Emissions from certain products can be a significant source of air pollution, particularly in urban areas. The product emissions standards help improve our air quality to protect human health and the environment. By setting emissions standards and stopping high-emitting products from entering Australia, pollutants in our air are reduced.
Emissions standards are made under the Product Emissions Standards Act 2017.
Cost recovery arrangements review
The cost recovery arrangements for the product emissions standards have been reviewed and updated.
Changes to the arrangements will take effect for the 2021-22 levy period (payable November 2022).
Read about our cost recovery arrangements.
Products covered by the standards
The product emissions standards apply to outdoor power equipment and marine engines. These products include:
- new spark-ignition engines with a maximum power of 19 kilowatts, or 25.5 horse-power. These include products such as: lawn mowers, ride-on mowers, mulchers, leaf blowers, generators, pumps and chain saws.
- new spark-ignition engines used in marine vessels. These include: outboard engines, personal watercraft and stern-drive engines.
The standards apply to petrol and gas powered products. It is the engine which is subject to the emissions standards, whether imported as a stand-alone engine or fitted within the products or equipment. Although such engines are generally used in outdoor power equipment and marine engines, there are circumstances where they can be operated indoors, such as with floor polishers. These products may also be captured under the emissions standards.
The Government may consider emissions standards for other products in the future. The department will make information available on this page about any new proposals.
Buying and selling emissions-controlled products
New products can only be supplied in Australia if they meet the emissions standards. Before purchasing a product or equipment, you can ask the retailer if the product meets the emissions standards and ask to see the appropriate emissions label that is required to be fixed to the engine.
For guidance on purchasing products from overseas sellers see Buying emissions-controlled products.
The department’s role
- We administer the Product Emissions Standards Act 2017 and any emissions standards made under the Act.
- We support the regulated community to understand their obligations under the new emissions standards.
- We process applications for Australian certification and applications for exemptions, collect fees and levies, and undertake activities to ensure compliance with the standards.
Contact us
To learn more about the product emissions standards or how to apply for Australian certification or exemptions, contact the Air Quality Emissions Standards section on: