Andy, sorry to hijack. This is what we've received so far:
From the Department of Transport:
Under M1 IVA from 29 April 2009, for all passenger cars under 10 years old, VOSA will accept the Japanese noise standard as being comparable with the European one. For used vehicles which have been registered in Japan for at least 6 months, VOSA will also accept the Japanese Emissions standards as being comparable with European ones. Newer vehicles will, as at present, have to provide Model Reports for Emissions or other evidence of compliance with European Emissions standards.
Vehicles which have been modified in ways that might degrade performance in either noise or emissions may not be accepted via this route. For example, the addition of an aftermarket sports exhaust would mean that for Noise, the vehicle will not be accepted without evidence of compliance of the modified vehicle.
In the case of Emissions, acceptable proof that the vehicle has been registered in Japan for at least 6 months duration will be required, which is likely to be the Japanese de-registration document.
The fine details of operational procedure will be contained in publicity material issued by VOSA. The situation regarding CO2 values and vehicle excise duty is still under discussion.
Rationale for changes
1. Noise.
Investigations have revealed that the current Japanese noise standards for cars are very close to the European standards. Similar test procedures are used.
Conclusion – Japanese noise standards should be accepted as Comparable for all M1 vehicles coming through IVA.
2. Emissions.
Investigations have taken place into the Japanese Light Duty emissions standards versus the European ones. Direct comparisons between the European and Japanese emissions limits are not possible due to differences in the applicable test cycles, in the approval processes and in some of the other related requirements (e.g. durability, OBD, etc.). In the view of experts, the current Japanese light duty emissions requirements (Japan 2005) are considered to be slightly less stringent than those of Euro 4. The future Japanese light duty emissions requirements (Japan 2009) are considered to be slightly less stringent than those of Euro 5.
The following factors have contributed to this decision:
1. The general government policy to reduce the administrative burden on industry.
2. European obligations to ensure that new vehicles comply with European Directives, particularly in the environmental area.
3. Possible future European Harmonized IVA would be applicable to vehicles that have been registered outside the EU for less than 6 months.
4. The low volumes of vehicles coming through SVA, even before the current economic situation/credit crisis took hold.
Conclusion – Vehicles which are “new†(interpreted as:- vehicles which are unregistered or have been registered for 6 months or less) will only be accepted with evidence of compliance with EC Directive standards (as at present). All other relevant vehicles (i.e. those which have been registered for at least 6 months) will be accepted with evidence of compliance with Japanese emissions standards.
