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Low ATM trailer approval pathways
Under the Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) laws, manufacturers and importers of trailers with an aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 4.5 tonnes or less (low ATM trailers) will need an approval before they can provide a trailer to the Australian market.
The 2 approval pathways are as follows:
- Concessional RAV entry approval – a single road vehicle application, limited to up to 4 trailers in a 12-month period.
- Vehicle type approval – an application for a trailer type to be provided in unlimited numbers.
Every trailer must have vehicle and compliance information listed on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) before it can be provided to an Australian consumer for the first time.
Trailers are expected to comply with the applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 Revision 6 provides easy-to-read information on the ADR requirements applying to the most common types of trailers. Some manufacturers may need to refer directly to the ADRs to confirm their trailers comply with all applicable requirements.
Apply for an approval through ROVER, the department’s online portal for all Road Vehicle Standards approvals.
Concessional RAV entry approvals
Manufacturers and importers may apply for a concessional RAV entry approval for up to 4 low ATM trailers in a 12-month period. If granted, the department will enter the vehicles on the RAV on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.
This pathway may be suitable for home-built trailers, individually constructed trailers and for trailers that have never had a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If a trailer has never had a VIN and meets the requirements for a concessional RAV entry approval, you can request a VIN as part of the application. Learn more about Vehicle Identification Numbers.
If your trailer has been previously registered in Australia, it is considered an in-service vehicle. In-service vehicles are regulated by state and territory registration authorities and do not require approval from the department.
Applications for concessional RAV entry approval must include a declaration that the trailer complies (or will comply) with the relevant national road vehicle standards at the time the vehicle is entered on the RAV. To understand the ADRs for common types of trailers, read Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1. If you do not select ‘Full Compliance’ in an application, you must provide supporting information, such as a letter of support or in-principle support from your state or territory transport authority.
Before applying, take this quick quiz to find out if your trailer may be eligible and what information and documents you will need to provide in an application.
Vehicle type approvals
Manufacturers and importers providing more than 4 low ATM trailers to the Australian market in a 12-month period may apply for a vehicle type approval for their trailer type. If a vehicle type approval is granted, the approval holder can provide an unlimited number of the trailer type covered by the approval and will need to submit each trailer for entry on the RAV.
A vehicle type approval covers a make of trailer and a trailer category. This may include any number of models that meet the definition of a trailer with a vehicle category code of TA, TB or TC.
A vehicle type approval application must include a declaration that trailers provided under the approval, if granted, will comply (or substantially comply) with the relevant national road vehicle standards. To understand the ADRs for common types of trailers, read Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1.
Eligibility requirements for a vehicle type approval
Before granting a vehicle type approval, the department must be satisfied that the applicant:
- has the information needed to show that the road vehicle complies with the applicable national road vehicle standards. In rare cases, non-compliance may be allowed if it is minor and inconsequential, or if the vehicle complies to an extent that makes it suitable for use on a public road in Australia. For example, a glider trailer may have a longer rear overhang
- has control or access to information about the design, componentry and manufacturing process of the road vehicle type, including any changes that may affect compliance with the applicable national road vehicle standards
- can ensure that the design and manufacturing process will consistently produce road vehicles of that type
- can arrange for the Secretary or an inspector to inspect the premises where the road vehicle or its componentry are manufactured
- can access and provide original and updated versions of supporting information
- can keep the supporting information for the approval up-to-date
- will comply with each standard and specified condition for the vehicle type approval.
Applicants may need an appropriate quality management system (QMS) to show they have full control of the trailer’s design, componentry and manufacturing process. More information on QMS is available in Appendix 2 of the Guide to vehicle type approvals for low ATM trailers (4.5 t ATM or less).