Correct as at 29th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken: from Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > Entry certification > Technical bulletins > Replacement parts

1 Replacement parts

Replaces Infosheet 1.81 Replacement parts

Vehicle inspection requirements manual references

This bulletin gives guidance to vehicle inspectors in determining compliance of a vehicle.

Application

This document applies to any vehicle undergoing entry-level certification that has had parts, components or systems replaced during a repair or modification.

Safety concern

Vehicles entering New Zealand must have been manufactured to comply with required safety standards. Compliance with these standards ensures that a safety critical component will perform as intended. Vehicles and their systems, parts and components must remain within safe tolerance of their state when manufactured. This helps to ensure the safety of vehicles used on New Zealand roads.

Use of correct replacement parts is vital to achieving safe tolerance. A vehicle must continue to comply with safety standards and equipment requirements when it is repaired, or components are added or replaced.

Inspection

Vehicle inspectors must check whether or not the component being replaced has to meet an approved standard. Standards will vary according to the vehicle’s year of manufacture (and any modifications). The replacement part must meet the same standard as the original part, or a later version. Examples include lights, tyres, seatbelts and glazing.

If there is no specific standard for the individual component, but there is a standard for the system the component is a part of, the vehicle inspector must ensure that any replacement parts used enable the system to continue to meet the standard, and return the vehicle to safe tolerance of its state when manufactured. Examples include brake systems, frontal impact protection systems and seatbelt anchorage attachment points.

Braking systems: Brake pads and shoes are critical components in relation to returning the braking system to within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured.

Frontal impact protection systems: It is important that structural panel replacement is carried out using complying parts and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (or, where these are not available, alternative repair industry standards such as I-Car). Replacement panels and welding must duplicate the original structure.

Seatbelt anchorages: Any repairs of the body or components affecting the supporting structure for seatbelt anchorages must restore these items to their original strength.

If there is no specific standard for the component or the system of which the component is a part, components must be fit for purpose. This generally applies to older vehicles, although there are components that are important to the safety of a vehicle but are not covered by a prescribed standard in new vehicles. Examples include steering and suspension components.

Recommendation

The NZ Transport Agency recommends that parts suppliers and repairers must be able to provide proof that replacement parts meet legal requirements. This could consist of de-registration papers of the donor vehicle for used body parts, standards markings, or proof that the vehicle used for parts was legally registered in New Zealand.