This has been coming for awhile, so what does it actually mean ?
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Let’s start with what we know.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Many popular import models from the last 20 years will no longer be possible to import.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
The last import approvals will be issued for old SEVS models on 31 March 2022 and the compliance plate must be fitted to the car by 30 June 2022.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Petrol and diesel ONLY people movers are finished – NO MORE Delica, Elgrand, Estima, Alphard, Vellfire with petrol / diesel only engines.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
The new SEVS does not allow the import of these models and many others that don’t fit within any of the six new import criteria.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
The Estima hybrid is already on the interim SEVS list and is set to be a very popular import from now on.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
The Alphard / Vellfire hybrids have not yet been added to the interim even though we do expect them to meet the new SEVS environmental criteria.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
The Nissan Cube is a good example that was approved under old SEVS due to it’s unusual appearance and the fact it was featured in specialist magazines.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
But the Cube doesn’t meet any of the six new SEVS criteria.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Performance ? No. Environmental ? No. Mobility ? No. Rarity ? No. Left hand drive ? No. Campervan ? No.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
This is why models like the Cube will be gone for good by June 2022.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
So if you want to safely import one of these “marked for deletion” models before the deadline (and allowing for delays due to high import volume), you had best make sure you buy in Japan no later than Dec 2021.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Ideally though we would recommend as soon as possible to avoid the rush of last-minute panic buying which will inevitably push up prices.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
New SEVS will see a transition mainly to hybrid electric and performance models that were not sold new in Australia, plus different variants of models that were sold here new.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
This will be a great refresh for the Australian import industry and a very positive change overall.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
However, every one of the hundreds of models that was approved on the old SEVS list will no longer be eligible for import…
[dt_gap height=”5″ /]
UNLESS it meets the new SEVS criteria
[dt_gap height=”5″ /]
AND someone applies to have the model added to the new SEVS list
[dt_gap height=”5″ /]
AND goes through the compliance process (ie. must be financially viable to import).
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
New SEVS requires a renewed application every couple of years, otherwise the model will drop off the approved import list.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
So many models that are technically eligible under the new SEVS may not be financially viable to obtain / maintain compliance approval for in the future.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
The Nissan V35 and V36 Skyline and Fuga, Toyota Soarer and Supra spring to mind as obvious examples of models that are already on their last legs as imports and may not find their way onto the new SEVS as the demand / import volume would just be too low to justify the cost / effort.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Late 90’s models soon to cross into 25 Year Rule territory will be rather pointless to pursue under the new SEVS approvals – leading to a gap of a few years where they cannot be imported.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Just a few examples of the coming changes.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
There are still a number of unknowns, where the Govt. has not provided any guidance and we will probably find out only AFTER the new scheme is fully operational.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
For example under new SEVS we do not know whether it will still be possible to import petrol only (non-hybrid) Estimas, Alphards, Vellfires, Hiaces, Elgrands etc. using the new SEVS camper or disability criteria, as has been the case under the old SEVS.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
That being the case, if you want one of these vehicles in petrol-only then you would be best to import one ASAP.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
As for the Interim SEVS which has been a wobbly bridge from the old (Dec 2019) to new (June 2021) system, there are currently 90 new approved models on the interim SEVS list including interesting new options like the S400 Mercedes hybrid and many other hybrid sedans, wagons, people movers and hatches which will be popular imports over the next 10 to 15 years.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
It is unclear at this stage how these interim approvals will be rolled into new SEVS.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
To Wrap Up
If you want to import an old SEVS model that is marked for deletion, do it ASAP.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
New SEVS has already been a blast of fresh air over what was a stale and aging list of import options.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Hundreds of new and interesting options are coming to Australia and some are already here – models we have never seen before but will grow to love in time.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
Lots of them are hybrid / electric which are really essential in the transition away from fossil fuels.
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]
We have been very busy sourcing these new models over the last 12 months, and look forward to helping our clients import many more in the future !
