There was some optimism among car enthusiasts when the Government announced the rolling 25 year old car import concession earlier this year. Unlike the expensive RAWS scheme, the 25 year old deal meant minimal compliance red tape with many eyeing Japan as a source of cheap prestige cars .
But all is not rosy. Border Control is stepping up vehicle inspections for asbestos requiring the importer to certify guarantee that there is no asbestos in the 25 year old Golden Oldie. Asbestos has been in brake linings & pads, clurches, cylinder head gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets exhaust & air-conditioning lagging just to mention a few.
Have a read of how the onus is in the individual Aussie to assure Border Control that the vehicle doesn't contain asbestos while millions of Aussie cars manufactured before 2003 have similar levels of asbestos.
All the Jap manufacturers in 2005 with the exception of Honda had asbestos in their cars according to a Japanese publication
Border control refuse to allow a pre export evaluation application but instead the importer has to wait until the vehicle arrives at an Aus wharf before the theoretical assessment is made and the subsequent decision to physically inspect the vehicle if deemed necessary. This is an unacceptable risk for the buyer/importer because a full asbestos audit/removal of asbestos can cost up to $20,000 AUD worst case scenario. In summary the scheme has been rendered not economically viable because of this risk.....a proper Claytons, IMO.
