Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme
The RAWS has been recently introduced to control and regulate
the compliance of SEVS eligible vehicles. The combination
of these two schemes has replaced the old Low Volume Import
Scheme.
These new systems have been introduced by the government
to control the import industry and ensure the supply of high
quality
imports and compliance work.
The RAWS requires compliance workshops to undergo strict
testing to attain approvals to comply SEVS vehicles. A RAW
must demonstrate satisfactory modification of a particular
model of vehicle for approval to fit that model with an Australian
compliance plate. A compliance plate is required in order
to licence a vehicle in Australia. (except pre-1989 vehicles)
Potential RAW’s begin the approval process by importing
a SUTI vehicle. The RAW must test and modify the vehicle
for later inspection by engineers from the Vehicle Safety
Standards in Canberra. VSS inspectors evaluate each RAW’s
regularly to ensure they are suitable to carry on these modifications
safely and that the vehicle conforms to the ADR’s.
This is an extremely complicated and rigorous procedure that
can take up to 18 months and cost many thousands of dollars
to achieve approval for one single model of vehicle.
Modifications
Some of the typical modifications are:
- Replacing Seat Belts
- Replacing Brake pads
- Installing ULP restrictor
- New approved tyres
- New catalytic converters
- Emissions testing
- Replace carbon canisters
- Brake fluids, oils, filters etc.
- Conformity of lighting devices
- Child Restraint Anchorage points
- Engine tuning and testing
- Noise testing
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Compliance Explained
Compliance refers to the modification of an imported
vehicle to ensure it conforms to applicable Australian regulations,
and Australian Design Rules. Compliance is compulsory for
any vehicle that is imported to be road registered. Costs
vary from $3000 - $6000.
The costs of compliance of a particular model may vary
depending on:
- Modifications required
- Compliance availability
- Location of compliance workshop
- Condition of the vehicle
- Market demand
The cost of RAWS compliance is generally between $ 3500
and $6000. Specific compliance costs are listed on each
Vehicle Review.
Compliance availability
The list of available compliance is constantly
growing so for a current list of all SEVS models with available
RAWS compliance click here. |
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The modification, testing and servicing required
for compliance approval ensures that the vehicle is of the
highest standards. Every vehicle is thoroughly checked
for evidence of accident damage and has a signed
condition report completed prior to commencement of any work. The
RAWS system ensures that the owner of the vehicle
is well informed of all the issues relating to the compliance work. It
is required under RAWS legislation that vehicle components be the
same as the SUTI vehicle in order for it to gain compliance
approval.
This means that an additional cost to consider is the potential
removal of non-genuine parts to satisfy RAWS requirements. The most
common
aftermarket parts such as exhausts, air filters and suspension
are not difficult to remove so this is not a major expense. However
it
should be discussed with IMPORTS101 when considering a SEVS vehicle.
Vehicles with heavy accident damage and/or rust that have weakened
their structural integrity are not permitted to be imported as they
may cause safety issues if involved in an accident.
NOTE: All qualified buyers in Japan are aware of
the RAWS requirements and buy vehicles accordingly. IMPORTS101 vehicles
are personally inspected prior to purchase. |
