Technical bulletins
46 Parallel imports
General requirements for parallel imports
Parallel imports are to be treated as a new vehicle for standards requirements but are subjected to the entry certification process of a used vehicle.
This means the following requirements are to be the same as for any other new vehicle:
- Vehicle standards compliance
- Emissions
- ESC (electronic stability control)
- Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI).
PDI requirements
A new light vehicle is required to have a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before it can be certified for entry into service. This is carried out by an agent appointed by the manufacturer to ensure all safety systems are armed and operating correctly, and any outstanding warranty or safety recalls have been attended to.
An entry certifier processing a parallel-imported new light vehicle must retain a copy of the PDI checksheet, or evidence from the manufacturers representative, to verify that the PDI has been carried out. The PDI check sheet, or other evidence, must identify the name of the company that inspected the vehicle, date it was inspected and be signed by the person who carried out the inspection.
All new parallel imports must have evidence of at least one pre-deliver inspection (PDI). If no PDI is available, the applicant may apply for an exemption from the PDI requirements by applying for an exemption from the Vehicle standards compliance rule with the CA11 form. Any exemption given will require a strict and thorough inspection as defined in the conditions of the exemption.
Trim removal exemptions
As most new vehicles are unlikely to have a high risk of structural damage or corrosion an exemption to the trim removal stage of the entry inspection is likely to be given. The application form and instructions on how to apply can be found in Reference material 18
Specific requirements for damaged or written off new parallel imports
Damaged or written off parallel imports are to be treated as used vehicles. However, the standards requirements for new vehicles will apply.
This means the following requirements are to be the same as for a new vehicle:
- Vehicle standards compliance
- Emissions
- ESC (electronic stability control)
- Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI).
PDI requirements
Any vehicle that has not been previously registered requires a pre-deliver inspection (PDI). (See proof of previous registration below)
Only a single PDI is needed for any vehicle. The PDI may be carried out before or after the damage has occurred.
If the PDI was carried out before the damage occurred the repair certification process is deemed to bring the car back to within safe tolerance of manufacture.
If no PDI was carried out before repair certification a full PDI must be completed by a manufacturer’s approved representative before the vehicle may be entry certified.
If no PDI is available, the applicant may apply for an exemption from the PDI requirements by applying for an exemption from the Vehicle standards compliance rule with the CA11 form. Any exemption given will require a strict and thorough inspection as defined in the conditions of the exemption.
Proof of previous registration for PDI requirements
A PPSR with a state of registration recorded under the NEVDIS section is not sufficient to prove previous registration. The state of registration is often record before the vehicle has been issued with number plates and a PDI has been completed. A PPSR cannot be used to exempt a vehicle from PDI requirements.
Any vehicle presented with a V308 form does not require a PDI.
LANDATA/MVR entry
Damaged parallel imports are to be loaded as a used vehicle
The date of first registration is to be entered as the date of border inspection.
The vehicle year is to be entered as the year of manufacture.
VIRM references
See these sections of the VIRM for more on parallel imports:
Introduction: 4 The pre-registration process
Required documentation and registration: 1-1 Registering a vehicle for the first time in New Zealand
Vehicle structure 3-3 Inspection specifications
Reference material 18: Request for an exemption to remove trim on an imported used vehicle
Page amended 1 October 2020 (see amendment details).