Product emissions standards: information for importers and manufacturers

2020
Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
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Do you import, manufacture or supply outdoor power equipment or marine engines?

Noxious emissions standards for outdoor power equipment and marine engines commenced in January 2018. The standards adopt a phased approach to allow industry time to transition. There are steps you should take now to ensure you comply.

1 July 2018 - high polluting new outdoor power equipment and marine engines can no longer be imported into Australia.

1 July 2020 - high polluting new outdoor power equipment or marine engines can no longer be supplied to the Australian market. From this date, European-certified non-road products that are imported into Australia must also meet Euro Stage V emissions standards.

Non-road products certified to Euro Stage II emissions standards can be supplied in Australia up until 30 June 2021, after which only Euro Stage V certified products can be supplied.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment administers the standards. Application fees apply for Australian certifications and exemptions. Levies apply on imported products and domestic manufacture of new engines.

What products do 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/environment/protection/air-quality/emissions-standards.

What do you need to do?

  • ensure all products covered by the emissions standards carry either Australian certification or recognised international certification. Certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, Environment and Climate Change Canada or a member state of the European Union will be accepted
  • if required, acquire an exemption from the Australian emissions standards. Applications can be made to the Department and will be granted 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/environment/protection/air-quality/emissions-standards or email us at productemissions@awe.gov.au.

Further information