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Location:
Adelaide
Registered:
June 2003
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 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 09:13
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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
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Location:
Queensland
Registered:
February 2005
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 09:19
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It was going to happen sooner or later.
Cheers
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Location:
Epping, Sydney
Registered:
April 2003
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 09:49
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according to the media release from the government, and I quote
Under the new rule:
Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989 may be imported without restriction.
BUT
The buffer period (between collectible vehicles and mainstream vehicles) will be gradually extended over time ? up to a maximum of 30 years.
boo
and for the lame clincher..
?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.
So, you will still be able import MA71's, 70s, ST165s, Celsiors and stuff it seems
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Location:
Epping, Sydney
Registered:
April 2003
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 10:04
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yep exactly
it also seems like later (Post Jan1 1989) cars CAN come in, but have to comply with certain 'standards', flexible I am sure 
anyway these are the three things
1) will need to qualify under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS)
2) will need to be certified as complying with Australian Design Rules (applicable at the date of manufacture)
3) Vehicle models must meet the specialist and enthusiast criteria
So the vehicles must be listed as a "specialist" vehicle, must comple with the Australian Design Rules, and must qualify under RAWS. Does that pretty much rule everything out?
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
November 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 11:05
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so anything delivered local is instantly ruled out.
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I Supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.vic.au
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 11:33
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Does that mean I *might* be able to get an MA61 from Japan?
I haven't had enough time to read the post above....
Cheers.
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Location:
Epping, Sydney
Registered:
April 2003
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 13:59
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yeah, I REALLY wanted a 1990 Celsior, but there goes that dream.. I don't know WHY they made 1989 the cut off... seems very arbitrary to me, and annoying too
thanks to the guys at J-Spec
For anyone who wishes to read the full media release it can be found here:
http://www.j-spec.com.au/MediaRelease.pdf
And an FAQ on the changes to these laws:
http://www.j-spec.com.au/FAQ.pdf
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
June 2004
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Mon, 07 February 2005 22:31
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No, no, no, no, NO ! !
You illiterate cocks! ! !
Like Rob_RA40 said, this ruling only affects models that were sold from new in Australia. JDM-only stuff is unaffected, as it currently comes in under the RAWS scheme. I haven't heard any mutterings about messing with the RAWS-list (I know an import dealer), but I've got a feeling that the R32 GTR may get fvcked over, since Nissan sold about 100 of them new to qualify for the Group A touring cars. Just as it was just starting to come in CHEAP under the 15yr rule (Low $20k's) - D'oh ! ! 
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
June 2004
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 01:23
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http://raws.dotars.gov.au/
Guess I was wrong about privately importing a car, and a RAW complying it:
From the DOTARS site:
* a RAW must have ISO9001 Quality Management System certification;
* a RAW must be a corporation;
* a used vehicle can only be imported and plated by a RAW;
* inspection and approval is on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis; and
* the RAW is responsible for signing off all vehicles imported and modified by the workshop.
It's basically all about keeping the "dodgey brothers" backyarders out of business, and making sure all imports comply with the important ADR's when they're registered in Australia.
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Location:
perth
Registered:
October 2003
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 02:24
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ITS STILL OK! THE RULE HAS NOT ACTUALLY COME IN YET!!!
i recieved an email today from an importer saying that the rule will not take effect until march.
email:
"RE: 15 Year Old Import Ruling (Recent changes)
After clarification with DOTARS, it seems that we have received a temporary reprieve. The new changes will not actually come into affect until the news is made official in March 2005. The exact date in March has not been released, but our advice at this stage is that we have until at least March 1 to continue on and purchase cars THAT ARE ELIGABLE TO BE IMPORTED immediately.
IE: From now until the official announcement of the new changes, we can only buy cars that are currently 15 years or older.
This means that any vehicle purchased before the changes are officially released is exempt from the new rules. YOU HAVE APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH TO BUY A 15 YEAR OLD VEHICLE!!....Then its pretty much all over. "
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
November 2003
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 02:26
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eh? I was under the impression that you could still get cars made before 1989 under the 15 year rule, for like... ever. It's just the gap between SEVs and the new 30 year rule where RAWS takes effects?
Sorry if I'm wrong.
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Location:
Epping, Sydney
Registered:
April 2003
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 02:29
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READ THIS
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According to the media release, vehicles purchased prior to Feb 7th 2005 can still be imported under the old 15 year old law. However, there is a brief period between the media release of Feb 7th and when the regulations are ammended during which 15 year old vehicles can still be purchased and import approval can be applied for. While no firm timeframe can be given for this period before the ammendment is made, we believe it will be approximately 3 weeks. During this time any 15 year old vehicle purchased MUST have import approval applied for before the ammendment, and the vehicle must be 15 years or older during this time, meaning only February 1990 vehicles and earlier can be purchased.
Since the exact date of the ammendment coming into effect is not known, to be safe any vehicles purchased must have import approval applied for on the same day as purchase and buyers must be able to pay for cars immediately. We expect that there will be an increase in the price of some cars (particularly those at auction) however the extent of this is difficult to tell. Whatever the case this is the absolute last opportunity to purchase some models (even if it is at a slightly higher price) and if interested people are encouraged to contact us immediately as time is short.
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Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 02:57
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Guys.
I have just moderated the absolute SHIT out of this thread, removing all the off topic crap, arguments, misinformed comments etc.
I have done this for a couple of reasons.
# This is a very important topic, and it effects a large number of car enthusiasts both on this forum and in the wider community. Thus accuracy of information within this topic in my mind is imperative.
# There was a large volume of off-topic and other posts which made following the actual information and topic line in this thread impossible.
# I would like this thread to remain free of crap, and only with ON-TOPIC and legitimately informed posts only. IE. copies from the DOTARS website or press releases, not just my mate rekons he can import XYZ for $20.00 etc etc.
So please, keep it on topic - i feel this is an important discussion which deserves PROPER responses to share information on what can otherwise be a confusing change to the importation laws within australia.
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Location:
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:06
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It's all a good thing in the end.
They have to give us genuine good non-accident cars that are factory stock, (no dodgy bro's mods). That alone makes it worth it.
We can still import cars, just not any that were made available here locally, and that's the main reason we import them anyway isn't it?  Because we have such a shit market we have to import the good stuff they don't release here.
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
June 2004
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:07
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ROFLMAO -  - -
Hijack Central eh?
Anyhoo - what happens to teh R32 GTR ? -Strange if you can import an R32 N/A automatic GTS, but not Godzilla. This is how I understand it may shake out though. The R32 skyline is on the RAWS list, but there's nothing relating to specific models within the R32 series. So - Does teh massif, hardkore GTR get excluded because of the 100 cars sold new here?
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Location:
Baulko Hillo
Registered:
April 2004
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:12
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| st184 sillycar wrote on Tue, 08 February 2005 14:07 |
So - Does teh massif, hardkore GTR get excluded because of the 100 cars sold new here?
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That's what I want to know..... But my question got deleted!
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Location:
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:19
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| st184 sillycar wrote on Tue, 08 February 2005 13:07 |
ROFLMAO - - -
Hijack Central eh?
Anyhoo - what happens to teh R32 GTR ? -Strange if you can import an R32 N/A automatic GTS, but not Godzilla. This is how I understand it may shake out though. The R32 skyline is on the RAWS list, but there's nothing relating to specific models within the R32 series. So - Does teh massif, hardkore GTR get excluded because of the 100 cars sold new here?
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Well the list has:
MA Nissan Skyline R32 R32 01/1989 06/1991 06/1992 1994
If it is the r32 series and falls within those build dates, then I see no problem at face value. 
Of course an importer will know more.
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Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:44
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so what happenned ot the last thread?
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Toymods Vice President
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:51
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There are a list of requirements for a car to qualify to be imported as a SEVS import. These include a minimum power to weight ratio, ruling out your example NA auto R32. It also has to be an "enthusiast car" and have been featured in an "Enthusiasts publication" such as HPI.
There are a variety of other criteria that must be met but I will leave that to you guys to learn about at http://www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/str_sevs.htm.
Basically what this means is that any car built after January 1 1989 must comply to the SEVS standards and be complied by a RAW to be able to be imported. Meaning that unless there is a big market for a model it will not be imported due to the cost and complexity of getting SEVS approval.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 03:51
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This is the last thread only modified. As for R32's, aren't there power/weight criteria that would prevent N/A auto R32's from coming in?
As for the R32 GTR, it does seem kinda silly, but they have to draw the line somewhere and not make exceptions for particular models. All you can do is develop a deep seated hatred with Nissan Australia for spoiling it for you with those 100 cars
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Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 04:04
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sorry i had to do so much moderating, i tried to keep all the genuine questions in there but must have chopped yours too.
A couple of points i'd like to make from what i know about importing cars made after 1988.
# SEVS is still in place AFAIK, its just that to get your car complied under the SEVS rules you must take it to a RAWS workshop.
# RAW(s) = Registered Automotive Workshop. The only place allowed to comply a car imported under the SEVS scheme. They have to buy licences to comply certain models of car, and can only import a limited number of that model. They must be ISO9001 certified and regulated so as to protect the consumer (you and me)
# The criteria for a car being allowed to be imported is determined by DOTARS. This information should be available on their website or from your local vehicle importer. Typically they are special sports models, models not available in australia, etc etc.
# What your mate says about SEVS, RAWS and the old 15yr rule is most likely WRONG... unless you mate is either an RAWS workshop, 15yr importer, or works for DOTARS. Check the information out for yourself to be sure of ANYTHING.
------------------------------------
there were also some questions...
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Does that mean I *might* be able to get an MA61 from Japan?
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Yes you can. Under the current ruling, any car built before 01/1989 can be imported without resitriction (like the old 15yr rule). You just have to perform a couple of simple modifications and have it certified by an engineer - contact your local roads and traffic authority for exact details.
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yeah, I REALLY wanted a 1990 Celsior, but there goes that dream.. I don't know WHY they made 1989 the cut off... seems very arbitrary to me, and annoying too
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In 1990 there were a fair few changes to the ADRs which would have made it hard to certify modifications to the cars making them compliant with ADRs for their build date.
If you have the money now - im sure that J-Spec probably has a celsior or two which they have made a financial commitment to or already have the VIA for... meaning you can import them.
VIA = vehicle import approval.
I think i covered ebverything i wanted to....
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Toymods Vice President
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 04:22
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This http://www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/Circular0-2-12.p df is the document that spells out the criteria for a car to be elligle for SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) approval.
It is fairly hard to get a good understanding of.
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Location:
Sydney
Registered:
September 2004
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Re: 15 year import rule abolished!
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Tue, 08 February 2005 06:43
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From my understanding:
It's still pretty much the same.
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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.
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and again
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This new rule will reinstate a level playing field within the industry. Vehicles supplied to the same market will be subject to the same regulatory environment
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From my understanding this means the Government is saying cars newer than 15 years old will have to meet ADR (Australian Design Rules) and some other kind of criteria to be 'safe enough' for the Australian public.
Big deal. More testing and stuff we gotta pass. It will be a bit more of a hassle.
Under the new rule:
| Quote: |
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.
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Isn't this basically what happened under the old rule?
The Government is just making it harder (placing extra safety standards that they have to meet) for cars newer than 15 years old.
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