In recent years, the popularity of classic cars has raised remarkably. Many Buyers from New Zealand visit the US market searching for cars. This is mainly due to lower prices, better condition, and greater availability. Some of the Kiwi buyers travel to the USA in search of a new car while enjoying a vacation. Others contact reputable dealers and make remote purchases.
Importing a car to New Zealand from the USA is an affordable option due to the availability of consolidation. This way, you can save a lot of money in terms of shipping costs. That being said, there are a few things you should know about the process.
Import Options
While importing a car from the USA to New Zealand, you should consider a few things like:
- Whether you want to move the car to New Zealand permanently or if it’s just for a limited time
- Whether you’ve owned the car for more than a year
- Whether the car is more than 20 years old
These factors will determine the eligibility of your car for shipping to New Zealand. Provided your car meets emissions and safety requirements and the applicable standards, New Zealand allows you to import new and used cars.
You must also possess standard compliance and proper proof of entitlement. You shouldn’t consult random people as your scenario might be different. The eligibility requirements of classic cars are not the same as those for the newer models.
Approval for Vehicle Import
Before you can use the imported car on the road, it must pass a border check, entry certification, and Customs inspection. The Transport Agency is responsible for enforcing the vehicle standards law of New Zealand. The Customs service checks for things like import duty and tax. The MPI checks for the presence of mud and insects in the vehicle, and other biosecurity factors.
Entry Certification Process
- Verifying that the car meets emissions and safety standards
- Verifying the vehicle is in a decent condition
- Judging whether the vehicle needs a specialist certification or a repair
- Getting the vehicle certified for compliance with emissions and safety requirements
- Issuing of an application to register a certificate or warrant of fitness, as well as an MR2A form
This process applies to heavy vehicles, minibuses, vans, off-road vehicles, cars, and motorcycles. For car models dated pre-1990, only some of the standards need to be met. Once the vehicle inspector completes the structural inspection, they will apply a Transport Agency sticker on the windscreen wiper arm of the driver’s side. After the MPI biosecurity and Transport Agency inspections are complete, the authorities will release your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
These are the few things you need to consider while importing a car from the USA to New Zealand. You need to make sure the vehicle satisfies all the Motor Vehicles Standard Act provisions. A vehicle transport company NZ can make the process much easier for you.
Willship Shipping Services 