Australia
Australia
Motor Vehicle Safety
The importation of vehicles to Australia is prohibited except in very specific circumstances. Most vehicles are imported by large manufacturers that invest substantially in research and development to ensure that every new vehicle meets minimum safety standards that maintain the safest possible environment for all road users and our community. Manufacturers wanting to import vehicles to Australia for supply must first obtain a Vehicle Type Approval.
Approved companies known as Registered Automotive Workshops (RAWs) may import a limited range of used vehicles on behalf of individuals. Individuals can also apply to import vehicles to Australia. A Vehicle Import Approval is required to import a vehicle. The vehicle will not be released from customs control by the Australian Border Force (ABF) unless it has a Vehicle Import Approval.
Before a new vehicle can be registered for the first time in Australia, it must meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act). The Act applies to all new vehicles - whether road motor vehicles or road trailers. Under the Act, new vehicles are required to be fitted with an identification plate (formerly known as a compliance plate). The identification plate provides a clear indication to the state or territory registering authority - and to the owner and the general public - that the vehicle is ready for use in transport on public roads in Australia.
The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) and associated Road Vehicle Standards Acts relating to consequential and transitional provisions and charges passed Parliament in late 2018. The Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019, which cover the operational aspects of the RVSA, were made in February 2019. The RVSA will replace the existing Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) and deliver an updated and modernized system to regulate the first provision of road vehicles to the Australian market.
In Australia, the entire process from application to obtaining an Identification Plate is called Certification. The entire certification process is managed by Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
The scope of vehicle certification includes: Motor Vehicles, Trailers, Tractors, Bicycles, Used Imported Cars, Special Vehicles, etc. Component certification includes: Automotive Lamps, Rearview Mirrors, Seat Belts, Brake Hoses, Glass, Tires, Retro-reflectors, Filament Bulbs, Couplings, Seats, etc.
In addition, for heavy vehicles with a total mass of more than 4.5 tons, it is necessary to meet the heavy vehicle regulations issued by the Australian National Heavy Vehicle Regulatory Agency - NHVR. For dangerous goods transport vehicles, in addition to the normal vehicle import and registration, it is also necessary to meet the Australian Dangerous Goods Directive and register with the regulatory authorities in various regions of Australia in order to operate normally.
As the official registered agent (Registration No.: A16386), ATIC provides Australian vehicle certification services to whole vehicle and component manufacturers mainly in China.
Before a new vehicle can be registered for the first time in Australia, it must meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act). The Act applies to all new vehicles - whether road motor vehicles or road trailers. Under the Act, new vehicles are required to be fitted with an identification plate (formerly known as a compliance plate). The identification plate provides a clear indication to the state or territory registering authority - and to the owner and the general public - that the vehicle is ready for use in transport on public roads in Australia.
The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) and associated Road Vehicle Standards Acts relating to consequential and transitional provisions and charges passed Parliament in late 2018. The Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019, which cover the operational aspects of the RVSA, were made in February 2019. The RVSA will replace the existing Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) and deliver an updated and modernized system to regulate the first provision of road vehicles to the Australian market.
In Australia, the entire process from application to obtaining an Identification Plate is called Certification. The entire certification process is managed by Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
The scope of vehicle certification includes: Motor Vehicles, Trailers, Tractors, Bicycles, Used Imported Cars, Special Vehicles, etc. Component certification includes: Automotive Lamps, Rearview Mirrors, Seat Belts, Brake Hoses, Glass, Tires, Retro-reflectors, Filament Bulbs, Couplings, Seats, etc.
In addition, for heavy vehicles with a total mass of more than 4.5 tons, it is necessary to meet the heavy vehicle regulations issued by the Australian National Heavy Vehicle Regulatory Agency - NHVR. For dangerous goods transport vehicles, in addition to the normal vehicle import and registration, it is also necessary to meet the Australian Dangerous Goods Directive and register with the regulatory authorities in various regions of Australia in order to operate normally.
As the official registered agent (Registration No.: A16386), ATIC provides Australian vehicle certification services to whole vehicle and component manufacturers mainly in China.
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General Steps
Vehicle Testing
ATIC engineers will evaluate the vehicle / component specification, make a testing plan according to ADR or EU/UN Regulation as well as importing option used. Manufacture prepare testing vehicle / component and send to designated testing labs, ATIC engineer will conduct or witness tests, issue reports and apply for type approval certificates.
Submitting Application
ATIC as an agent will submit application documents and testing reports or type approval certificates through Australian road vehicle certification system, then vehicle safety standards branch officers will review and feedback their opinions.
SUTI
For some vehicle categories, a sample of each of the model variants must be made available for inspection. This inspection also satisfies the registration inspection requirements of the States and Territory registration authorities for new vehicles and is called a Single Uniform Type Inspection or SUTI.
Approval
When VSS is satisfied that the vehicle complies, the Administrator will grant the Vehicle Type Approval.
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Single Uniform Type Inspection - SUTI
For some vehicle categories, a sample of each of the model variants must be made available for inspection. This inspection also satisfies the registration inspection requirements of the States and Territory registration authorities for new vehicles and is called a Single Uniform Type Inspection or SUTI.
SUTI is supervised by the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch (VSS). Whether SUTI is required and when the SUTI is required is determined by VSS on actual conditions.
Component Type Approval - CRN/SARN
Component type approvals relate to components that are intended to be used in the manufacture or modification of certain road vehicles. Regulation of component type approvals is key to the Australian Government’s ability to ensure Australians are provided with safe, secure and environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Component Registration Numbers (CRNs) and Sub-Assembly Registration Numbers (SARNs) registered in the road vehicle certification system are currently used to demonstrate compliance with applicable national road vehicle standards.
Trailer Type Approval
Trailer Type Approval
All type of trailers including trailers with ATM less than 4.5t is required to apply through the Road Vehicle Regulator system and pass the Vehicle Type Approval.
Small Road Trailers Option
Under this option, road trailers with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) not exceeding 4.5 tonnes may be eligible for importation. ATM means the total mass of the laden trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. This includes the load through the axles and the load applied to the vehicle towing the trailer. The ATM is not a value that can be measured, it is a value determined by the manufacturer when the vehicle is designed. New and used small road trailers may be approved for importation to Australia if the Minister is satisfied that the trailer is capable of being modified to comply with the requirements of the National Code of Practice for Building Small Trailers.
Heavy Vehicle Type Approval
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) administers one set of laws (the HVNL) for heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The HVNL consists of the Heavy Vehicle National Law* and five sets of regulations.
The HVNL commenced on 10 February 2014 in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. Each of them passed a law that either adopts or duplicates the HVNL (with some modifications) as a law of that State or Territory.
Although the HVNL has not commenced in Western Australia or the Northern Territory at this time, the HVNL applies equally to vehicles from those jurisdictions when they cross into one of the states or territories where the HVNL applies. In some cases, drivers may also need to comply with certain aspects of the HVNL before they cross the border (eg. work diary requirements).
*The HVNL is the schedule to the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (Qld).
The HVNL commenced on 10 February 2014 in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. Each of them passed a law that either adopts or duplicates the HVNL (with some modifications) as a law of that State or Territory.
Although the HVNL has not commenced in Western Australia or the Northern Territory at this time, the HVNL applies equally to vehicles from those jurisdictions when they cross into one of the states or territories where the HVNL applies. In some cases, drivers may also need to comply with certain aspects of the HVNL before they cross the border (eg. work diary requirements).
*The HVNL is the schedule to the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (Qld).
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road
In addition to general vehicle import and registration, each state and territory implements the updated Australian Dangerous Goods Code and associated updates to their dangerous goods transport regulations separately.
The purpose of Dangerous Goods (Road Transport) Act is to regulate the transport of dangerous goods by road in order to promote public safety and protect property and the environment.
Regulations and Standards
| No. | Product | Regulation |
| 1 | Lamp | ADR1, ADR6, ADR13, ADR19, ADR45, ADR46, ADR48, ADR49, ADR52, ADR53, ADR54, ADR55, ADR60, ADR67, ADR74, ADR76, ADR77, ADR78 |
| 2 | Mirror | ADR14 |
| 3 | Safety-belt | ADR4 |
| 4 | Brake Hoses | ADR7 |
| 5 | Glazing | ADR8 |
| 6 | Tire | ADR23 |
| 7 | Retro-reflector | ADR47 |
| 8 | Filament Lamp | ADR51 |
| 9 | Coupling Device | ADR62 |
| 10 |
M、N、O、L、T
Category Vehicles
|
ADR 2, ADR 3, ADR 5, ADR 10, ADR 12, ADR 13, ADR 15, ADR 16, ADR 17, ADR 18, ADR 19, ADR 21, ADR 22, ADR 24, ADR 25, ADR 28, ADR 29, ADR 30, ADR 31, ADR 33, ADR 34, ADR 35, ADR 36, ADR 37, ADR 38, ADR 39, ADR 41, ADR 42, ADR 43, ADR 44, ADR 56, ADR 57, ADR 58, ADR 59, ADR 61, ADR 62, ADR 63, ADR 64, ADR 65, ADR 66, ADR 67, ADR 68, ADR 69, ADR 70, ADR 72, ADR 73, ADR 79, ADR 80, ADR 81, ADR 83, ADR 84, ADR 85, ADR86, ADR87, ADR88, ADR89, ADR90, ADR91, ADR92, ADR 93, ADR94, ADR95, ADR96 |
| 11 |
Heavy Vehicle
|
Heavy Vehicle (Fatigue Management) National Regulation
Heavy Vehicle (General) National Regulation
Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation
Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation
|
| 12 | Dangerous Goods |
Dangerous Goods (Road Transport) Act |
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