VIA Industry Alerts
Media Releases
23.09.25 -- The 'dumping ground' bogeyman is misleading vehicle transport policy
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Drop unhelpful slogans – Avoid terms like ‘dumping ground’ that carry no legal definition and distract from measurable outcomes.
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Focus on evidence and parity – Align regulatory thresholds with real-world risk and ensure new and used imports are treated consistently.
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Prioritise fleet renewal at scale – Support a steady supply of both new and mid-life vehicles to refresh the fleet affordably and sustainably.
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“‘Dumping ground’ is a phrase, not a standard.”
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“You don’t improve the fleet by stalling its renewal.”
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“Let’s dump the phrase — and lift the debate.”
26.08.25 - MEMBER ADVISORY - Heavy/commercial imports: Euro VI-c/Japan 2016 from 1 November 2025
Heavy/commercial imports: Euro VI-c/Japan 2016 from 1 November 2025 — what to do now
Who this is for: Heavy/commercial importers, entry-cert agents, and compliance managers.
What changes on 1 November 2025 (Exhaust Emissions Rule)
- All heavy vehicles certified for entry that were border inspected 1 November 2025 or later must comply with Euro VI step C or an approved equivalent. The Rule explicitly lists Japan 2016 (heavy vehicle regulation), US 2013/Tier 3, ADR 80/04, and UN R49/06 as acceptable.
- This is the next step after the 2024 uplift (to Euro V for used heavy), and is part of NZ’s alignment with Australia and other jurisdictions.
What counts as “Japan 2016” and why it matters
- Japan 2016 is the post-New Long Term heavy-duty standard using the WHTC test cycle, and is treated in NZ as equivalent for entry from 1 Nov 2025.
- Proof at entry: Bring the original Japanese deregistration/export certificate (or other accepted docs) showing the emissions code; certifiers record this in LANDATA per VIRM TB28.
Commercial reality to plan for
- Supply will tighten to Japan 2016-compliant stock (predominantly 2017+ builds) and prices will be firmer as buyers compete for eligible units. Factor this into bids and retail.
- Market feedback: used prices ~30% higher year-on-year in some segments, with importers shifting to higher-km local sourcing due to Japan supply constraints. Expect more of this pressure post-November.
Starting now:
From now until November, lock in your sourcing by prioritising Japan 2016-coded trucks and confirming codes before purchase, building a buffer for any rework or documentation gaps. Adjust your budget to add capex headroom for Euro VI technology and likely auction premiums on compliant stock and coordinate with your entry-cert partner using TB28 as your evidence checklist for documentation and LANDATA capture. Pre-sell vehicles with realistic lead-times, transparent cost changes, and for tradie fleets, highlight total-cost-of-ownership benefits from Euro VI tech in urban cycles. Expect seasonal slowdowns and demand spikes; don't rely on late-year bargains as the rule change will firm prices.
FAQs
- Can I still land a non-Euro VI/Japan 2016 heavy vehicle after 1 Nov 2025?
Yes, providing it was border inspected prior to 1 November 2025; otherwise, no unless it meets another listed equivalent (e.g., US 2013/Tier 3, ADR 80/04, UN R49/06). Check the Rule tables.
- Is Australia aligned?
Yes—Euro VI-c for heavy vehicles is already regulated in Australia; NZ’s timetable is meant to stay in step to avoid supply shocks.
- Will costs come back down?
Likely to stabilise once more 2018–2020 Japan 2016 vehicles cycle into used export channels, but expect ongoing premiums for low-km, desirable specs. (Plan and price accordingly.)
Regards,
The VIA TEAM
Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association
Web: www.via.org.nz / Email: info@via.org.nz
22.08.25 VIA Welcomes Government’s Commitment to Improve Clean Car Standard
- Removing the weight adjustment from passenger and commercial vehicle targets, ensuring a fairer and more transparent approach to setting CO₂ reduction obligations.
- Permitting the trading of credits between the new and used import sectors, creating greater flexibility for importers.
- Extending the lifespan of credits from three years to four, giving businesses more certainty in managing compliance.
6 August 2025 - eRUC Announcement from the Minister
MEDIA RELEASE
6 August 2025
VIA welcomes Government’s careful approach to electronic Road User Charges
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) welcomes today’s announcement by Transport Minister Chris Bishop outlining the next steps toward replacing fuel excise duty with electronic Road User Charges (eRUC).
“This is a major reform with wide-ranging implications for motorists and the vehicle industry alike,” said VIA Chief Executive Greig Epps. “We’re pleased to see the Government taking a careful and considered approach to how this will be rolled out.”
VIA notes that many of the vehicles entering New Zealand as used imports do not have built-in telematics or road-charging hardware. Any proposal to retrofit such technology at the border will carry costs—not just for the devices themselves, but for labour and systems integration during the compliance process.
“These costs must be taken into account if we want a system that is fair and doesn’t make everyday transport less affordable for Kiwi families,” said Epps.
VIA supports the Minister’s recognition of the need to modernise payment methods. Current Road User Charges require large upfront payments, which many people find difficult to manage. Spreading these payments through subscription models or monthly billing would better reflect how Kiwis budget for transport.
The association also backs the Government’s willingness to partner with the private sector to deliver this system but stresses that robust privacy protections will be essential.
“Collaboration with private providers can unlock innovation, but it must be underpinned by strong safeguards for individual privacy and data security,” Epps said.
VIA looks forward to working with the Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi to help shape a system that works across all vehicle types—including used imports—and delivers an equitable, efficient, and future-ready road funding model.
ENDS
For more information:
Greig Epps
Chief Executive
Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA)