Required documentation: Entry certification of vehicles

Situation

This infosheet describes the documents a person must have when they import a vehicle into New Zealand.

Vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations that carry out 'entry certification' must check the documents described here.

This Infosheet replaces the version dated 31 October 2006. The infosheet has been extended to include standards for heavy-vehicle brakes that will be introduced through the Heavy-vehicle Brakes Rule, which came into force on 1 March 2007. Imported heavy vehicles of Classes MD3, MD4, ME, NB and NC that are first registered in New Zealand after 1 July 2008 will need to meet an approved brake standard. In addition vehicles of Classes NB or NC intended to be used to tow heavy trailers will in most cases need to be fitted with ABS, EBS or LSV. Vehicles of Class TC and TD first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 will in most cases need to be fitted with ABS, EBS or LSV.

If a motor vehicle is to be imported into New Zealand, you may wish to check if it qualifies as an immigrant’s vehicle (of Class MA, MB or MC) or a ‘special interest vehicle’, in which case you may find it does not have to meet a frontal impact or emissions standard. Details are provided in Factsheet 44a and Factsheet 44b.

Clarification

New Zealand has legal requirements for both heavy and light motor vehicles. Vehicles are checked for compliance with these requirements by an entry certifier when they are first inspected before their approval for registration in New Zealand. The vehicle's performance and condition are also checked at this inspection to make sure the vehicle meets the relevant requirements appropriate to its age, and to confirm that it is within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured.

This infosheet covers the documents that are required to prove:

• who is legally entitled to a vehicle
• that the vehicle was designed and built to meet New Zealand's vehicle standards requirements. (Inspectors can only certify a vehicle for use on New Zealand's roads if it complies with standards approved under New Zealand legislation.)

What this infosheet doesn't cover

• This infosheet does not cover the requirements for determining frontal impact compliance. Refer to Infosheet 1.67 and Infosheet 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13 or 2.14 (whichever is relevant to the country the vehicle is being imported from).
• This infosheet does not provide lists of which vehicles must meet which approved standards: this information is presented in Infosheet 1.10.
• This infosheet does not cover emissions requirements: see Infosheet 2.08.
• This infosheet does not cover fuel consumption recording requirements: see Infosheet 2.15.

Guide to this infosheet

1.   Proof of legal possession

1.   Proof of legal possession

1.1   Light vehicles previously registered in Singapore

1.2   Light vehicles previously registered in Japan

1.3   Heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan

1.4   Vehicles intended for use in the Japanese market but not previously registered there

1.5   Vehicles imported from Hong Kong

1.6   Vehicles intended for use in the USA market but not previously registered there

1.7   Vehicles imported from countries other than Singapore or Japan

2.   Proof of standards compliance (except for frontal impact standards)

2.1   Vehicle certification processes

2.2   Proof of original standards compliance: Statement of Compliance

2.3   Alternative methods of proving original standards compliance

2.4   Other documents, or documents lacking the correct Japanese characters

List of attachments

Sample certificates, compliance plates and Statement of Compliance

 

1.   Proof of legal possession

The importer/owner must be able to prove that they are legally entitled to the vehicle.

1.1   Light vehicles previously registered in Singapore

Light vehicles previously registered in Singapore must have an original vehicle registration card that has been stamped as cancelled/deregistered by the Singapore Land Transport Authority or Singapore Deregistration Certificate.

• Example: Attachment A(1) and A(2).

1.2   Light vehicles previously registered in Japan

Light vehicles previously registered in Japan must have an original deregistration certificate or export certificate issued by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT).

• Example: Attachment B(3), B(4), B(6), B(8), B(10), B(12), B(13), B(15), B(19), B(20), B(21), B(22), B(23), or B(24).

1.3   Heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan

Heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan must have an original deregistration certificate or export certificate issued by MLIT.

• Example: Attachment B(3), B(4), B(19), B(20), B(21), B(22), B(23) or B(24).

Alternatively, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations can accept an original detailed registration history certificate issued by MLIT. The detailed registration history certificate must include the full history details of the previous owners in Japan. Original documents to establish an ownership trail must be provided.

The importer/owner must provide certified translations of any and all documents that are not in English (eg, the detailed registration history certificate, bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

• Example: Attachment B(17) or B(18).

1.4   Vehicles intended for use in the Japanese market but not previously registered there

This includes, for example, driving school vehicles that did not require registration in Japan, or vehicles shipped to New Zealand new that were never registered in Japan. The importer/owner of these vehicles must provide an original completion inspection certificate from Japan.

• Example: Attachment B(1).

1.5   Vehicles imported from Hong Kong

Vehicles previously registered in Hong Kong must have an original Vehicle Registration Document that has been stamped "CANCELLED" or "DEREGISTERED" by the Hong Kong Transport Department. The documentation must show evidence of previous registration and establish an ownership trail.

• Example: Attachment H.

The ownership trail must go back to the previous registered owner of the vehicle in the country where the vehicle was last registered before it was imported into New Zealand.

The importer/owner must provide certified translations of any and all documents that are not in English (e.g. bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

1.6   Vehicles intended for use in the USA market but not previously registered there

Vehicles imported to New Zealand that are new or have not been previously registered in the USA must have an original USA Certificate of Origin.

• Example: Attachment I.

1.7   Used vehicles imported from countries other than Singapore, Japan or Hong Kong

The importer/owner of a vehicle imported from a country other than Singapore, Japan or Hong Kong must have original documents. The documents must show evidence of previous registration and establish an ownership trail.

The ownership trail must go back to the previous registered owner of the vehicle in the country where the vehicle was last registered before it was imported into New Zealand.

The importer/owner must provide certified translations of any and all documents that are not in English (eg, bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

 

2.   Proof of standards compliance (except for frontal impact standards)

If a motor vehicle is to be imported into New Zealand, you may wish to check if it qualifies as an immigrant’s vehicle (of Class MA, MB or MC) or a ‘special interest vehicle’, in which case you may find it does not have to meet a frontal impact or emissions standard. Details are provided in Factsheet 44a and Factsheet 44b.

2.1   Vehicle certification processes

Certification includes both an inspection of the vehicle and confirmation that the correct documents have been provided to the vehicle inspector (or 'entry certifier').

The importer/owner must supply evidence that their vehicle complies with New Zealand’s legal requirements. The specific requirements depend on the vehicle class, and the vehicle’s date of manufacture and/or date of first registration (in the case of frontal impact for Class MA vehicles, and in the case of imported heavy-vehicle brakes first registered in New Zealand after 1 July 2008) (see Infosheet 1.10 Vehicle classes and the standards they must meet). The vehicle inspector must be satisfied with any documents provided for certification and may request confirmation or additional information.

The vehicle inspector must check that:

• the vehicle has not been modified
• replaceable components are still original equipment or, if replaced, comply with approved standards
• the vehicle and its components and systems remain within safe tolerance of their state when manufactured.

2.2   Proof of original standards compliance: Statement of Compliance

A Statement of Compliance from the manufacturer is acceptable proof of the standards to which the vehicle was manufactured and certified when new.

• Approved format: Attachment C.

The vehicle inspector must check all Statements of Compliance:

• The standards listed in the Statement of Compliance must be currently recognised in New Zealand.
• It must at least contain the information in Attachment C, and the declarations.

2.2.1   The MIA list

The New Zealand Motor Industry Association (MIA) has provided a list of manufacturers' representatives who are authorised to issue Statements of Compliance.

• Read the MIA list on this website
• Ask for a copy from Land Transport New Zealand's helpdesk (free phone 0800 699 000 within New Zealand; phone +64 4 931 8700 from outside New Zealand)
• Request a copy from us by email: info@nzta.govt.nz.

For further information, contact the MIA:

• Mail: Motor Industry Association, PO Box 31 387, Lower Hutt.
• Tel: +64 4 570 2248
• Fax: +64 4 570 2249
• Email: perryk@xtra.co.nz

What to do if the manufacturer's representative IS on the MIA list

The following documents will be required:

• A completed Statement of Compliance, and
• An original letter on the vehicle manufacturer's letterhead.

The same representative of the vehicle manufacturer must sign both documents.

What to do if the manufacturer's representative is NOT on the MIA list

The representative will need to hold an appropriate position with the vehicle manufacturer. For example, homologation manager is an appropriate position, but sales or marketing manager, or dealer, is not.

The representative must provide:

• a completed Statement of Compliance, and
• an original letter on the vehicle manufacturer's letterhead.

The same representative of the vehicle manufacturer must sign both documents.

What to do if the Statement of Compliance is from an overseas manufacturer's representative for a make shown on the MIA list

The vehicle inspector will need to confirm that the document requirements are met and check that the approved standards on the Statement of Compliance are correct.

They will need to provide a copy to the New Zealand-based contact on the MIA list for that make of vehicle (eg, by fax).

What to do if the Statement of Compliance is from a manufacturer's representative for a make NOT represented on the MIA list

The vehicle inspector will need to provide the Statement of Compliance to Land Transport New Zealand's Vehicle Certification Unit for validation (eg, by fax).

After the validity of the Statement of Compliance is confirmed, the inspector must confirm that the document requirements are met and check that the approved standards on the Statement of Compliance are correct.

Notes:

• Vehicle manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers' representatives are under no obligation to issue Statements of Compliance.
• Vehicle manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers' representatives may make a reasonable charge for issuing Statements of Compliance.
• The Statement of Compliance should be completed as fully as is reasonably possible. Where a component or system was not certified as complying with a standard, the corresponding box should be filled in with a statement such as 'not certified'.
• Not all vehicles are required to meet approved standards for each of the components and systems listed in the Statement of Compliance. It depends on the age of a particular vehicle, its class and any exemptions that may apply.
• Vehicle manufacturers may copy the Statement of Compliance onto their own original letterhead. If they do, a separate letter is not required.
• Vehicle manufacturers may also attach a schedule to the Statement of Compliance, listing the standards to which the vehicle was certified. However, the Statement of Compliance must still be completed and signed. The part of the table specifying the standards should be annotated with the words 'see attached schedule'.

2.3   Alternative methods of proving original standards compliance

The following methods of proving compliance are acceptable for unmodified vehicles.

2.3.1   Vehicles manufactured for the Australian market, but not necessarily first registered in Australia

The vehicle has an ADR certification plate fitted, as well as proof of compliance with a frontal impact standard if the vehicle is a Class MA vehicle, is less than 20 years old and was manufactured before 1 January 1996.

• Example: Attachment D.

2.3.2   Vehicles manufactured for the USA market

The vehicle has an FMVSS certification plate/label fitted. The importer/owner must have original documents confirming that the vehicle was first registered in the USA.

• Example: Attachment E.

In the case of a new vehicle, the importer/owner must have original documents confirming that the vehicle was manufactured for the US market and would be permitted for use on public roads in the USA, such as a Certificate of Origin.

• Example: Attachment I.

2.3.3   Vehicles manufactured for European markets, but not necessarily first registered in Europe

The European Community (EC) whole vehicle approval plate can be used to show that a vehicle complies with almost all of the vehicle standards required by New Zealand law.

Generally this plate cannot be used to show compliance with an approved frontal impact standard. In cases where a vehicle is required to comply with an approved frontal impact standard, the vehicle must have this plate and the importer/owner must have additional proof of compliance with approved frontal impact standards (eg, from the frontal impact compliance lists). However, if the approved number on the EC whole vehicle approval plate incorporates the "2001/116" directive (eg. e1*2001/116*0203), the vehicle complies with all vehicle standards required by New Zealand law, including an approved frontal impact standard.

• Example: Attachment F(1) or F(2).

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) compliance plate can be used to show that a vehicle complies with all of the UN/ECE Regulations listed on the plate.

• Example: Attachment G(1) or G(2).

2.3.4   Vehicles manufactured for the Japanese market but not previously registered in Japan

The importer/owner can provide the vehicle's original completion inspection certificate.

• Example: Attachment B(1).

2.3.5   Light vehicles manufactured in Japan for the Japanese market and first registered in Japan

The importer/owner can provide the vehicle's original Japanese deregistration certificate or export certificate.

• Example: Attachment B(3), B(4), B(6), B(8), B(10), B(12), B(13), B(15), B(19), B(20), B(21), B(22), B(23) or B(24).

2.3.6   Light vehicles manufactured outside Japan but registered in Japan

The importer/owner can provide the vehicle's original Japanese deregistration certificate or export certificate.

• Example: Attachment B(3), B(4), B(6), B(8), B(10), B(12), B(13), B(15), B(19), B(20), B(21), B(22), B(23) or B(24).

The deregistration certificate, export certificate or completion inspection certificate must contain a type designation number (TDN).

If there is no TDN displayed on the deregistration certificate, export certificate or completion inspection certificate, and the importer/owner cannot provide a Statement of Compliance, the vehicle cannot be certified for registration and use in New Zealand. (Note: This can include vehicles made by Japanese manufacturers outside Japan.)

Importers/owners who believe they have a valid reason for their vehicle to be exempt from the TDN requirement may apply for an exemption. They should contact Land Transport New Zealand's Vehicle Certification Unit (Head Office) for a TDN notice application form.

2.3.7   Heavy vehicles manufactured for the Japanese market and first registered in Japan

The importer/owner can provide the vehicle's original Japanese deregistration certificate.

• Example: Attachment B(3), B(4), B(19), B(20), B(21), B(22), B(23) or B(24).

Alternatively, Land Transport New Zealand will accept an original detailed registration history certificate issued by MLIT.

• Example: Attachment B(17) or B(18).

2.3.8   Heavy vehicles from other countries

A listing supplied to entry certifiers by Land Transport New Zealand, confirming the standards compliance of nominated components or systems, may be accepted as evidence that the component or system complied at the time of manufacture.

2.3.9   Note about heavy-vehicle brake standards

Standards for heavy-vehicle brakes will be introduced through the Heavy-vehicle Brakes Rule, which comes into force on 1 March 2007. Imported heavy vehicles of Classes MD3, MD4, ME, NB and NC that are first registered in New Zealand after 1 July 2008 will need to meet an approved brake standard.  In addition vehicles of Classes NB or NC intended to be used to tow heavy trailers will in most cases need to be fitted with ABS, EBS or LSV. Vehicles of Class TC and TD first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 will in most cases need to be fitted with ABS, EBS or LSV.

This will mean that the vehicle MUST comply with one of the approved brake standards, no matter what date the vehicle was manufactured.

2.3.10   Note about immigrants’ vehicles and ‘special interest vehicles’

If a motor vehicle is to be imported into New Zealand, you may wish to check if it qualifies as an immigrant’s vehicle (of Class MA, MB or MC) or a ‘special interest vehicle’, in which case you may find it does not have to meet a frontal impact or emissions standard. Details are provided in Factsheet 44a and Factsheet 44b.

2.4   Other documents, or documents lacking the correct Japanese characters

Documents other than those described here, or which do not display the correct Japanese characters, must be referred to Land Transport New Zealand's Vehicle Certification Unit.

The Driver and Vehicle Certification Unit will assess whether the documents are suitable for a particular vehicle.

 

Attachments: Sample certificates, compliance plates and Statement of Compliance (not to scale)

• Attachment A(1): Vehicle registration card (Singapore)

• Attachment A(2): Singapore deregistration certificate

• Attachment B(1): Completion inspection certificate (Japan)

• Attachment B(2): Completion inspection certificate (Japan) (English translation)

• Attachment B(3): Japanese deregistration certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles

• Attachment B(4): Japanese deregistration certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles (alternative from 1 January 2004)

• Attachment B(5): Japanese deregistration certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles (alternative from 1 January 2004) (English translation)

• Attachment B(6) : Japanese deregistration certificate: Cars less than 660 cc

• Attachment B(7) : Japanese deregistration certificate: Cars less than 660 cc (English translation)

• Attachment B(8): Japanese deregistration certificate: Cars less than 660 cc (alternative)

• Attachment B(9): Japanese deregistration certificate: Cars less than 660 cc (alternative) (English translation)

• Attachment B(10): Japanese deregistration certificate: Cars less than 660 cc (alternative)

• Attachment B(11): Japanese deregistration certificate: Cars less than 660 cc (alternative) (English translation)

• Attachment B(12): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles over 250 cc

• Attachment B(13): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles less than 250 cc

• Attachment B(14): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles less than 250 cc (English translation)

• Attachment B(15): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles less than 250 cc (alternative)

• Attachment B(16): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles less than 250 cc (alternative) (English translation)

• Attachment B(17): Detailed registration history certificate (Japan)

• Attachment B(18): Detailed registration history certificate (Japan) (alternative)

• Attachment B(19): Japanese temporary deregistration certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles (alternative from 1 January 2005)

• Attachment B(20): Japanese temporary deregistration certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles (alternative from 1 January 2005, English translation)

• Attachment B(21): Japanese export certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles (alternative from 1 January 2005)

• Attachment B(22): Japanese export certificate: Cars less than 660 cc

• Attachment B(23): Japanese temporary export certificate: Vehicles over 660 cc excluding motorcycles (alternative from 1 January 2005)

• Attachment B(24): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles over 250 cc (alternative)

• Attachment B(25): Japanese deregistration certificate: Motorcycles over 250 cc (alternative) (English translation)

• Attachment C: Statement of Compliance

• Attachment D: Sample ADR plates

• Attachment E: FMVSS compliance plate/label

• Attachment F(1): EC Whole vehicle approval plate (except motorcycles)

• Attachment F(2): EC Whole vehicle approval plate (motorcycles)

• Attachment G(1): UN/ECE compliance plate (except motorcycles)

• Attachment G(2): UN/ECE compliance plate (motorcycles)

• Attachment H: Hong Kong vehicle registration document

• Attachment I: USA certification of origin

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