30PM »
How easy is it to import from NZ to Aus? Isn't there a one-year thing or something-or-other?

Offline Febrile

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Re: 15 Year Import Rule Abolished! (bad)
« Reply #29 on: Feb 10, 2005, 08:22PM »
So, am I right in saying that one has always been able to import any car from anywhere in the world, so long as it applied to the standards set here in Australia if it was produced less than 15 years ago?  And this new law means that that window extends to 30 years?  And any car produced before this can just come in to the country without any checks, etc?

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