SEVS and RAWS Schemes

An Engineer Rambles
At our last general meeting a fair amount of angst was generated in relation to the new SEVS and RAWS schemes. For those who do not know what these are, the SEVS scheme (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) defines the types of vehicles which can be imported in low volumes into Australia. The RAWS scheme (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme) defines those who are allowed issue compliance plates to these vehicles, and convert vehicles from left to right hand drive.

The new arrangements come into effect on 7 May 2003. On this date, the existing arrangements for plating vehicles will cease. The following is an extract from DOTARS (Department Of Transport And Regional Services) Low Volume Approval website:-

CUT-OFF DATE FOR PLATING USED VEHICLES
A used vehicle imported by a Compliance Plate Approval (CPA) holder or with a letter of agreement from a CPA holder must:
be fitted with a plate before the end of 7 May 2003; or
have an application lodged (before the end of 7 May 2003) by a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW), to place a Used Import Plate on the vehicle.
The vehicle importer is responsible for ensuring this takes place.

Sufficient time from receipt by the Department of an acceptable import application (currently 17 working days) must be allowed for processing.
Sufficient time (currently 5 working days) must also be allowed for processing an acceptable 0-4-5 Vehicle Inspection Certificate and the issue of a plate by the plate contractor.
If for any reason the CPA holder cannot fit a plate to the vehicle by end of 7 May 2003, or an application to place a Used Import Plate has not been made by a RAW by end of 7 May 2003, then the vehicle must be destroyed or exported.

Now this is not news! On the top right hand side of page 12 of an article titled “SEVS and RAWS” in the September 2001 Vetteletter, I used almost the exact same words:- “Will have to be re-exported or destroyed”. I thought I had explained the new system quite clearly eighteen months ago. However, several of our members have recently repeated and quoted this statement out of context, and at our last meeting it all got out of hand. Do not be alarmed, do not get too excited, take a deep breath, settle down in a chair, relax and pay attention. I will explain it again.

The above arrangements apply specifically only to new or near new cars imported under the previous low volume import scheme. By definition a vehicle which is more than fifteen years old (1987 or older) is not covered by this statement. Any vehicle which was not imported under the previous low vehicle import scheme, such as a personal import, a vehicle imported for competition such as motor racing, a vehicle imported for exhibition including museum or car shows, or in fact any vehicle not imported as a low volume import for the purpose sale to the public as a road registered vehicle is exempt. Hence, this (hopefully hypothetical) person who has a stockpile of old Corvettes as his retirement plan instead of superannuating can breathe easy.

If you have a late model Dodge Prowler or C5 Corvette, there is still hope. I have spoken to the head of DOTARS safety division, who advised me that there is a ministerial application to remove the 7 May 2003 deadline on the second point of the statement. This would mean that a RAW would be able to convert your car at any time in the future.

I have spoken to a number of Corvette converters in Queensland. They are all current CPAs. They are unanimous in their assessment of the very significant costs of becoming a Registered Automotive Workshop. Basically RAW registration requires quality accreditation to a level similar to ISO AS/NZS 9001. As with other types of low volume vehicle manufacture such as bus and truck bodies, Corvette conversions and modifications will in future require high levels of engineering, testing, competence and compliance with Australian Design Rules. Several of the converters with whom I spoke concede that they do not have the resources or turnover to justify the expense of becoming a RAW. They will probably be forced to step aside and leave the larger, better resourced players to continue with conversions. Our largest converter has made a significant commitment and is working feverishly towards registration.

There will be winners and losers. If a workshop is a current CPA being regulated and squeezed out of the business, its proprietors would probably be exceedingly annoyed, to say the least. On the other hand, a shop which makes the commitment will relish the reduced competition. For the consumer, the cost of Corvette conversions will rise as workshops will need to recover their substantial initial and ongoing costs.

Col