Checked against official sources on 11 November 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the details for your shipment when you book.
Check your vehicle
Have the ADR compliance plate handy (usually inside the driver's door or under the bonnet). Nothing is sent until you ask for a price.
A guide based on NZTA's published rules, not a ruling. The NZ entry certifier makes the final call, and we check anything doubtful with you before the car ships.
What NZ checks on a car from Australia
Every vehicle entering New Zealand for the first time goes through entry certification before it can be registered. For a used car from Australia, NZTA looks for evidence it meets an approved emissions standard, has electronic stability control (ESC), and met a frontal impact standard. The ADR compliance plate is the usual evidence.
Emissions: going by the date on the ADR plate
| Date on the ADR plate | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Up to Dec 2002 | Does not comply | Does not comply |
| Jan to Dec 2003 | Complies (ADR 79/00) | Does not comply |
| Jan 2004 to Dec 2005 | Complies (ADR 79/00) | Complies (ADR 79/00) |
| Jan to Dec 2006 | Complies (ADR 79/01) | Complies (ADR 79/00) |
| Jan 2007 to Jun 2010 | Complies (ADR 79/01) | Complies (ADR 79/01) |
| Jul 2010 onwards | Complies (ADR 79/02) | Complies (ADR 79/01) |
Some vehicles met a standard early. If yours is on the line, the manufacturer can confirm it, or a statement of compliance can be used as evidence.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
NZTA says all cars, SUVs and people movers with ADR compliance from 1 November 2013 have ESC. Anything older has to be checked against NZTA's ESC list or confirmed by the manufacturer. A vehicle without ESC can't be complied unless it qualifies for the immigrant's vehicle exemption.
No ADR plate?
The plate is the simplest proof the vehicle met the standards when it was built. Without one you'll need a statement of compliance, which takes time and money. Find the plate before you book shipping.
The immigrant's vehicle exemption
If you're an NZ citizen or resident who has lived outside New Zealand for at least 21 months, and you've personally owned and registered the vehicle overseas for at least a year, it can be exempt from the frontal impact, emissions and ESC standards. You can only use it once, can't import for someone else, and can't sell or lease the vehicle for a year after it's registered. For the emissions exemption, apply within 18 months of arriving. The vehicle still has to be safe.
The Clean Car Standard
Light vehicles entering New Zealand, including immigrants' vehicles, must be accepted in NZTA's Clean Car Standard system before they can be registered. Importers use a CO2 account. Higher-emission vehicles can attract a charge and lower ones a credit. Check your own situation with NZTA on 0800 141 801.
Other things that slow compliance down
- Heavy vehicles over 3,500 kg need a heavy-vehicle certifier and meet different standards.
- Heavy underseal or rust-proofing can stop the certifier inspecting the body, which can mean extra work.
- Modifications such as lift kits, engine changes or big wheel and tyre changes may need Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification.
- Older, classic and special-interest vehicles can have different rules. Ask us before you ship.
Caravans and trailers
Caravans don't need ESC or emissions evidence. They need a warrant of fitness, a gas certificate if they have gas, and an electrical warrant of fitness if they have 230 V wiring. See shipping a caravan to New Zealand.
Ready to ship to New Zealand?
Instant prices for every weekly RoRo sailing, and we look after the paperwork, NZ customs and MPI.
Common questions
Is this checker a guarantee?
No. It's a guide based on NZTA's published rules. The NZ entry certifier makes the final decision on each vehicle, so we confirm anything doubtful with you before the car ships.
My car was built around 2005 to 2013. Will it comply?
It depends on two things: whether it has ESC and the emissions standard on its ADR plate. Many cars from those years have ESC fitted; some don't. If yours doesn't, it can only be complied under the immigrant's vehicle exemption.
Does the immigrant's exemption also mean no GST?
No, they're separate. The GST and duty concession is run by NZ Customs and has its own conditions. Our quote box has a quick GST checklist, and our NZ GST calculator estimates what you'd pay.
Can you arrange compliance in New Zealand?
Compliance isn't included in our price. We deliver cars to a compliance yard in New Zealand, and our NZ agent can help you book the certification on arrival.