2: Complying with vehicle standards and providing evidence

From 30 April 2025 there is a new requirement for some motorcycles and mopeds to meet an emissions standard. If you are considering importing a motorcycle or moped less than 20 years old, check if it needs to be emissions standard compliant.

Vehicles must meet approved safety and emissions standards if the vehicle is going to be used on New Zealand roads.

The requirements differ between

  • the class of vehicle,
  • the date of manufacture, and
  • the country the vehicle is being exported from.

You'll need evidence to support compliance with the necessary vehicle standards.

You can find the vehicle standards below, along with information around the evidence you'll need to provide:  

Scratchbuilt or modified vehicles

Importing a left-hand drive vehicle

Importing a vehicle temporarily 

Immigrants' vehicles

Special interest vehicles

If the above scenarios aren't applicable to you, pick the country where the vehicle is being exported from:

Vehicles from Japan

Vehicles from Australia

Vehicles from USA

Vehicles from Europe

Vehicles from anywhere else