MEDIA RELEASEThe Hon Jim Lloyd MPMinister for Local Government,
|
 |
07 February 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:
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. Changes to Import Arrangements - Older (Used) Classic or Historic Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions Backgrounder The current Australian Government certification system for motor vehicles was established in 1989, and was further refined following a joint industry government review in 1999. Vehicles that are not supplied new to the Australian market must meet all applicable Australian Design Rules, which are minimum standards covering areas such as lighting, braking, occupant protection and emissions. Certain vehicle models that are not supplied to the Australian market by mainstream manufacturers may be imported under the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme and, in the case of used vehicles, may be modified by a Registered Automotive Workshop to meet a minimum standard of compliance with the Australian Design Rules. Vehicle standards are generally recognised as contributing towards safer roads and cleaner air. Safety standards comprise part of Australia's "National Road Safety Strategy 2001 2010". The target of this strategy is to save 3,600 lives by 2010 and to permanently reduce annual road deaths by 700. * For further information on importing vehicles into Australia and Australian vehicle standards go to www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/str_imp-cert.htm. Media Contacts
|
URL: http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/jl/releases/2005/February/l11_2005.htm