If you are considering importing a vehicle to New Zealand, we recommend you use an entry certifier. The process can be lengthy and you will need to collect the correct supporting information for your application. Entry certifiers assess whether or not vehicles meet the applicable standards and can be registered for use on New Zealand roads.
However, if you want to import the vehicle independently we recommend that you talk with an entry certifier early in the process to get their advice on your vehicle’s suitability. If your vehicle doesn't meet the standards on arrival, it may be too late to do anything about it.
If the vehicle will never be used on the road, then you don't need to register it or meet the standards.
From 1 December 2022, if you’re importing a light vehicle, you must hold a Clean Car Standard CO2 account, where the CO2 emission rating of your vehicle will be recorded and determine whether a charge is to be paid or a credit earned. Without this information, vehicles cannot complete entry to New Zealand and be registered.
More information on Clean Car Standard
Important: Before importing a vehicle, we also strongly advise you to check whether your vehicle is subject to a safety recall. See Safety-related recalls for more information.
