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Department of Climate Change, Energy, Enviroment and Water

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Environment
  3. Environment protection
  4. Product emissions standards
  5. Buying outdoor power equipment and marine engines

Sidebar first - EN - Protection

  • Product emissions standards
    • Legislative Framework
    • Outdoor power equipment and marine engines
    • Cost recovery
    • Certification
    • Exemptions
    • Customs Brokers
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Compliance
      • EU emissions standards
      • What to expect during a site visit
    • Buying emissions-controlled products
    • Frequently Asked Questions

Buying outdoor power equipment and marine engines

Product Emissions Standards for Consumers

[Music plays and an animation image appears of a male using a blower vac next to a river and beside a swimming pool]

Narrator: Meet Clive.

[Animation image changes to show a split screen showing images of the male mowing a lawn, the male using a blower vac, and the male riding a jet ski]

Clive loves the great outdoors.

[Animation image changes to show a male sitting in a sun lounge next to a pool and looking at a laptop]

Clive is clever with his money and shops for the best deals online.

[Animation image changes to show a male smiling and standing next to a jet ski, a lawnmower, and a blower vac and text appears: Product Emissions Standards started in July 2018]

Unfortunately, some of these products he bought online from overseas don’t meet Australia’s emission standards.

[Camera zooms in on the male and shows him with a sad face and a red circle appears on the left with dollar signs and the word “Fine” inside and text appears beneath: Import Offence]

He could now be liable for a hefty fine.

[Animation image changes to show an E-Shop web page for a whipper snipper and the image shows the cursor selecting “Contact seller” and then an inset message appearing: Message retailer – Hi retailer, can you send me a photo of the emissions label on the product’s engine? Thanks, Clive]

If you’re buying outdoor power equipment or marine engines online, check before you choose.

[Animation image shows the cursor selecting “Send” at the bottom of the message and then the image shows a reply inset showing a photo of the emissions label and text: Here you go Clive!]

Ask for proof that the product meets our emission standards.

[Animation image changes to show the male sitting in a sun lounge by a pool having a drink and watching a fish jump out of the river nearby]

Products that meet our emission standards lower air pollution; good for you and good for the environment.

[Image changes to show a black screen and the Coat of Arms and Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and text appears: Check before you choose, environment.gov.au/consumers]

To find out more go to environment.gov.au/consumers.

[New text appears: Authorised by the Australian Government Canberra]

Authorised by the Australian Government Canberra.

Australia has introduced emissions standards to reduce air pollution and improve Australia’s air quality. The standards apply to new spark-ignition outdoor power equipment and marine engines. These products can only be supplied in Australia if they meet the emissions standards.

You need to make sure these products meet the standards if you are:

  • an Australian importer or manufacturer
  • a retailer selling to Australian consumers
  • buying online from an overseas seller.

Types of products

The standards apply to new, petrol and gas powered spark-ignition:

  • outdoor power equipment rated at or below 19kW or 25.5 horsepower, such as lawnmowers, generators and chainsaws
  • marine engines, such as inboards, outboards and personal watercraft.

See a list of typical products covered by the standards.

Second-hand products are not covered by the standards. Your older products can continue to be used and serviced. When the old products are replaced by new equipment, the new equipment will need to comply with the standards.

Buying from overseas

If you buy products from overseas, you may be listed as the importer on the import declaration. As the importer, you are liable for offences relating to the import of emissions-controlled products. 

Do not buy from an online seller if they cannot provide evidence that the product meets Australia’s emissions standards.

Confirming a product is compliant

The Australian emissions standards are in line with other international standards. Our standards recognise products that are certified by other international regulatory bodies and include those from:

  • the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
  • Member states of the European Union
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • California Air Resources Board (CARB).

To avoid purchasing a product that does not meet the Australian emissions standards you should ask the seller if the product/s meet one of the recognised international standards listed above and to provide the relevant certification number.

If you have purchased from an overseas supplier, the certification number is used when an import declaration is made. If you are listed as the importer in the import declaration, the department may contact you regarding the product to ensure that it meets the standards.

Additional confirmation can be requested from the seller, including a copy of the certificate of conformity or a photograph of the emissions label. The emissions label is a label that is affixed to the engine by the engine manufacturer and includes the certification number.

Do not buy the product if the seller cannot provide the certificate of conformity or provide you with a photograph of the emissions label.

Contact the seller before you buy

When contacting a seller you may wish to use the sample text below.

Email template

Dear seller,

I am writing to you to confirm whether the product you are selling meets Australia’s product emissions standards. If possible, can you please send me a copy the certificate of conformity or a photograph of the emissions label certifying the product to one of the following standards?

  • United States EPA
  • California Air Resources Board
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • European Union

Kind regards,

xxx

Consumer rights

All your usual consumer rights apply when you shop with an Australian online business.

Exercise caution when you buy from an overseas online business. It is up to you to ensure any products you import from overseas comply with Australian standards.

Do you still have questions?

Email us at ProductEmissions.environment@dcceew.gov.au

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Last updated: 14 March 2023

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.