Update for airbag recall rules

The entry vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) relating to airbag recalls has been updated to stop the wrong information accidentally being passed onto importers.

Waka Kotahi has refreshed the VIRM following the discovery of the problem affecting European cars coming out of Japan.

It says sometimes a New Zealand distributor will not have been advised of an airbag recall by a manufacturer because the vehicle was not first registered in this country. 

“Therefore, confirmation must be obtained from the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative in the country of origin based in the country of export or the manufacturer’s global records,” the updated VIRM says. 

“Receipts from the NZ distributor or franchised dealer confirming the work has been completed is an acceptable alternative.”

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) notes the changes in an email alert to its members on May 25. 

It says the update was necessary after the transport agency discovered that while Japanese distributors of particular marques had issued airbag-related recalls, distributors in New Zealand had not been made aware of these because the vehicles had not been destined for our market. 

“When an importer enquired about the recall status of a particular vehicle the local agent was not able to see the recall information and provided, in good faith, erroneous information as to the vehicle’s recall status. This instruction corrects this anomaly,” the alert explains.

VIA reiterates previous advice given to the industry to check the recall status of all vehicles in the jurisdiction they are registered in, and have all recalls closed out prior to importing for sale here.

For more information, contact VIA on 0800-842-842 or email info@via.org.nz.