Vehicle certification

The links below provide detailed information and bulletins on all vehicle related standards set by the Australian Government, together with information on and links to the various vehicle certification schemes.

RVS legislation

To support the safety, environmental and anti-theft performance of all road vehicles being provided to the Australian market for the first time, the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 replaced the existing Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 on 1 July 2021. The detail of how the RVSA regulatory framework operates is contained in subsidiary legislation, the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 (the Rules). The RVSA, the Rules and other related legislation are collectively referred to as the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) legislation.

Please visit the Road Vehicle Standards laws page for more information.

  • Vehicle certification in Australia

    Before a new vehicle can be registered for the first time in Australia, it must meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (the Act). The Act applies to all new vehicles—whether road motor vehicles or road trailers. Under the Act, new vehicles are required to be fitted with an identification plate (formerly known as a compliance plate). The identification plate provides a clear indication to the state or territory registering authority—and to the owner and the general public—that the vehicle is ready for use in transport on public roads in Australia.

  • Conformity of Production

    Conformity of production involves control over the vehicle design and manufacturing processes to ensure all vehicles supplied to the market comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).

  • Certification of Heavy Trailers

    This factsheet PDF: 2.3 MB is aimed at educating and improving compliance of trailer manufacturers/suppliers (licensees) by making them aware of their responsibilities in a simple and easy to read document. The factsheet should be used as a starting point for licensees and does not replace other guidance material on the RVCS website.

  • The Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS)

    RVCS allows vehicle manufacturers to electronically certify that the vehicles they supply to the Australian market meet prescribed safety standards specified in the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). This site also provides other information in relation to applicable certification standards and procedures.

  • Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles

    The Low Volume Scheme for new vehicles allows for the supply to the market of up to 25 or 100 vehicles per year per vehicle category and allows alternative forms of evidence against some of the ADRs.

  • Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme for used imported vehicles (RAWS)

    RAWS allows for the supply to the market of eligible used imported vehicles and allows alternative forms of evidence against some of the ADRs.

  • Specialist And Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS)

    SEVS establishes the eligibility of vehicles to be made available in Australia which cater for specialist and enthusiast needs. SEVS applies under the new low volume (LVS) and used imported (RAWS) vehicle schemes.

  • Importing vehicles

    It is strongly recommended that you do not ship your vehicle to Australia until such time as you are issued with a Vehicle Import Approval. A Vehicle Import Approval must be obtained to gain Customs clearance for entry into Australia. Check this information to find out if a vehicle is eligible for import and how to go about applying for an approval.

  • The Australian Design Rules (ADRs)

    The ADRs set out design standards for vehicle safety and emissions. They are developed through a consultative process involving government, industry, employee and consumer representatives.

  • Vehicle Standards Bulletins (VSBs)

    The VSB series provides information on the design, manufacture, sale, modification, maintenance, import and repair of road vehicles.

  • Suspension Certificate

    Follow this link for a full list of Road-Friendly Suspension Certificates.

  • Administrator's Circulars

    The Administrator's Circulars provide guidance and information on the administrative arrangements that supports the vehicle certification process. They cover policy and procedures to assist manufacturers meet their legislative requirements.

  • A guide to type approvals: Circular 0-1-2

    A type approval PDF: 163 KB is an approach to certification that has been developed globally to meet the needs of mainstream vehicles (the largest segment of vehicles supplied to the market) and mass-market, high-volume suppliers. Under type approval, manufacturers certify that a type of vehicle complies with the Australian Design Rules.