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.
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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
Welcome back to Prime... where have you been hiding for the past year? 
