Emissions rule deadline approaches
The deadline for used vehicles to be border-checked ahead of changes to the exhaust emissions rule is fast approaching.
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) has alerted members the cut-off date is April 29 for Euro 4 models that have been purchased overseas.
This includes all Japanese vehicles with emissions codes Axx, Bxx and Cxx plus Dxx and others manufactured prior to 2012.
“If you have purchased any of the affected vehicles, make sure your agent has these cars to the TRS in Japan so they are able to be border-checked by April 29 as the NZTA is unlikely to issue any exemptions,” says VIA.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, meanwhile, has reiterated clauses in the rule requiring vehicles to be registered within four months of border inspection have been removed.
A spokesman says: “On December 1, the exhaust emissions rule was amended to introduce better standards to reduce harmful emissions in vehicles entering the New Zealand fleet.
“One of the changes was a requirement that a vehicle needs to be registered within four months from the date it was inspected at the border.
“After consultation with the industry, the clauses that required vehicles to be registered within four months of border inspection have now been removed.
“The rule change comes into effect on April 30. We would like to thank industry representatives for assisting us during this process.”
Guide to new rules
Changes to the exhaust emissions rule for used and new imported cars kick in on April 30.
Petrol vehicles, except disability vehicles, of classes MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 and NA – commonly known as passenger cars, vans and utes from Japan – must meet a standard of Japan 2005 Low Harm or Japan 2018 or higher.
These codes for petrol vehicles will be acceptable to import: Dxx, first registered on or after January 1, 2012, 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 7xx or higher.
Diesel vehicles from Japan must meet an emissions code of Lxx or higher. The codes are: Lxx, Fxx, Mxx, Rxx, Qxx, 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 7xx or higher.
For other jurisdictions, such as Europe and Australia, used petrol and diesel vehicles that have been border inspected or are newly manufactured from April 30, must meet emissions standards Euro 5, US Tier 2 or ADR 79/04. (Source: MVTR)
