Australian product emission standards are aligning with current European Union emissions standards.
You will need to be aware of these important changes if you import or supply products certified to European Union emissions standards.
Phase out of EU Stage II certified products and move to Euro Stage V
The European Union (EU) takes a phased approach to emissions standards to allow for more stringent standards to be introduced over time.
To help industry, Australia adopted a similar phased approach. This allows time to transition rules for the import and supply of products from Euro Stage II emissions standards to Euro Stage V emissions standards. These changes are set out under section 52 of the Product Emissions Standards Rules 2017.
Since 1 July 2020
You can no longer import new non-road spark-ignition engines and equipment certified to EU Stage II standards into Australia.
All new spark-ignition non-road engines and equipment certified to European emissions standards must meet Euro Stage V standards before they can be imported into Australia.
EU Stage II products can continue to be supplied in Australia up until 30 June 2021.
All products must display the relevant Euro Stage V markings before they are imported and throughout the supply chain – all the way to the end user. These are the labels that are affixed to the product by the manufacturer.
From 1 July 2021
You will not be able to sell or supply any products containing an engine certified to EU Stage II in Australia. Put a plan in place to remove all EU Stage II-certified stock well before this date.
This includes any supply, in the course of trading, such as:
- an offer to supply (e.g. display or advertising)
- exchange or gift
- lease, loan hire or hire-purchase.
EU Stage II
EU Stage II emissions standards cover these amending Directives to Directive 97/68/EC:
- 2002/88/EC
- 2004/26/EC
- 2006/105/EC
- 2010/26/EU
- 2011/88/EU
- 2012/46/EU
Euro Stage V
Euro Stage V emissions standards cover Directive 2016/1628 and any future Directive amendments.
Other accepted certified products
This change only applies to products with EU certification.
Products certified to either the Australian certification or to other recognised foreign emissions standards are not affected. This includes certification from:
- United States Environmental Protection Authority
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Californian Air Resources Board.