Do you import, manufacture or supply outdoor power equipment or marine engines? If you do, the Australian Government’s new noxious emission standards will affect you. There are steps you should take now to ensure you comply.
Noxious emissions standards for outdoor power equipment and marine engines commenced in January 2018. The standards will be phased in to allow industry time to transition.
1 July 2018 – high polluting new outdoor power equipment and marine engines can no longer be imported into Australia.
1 July 2019 – high polluting new outdoor power equipment or marine engines can no longer be supplied to the Australian market.
The Department of the Environment and Energy administers the standards. Application fees will apply for Australian certifications and exemptions. Levies will apply on imported products and domestic manufacture of new engines.
What products will the standards apply to?
The standards apply to:
- spark ignition engines 19 kilowatts and below used in household and commercial operations, including: lawn mowers, ride-on mowers, mulchers, brush or line cutters, generators, pumps, chainsaws and auxiliary engines on boats such as generators and pumps
- spark ignition engines used in marine vessels, including: outboard engines, personal watercraft, and sterndrive or inboard engines.
For a list of products covered by the standards visit www.environment.gov.au/protection/air-quality/emissions-standards.
What do you need to do?
From 1 July 2018:
- ensure all products covered by the emissions standards imported, manufactured and supplied in Australia carry either Australian certification or recognised international certification. Certification from the United States Environment Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, Canada or a member state of the European Union will be accepted
- acquire an exemption from the Australian emissions standards. Applications can be made to the Department of the Environment and Energy and will be grant in limited circumstances.
- ensure you or your customs broker correctly answer the community protection question in the Integrated Cargo System by entering the correct certification or exemption number for your equipment and engines.
- keep records that demonstrate all products imported, assembled or manufactured in Australia are certified and meet Australian standards, or have been granted an exemption.
For more information or to learn how to apply for Australian certifications or exemptions under the emissions standards visit www.environment.gov.au/protection/air-quality/emissions-standards or email us at productemissions@environment.gov.au.
Further information
Source: The Department of Environment and Energy
