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
https://www.abf.gov.au/prohibited-goods-subsite/files/fs-asbestos-risk-importing-vehicle.pdfBorder 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.
