Background:
Through ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders, the Department of Infrastructure has been made aware of concerns that it would be a significant cost and regulatory burden if testing of a component is required to be undertaken where the test evidence remains relevant, correct and current but the test facility registered in RVCS no longer exists.
The Department has stated:
“For example, it was identified that for some heavy vehicle mechanical connections, the design of the component and manufacturing process for the component has not changed since the original testing was completed and the facility that performed the original testing no longer exists. We understand the length of time required for some of these tests may be many months and even if testing capability exists in approved testing facilities – there will not be sufficient time or capacity to test all components covered by CRNs or SARNs.”
Release of draft papers to address this issue:
Members are advised that the Department of Infrastructure (the Department) has released two explanatory documents detailing how Component Type Approvals will be managed under the new Road Vehicle Standards Act (due to come into effect next year).
These include:
- A Draft Guide to Component Tyre Approvals. This outlines the suggested process for applying for approvals under the new legislation.
- Discussion paper:
This outlines the suggested process for businesses where the test facility that conducted the original component test no longer exists.
It also provides advice for manufacturers on how to apply for a registration number. Further to this, it is proposed that manufacturers will have to provide a test report that shows the component complies with current standards.