THE FRONT BOOT
NEW VEHICLE
LAWS WELCOMED
Australia has a new regulatory framework
governing the importation and local production
of vehicles, including RVs of all types.
The Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA)
passed the Australian Senate on November 27,
which was quickly welcomed by the Caravan
Industry Association of Australia.
The association’s CEO, Stuart Lamont, said the
legislation would ensure “safer caravanning
products for Australians and provide better
conditions for industry businesses currently
burdened with competing with cheap imported
product which in many cases do not meet the
tough Australian Standards and Design Rules
designed to cater for Australian caravanning
conditions”.
The RVSA will replace the the Motor Vehicle
Standards Act 1989. Among its provisions, the
RVSA prohibits the importation in Australia
of vehicles that do not comply with national
road vehicle standards (except in limited
circumstances), and establishes the Register of
Approved Vehicles. All vehicles must be listed on
this register before they can be introduced to the
Australian market.
“Australians will be better protected through the
strengthening of the laws governing all vehicles,
including trailers in the Australian market, through
the Act. Increased powers for the government
to bring penalties on businesses doing the wrong
thing are also welcomed,” Mr Lamont said.
“The RVSA will provide much safer and compliant
caravans and campers, as well as other light
trailers, while maintaining consumer choice of
products manufactured locally as well as those
sourced overseas.”
He said the new legislation would also ensure
better identification of caravans and other RVs
as well as a consistent approach to both locally
manufactured and imported products.
“Importantly, it will also see improved
enforcement provisions surrounding what
is already one of the toughest compliance
standards globally within the industry,” he said.
“As an industry we are committed to being heavily
involved in the RVSA roll-out, and are participating
in the four consultation groups formed by the
government to provide feedback on all aspects
of the proposed methods of implementation.”
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