I just sent this out on the J-Spec Imports mailing list: ------------------- It appears that the changes to the 15 year old import rule are finally going to happen according to information received today from the office of Hon Jim Lloyd MP. The continuation of the 15 year old scheme has exceeded most people`s estimated timeframe since the announcement was made in early February that the laws would change. Although there has been a lot of rumour about such changes, J-Spec now has information directly from the Minister`s office that they are aiming for the changes to be entered onto the Federal Register (Gazette) in the "second or third week of May". For those who have still not taken advantage of this last opportunity yet but still wish to import a good 1989 - 1990 model car at at a low price, you now know how much time is left. As has always been the case, J-Spec will accept new clients who wish to look for 15 year old vehicles, and we will be offering a full refund if we can`t find a suitable car before the laws change. If you have any further questions about the specifics or implications of this latest news, please do not hesitate to contact us. Regards, The J-Spec Imports Team ---------------------- This is the real deal guys, I spoke to the office myself for this info, so things really are finally winding up for 15 year old imports Ben
This can't be happenning... I have a July 1990 Z32 in storage in Stansted UK and it has been there for nearly two years as I was not allowed to bring it back as a personal import. I used it while I was working there, but not for long enough. My advice was that an application to import it could not be made until the month after the 15th anniversary, i.e. August 1995. I have been counting the days. Does your info mean that now I will not be able to get it home? Barry
I got so excited I rang the Minister's office myself... ..and it seems I have an out. Here is a direct lift from the DOTARS Q&A 5) What is the transitional arrangement? The transitional arrangement will apply to importers who have made a financial commitment on a vehicle before 7 February 2005. This arrangement will cover those importers (agents and owners) who have purchased vehicles and stored them temporarily overseas - awaiting the time they qualify under the 15-year-old rule. These importers will not need to dispose of the vehicle. The 15-year-old scheme will continue to apply for these vehicles, until 31 December 2005. That is, the transition applies to vehicles manufactured on or before 31 December 1990. That tells me that I am OK, as I have owned my UK Zed since 2003. But I think that makes your comment about still having a little time left incorrect. The DOTARS advice is very clear that no matter when the new regs are Gazzetted, the close date for qualifying a car by a "financial commitment" was 7 February. Its a bit like the Hawke/Keating government use to do: Press Release now, Legislation later (sometimes years later), but the operative date is the date of the Press Release.
You should be ok angrybear if you can prove the date of purchase as being pre Feb 7th 2004. Talk to DOTARS about it as it is a slightly unusual situation though. No, you can still buy cars even today as long as they are 15 years old NOW, and I've got a stack of import approvals on my desk for cars bought recently to prove it You can only import cars currently newer than 15 year old later in the year when they ARE 15 years old if purchased before Feb 7th. Ben
Yes, I think so now I have calmed down... I have the original purchase receipt and current UK V10, and a storage contract dating from late 2003. It gave me a fright for the minute though. However, I note the car must be here be the end of the year, but they still won't let the application proceed until after the 15th anniversay. OK in my case for a July reg, but any November or December cars look in a bit of bother. I will contact DOTARs as you suggest. Cheers Barry:thumbsup:
