There are law changes to the exhaust emission standards for some used and new imported cars and trucks. These changes take effect on or after 30 April 2024. You need to understand these changes if you import any of the vehicles listed below.
- Petrol imported vehicles (except disability vehicles) from Japan of vehicle classes MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 and NA - commonly known as passenger cars, vans and utes - that are border inspected on or after 30 April 2024, must either:
- be first registered anywhere on or after 1 January 2012 and meet emission codes Dxx (Japan 05 Low Harm standard), or
- meet emission codes 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 7xx or higher (Japan 2018 or higher standard).
- Diesel vehicles from Japan must meet an emission code of Lxx or higher.
The codes are: Lxx, Fxx, Mxx, Rxx, Qxx, 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 7xx or higher.
- For other jurisdictions, like Europe and Australia, used petrol and diesel vehicles that have been border inspected or are newly manufactured on or after 30 April 2024, must meet emission standards Euro 5, US Tier II and ADR 79/04.
- Vehicles classes MD3, MD4, ME, NB and NC - commonly known as heavy trucks - that are border inspected on or after 30 April 2024 must meet Euro V, US Tier II or ADR 80/03.
Used vehicles of these classes imported from Japan will need to meet the following emissions codes: Lxx, Fxx, Mxx, Rxx, Qxx, Sxx, Txx, 2xx, 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx, 7xx or higher.
- Vehicle classes LA, LB, LC, LD and LE - commonly known as motorcycles and mopeds - will need to meet an emission standard only from 30 April 2025.
These standards will be Euro 4m, US2010m or Japan 2012m. The Japanese codes for these are: JBK, EBL, JBH or EBJ.
If you have any questions about this, please contact vehicleemissions@nzta.govt.nz
The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Amendment 2023 External Link