Overview
Australia’s vehicle import framework provides several pathways for bringing overseas vehicles into the country. While the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS), the 25-Year Rule, and the Personal Import Scheme are the most widely used, there is a fourth pathway specifically designed for manufacturers and importers dealing with small production runs: the Low Volume Vehicle Scheme (LVS).
The LVS is a compliance pathway under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) that allows vehicles produced in low numbers to be certified and registered in Australia without requiring full ADR type approval a process that is cost-prohibitive for small-volume manufacturers and importers.
This guide explains exactly what the LVS is, who it is designed for, how it differs from other import pathways, the application process, applicable costs, and the compliance requirements that must be met.
What Is the Low Volume Vehicle Scheme?
The Low Volume Vehicle Scheme (LVS) is a compliance approval pathway that allows road vehicles produced in small numbers to be approved for use on Australian roads without meeting the full type approval requirements that apply to mass-produced vehicles.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) and operates under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) and the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019. The RVS legislation and its full regulatory framework came into force on 1 July 2021, replacing the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA).
Under the LVS, a vehicle is assessed on an individual or small-batch basis against applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The key distinction from mass-production type approval is that the LVS allows alternative forms of evidence to be submitted against some ADRs recognising that small-volume producers cannot always meet the exact same testing and documentation standards as large manufacturers.
Mass-produced vehicles sold in Australia by major manufacturers are approved through a type approval process a comprehensive, expensive, and time-consuming certification pathway. The LVS provides an alternative for small producers who cannot practically access type approval but still need to demonstrate ADR compliance on a vehicle-by-vehicle or small-batch basis. The LVS concession applies to the form of evidence that may be submitted there are no concessions against meeting the ADRs themselves.
Source: Department of Infrastructure Vehicle Certification (LVS)
Who Is the Low Volume Vehicle Scheme Designed For?
The LVS is primarily designed for the following groups:
1. Small-Volume Vehicle Manufacturers
Manufacturers who produce vehicles in small numbers and wish to sell or register those vehicles in Australia. A well-known example is the Morgan Motor Company a British sports car manufacturer whose low annual production volumes make full Australian type approval impractical, making LVS the appropriate pathway for its Australian importer.
2. Kit Car and Specialist Vehicle Builders
Builders of kit cars, replica vehicles, and specialist purpose-built vehicles that do not have a standard type-approved equivalent in the Australian market. Kit cars and specialist vehicles are explicitly recognised by the Department of Infrastructure as a primary LVS use case.
3. Importers of Low-Production Models
Importers bringing in vehicles from overseas manufacturers who produce vehicles in small numbers and have not pursued full Australian type approval for their models. Where an LVS-eligible vehicle is also listed on the SEVs Register, the LVS provides the compliance pathway alongside SEVS eligibility the two schemes work together for new vehicles.
4. Racing and Competition Vehicle Importers
Certain competition vehicles that require road registration but are produced in limited numbers may be eligible under the LVS, subject to meeting applicable ADRs for road use.
What Is the Low Volume Threshold?
Under the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019 and its predecessor legislation, the LVS permits the supply to the Australian market of up to 25 or 100 vehicles per year, per vehicle category. The threshold that applies depends on the vehicle category. As noted in the Department of Infrastructure’s vehicle certification guidance:
| Volume Threshold | Application |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 vehicles per year | Applicable to certain higher-volume LVS categories. |
| Up to 100 vehicles per year | The broader LVS limit per vehicle category per applicant. |
The threshold is assessed on the number of vehicles of a particular model entering the Australian market, not total global production volume. Always verify the applicable threshold for your specific vehicle category with the Department of Infrastructure before applying.
Source: Department of Infrastructure Low Volume Scheme for New Vehicles | carsales.com.au What is a Low-Volume Import?
New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) Impact on LVS Applicants
From 1 January 2025, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) came into effect under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024. It sets CO2 emissions targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 4.5 tonne GVM) entering the Australian market from 1 July 2025.
Regulated entities including holders of vehicle type approvals must comply with set emissions targets. LVS applicants should confirm with the Department of Infrastructure whether and how the NVES applies to their specific vehicle category and production volume, as obligations may vary. NVES emissions data is required for vehicles entered on the RAV from 1 July 2025 onwards.
Source: Department of Infrastructure NVES Information for Industry
How Does the LVS Differ from Other Import Pathways?
Understanding how the LVS differs from other import pathways helps identify whether it is the right approach for your circumstances. For a complete overview of all pathways, see our import eligibility guide.
| Feature | LVS vs Other Pathways |
|---|---|
| Primary purpose | LVS: Compliance pathway for small-volume manufacturers and importers. SEVS / 25-Year / Personal Import: Import approval pathways for enthusiasts, collectors, and returning residents. |
| Who applies | LVS: Manufacturers, kit builders, specialist importers. Other pathways: Individual buyers, dealers, collectors. |
| Vehicle eligibility | LVS: Any vehicle produced below the 25 or 100 unit per year threshold (per vehicle category) that is on the SEVs Register. Other pathways: Must meet SEVS criteria, age threshold, or personal ownership criteria. |
| ADR compliance | LVS: Required assessed on individual/batch basis with alternative evidence methods permitted for some ADRs. SEVS/Personal: Required via RAW workshop. 25-Year: Simplified concessional requirements. |
| Type approval required | LVS: No alternative compliance via LVS evidence assessment. Other pathways: No compliance via RAW workshop. |
| ROVER pathway | All pathways use ROVER the single portal for all vehicle import and compliance approvals under the RVSA. See our Vehicle Import Approval guide for full details. |
| Typical users | LVS: Small manufacturers, kit car builders, specialist importers (e.g., Morgan Motor Company distributor). Other pathways: Car enthusiasts, returning residents, classic vehicle buyers. |
Source: Department of Infrastructure Road Vehicle Standards Laws
How to Apply for Low Volume Vehicle Scheme Approval
LVS approval is managed through the ROVER portal the Department of Infrastructure’s centralised online portal for all vehicle import and compliance approvals under the RVSA. From October 2025, ROVER requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) via the Microsoft Authenticator app for all account access. For a complete overview of the full import process, see our step-by-step guide to importing a car from Japan to Australia.
- Confirm LVS eligibility. Verify that the vehicle model is on the SEVs Register and falls within the applicable annual volume threshold for the relevant vehicle category. ROVER displays applicable ADRs based on the vehicle category selected during application.
- Gather technical documentation. Collect all relevant vehicle specifications, safety data, and evidence of ADR compliance or compliance equivalency for each applicable ADR. The Department of Infrastructure’s Evidence Examination Procedures Manual provides detailed guidance on acceptable evidence formats.
- Create a ROVER account. Register at rover.infrastructure.gov.au, set up MFA using the Microsoft Authenticator app, and submit the required identification. The ROVER account creation guide (October 2025) is available from the Department’s RVS guides and resources page.
- Select the LVS pathway. Within ROVER, select the correct Low Volume Vehicle approval type. Selecting an incorrect pathway will require resubmission and add significant delay.
- Submit the application. Upload all technical documentation and vehicle details. ROVER allows draft applications to be saved before final submission.
- Pay the application fee. The fee varies depending on the number of vehicles in the application batch and the vehicle category. Payment is made online through ROVER. Confirm current fees at rover.infrastructure.gov.au before applying.
- Await departmental assessment. Processing times vary. The Department has a standard assessment period and complex applications or those with incomplete documentation will take longer. The Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals (February 2026) notes that the department has up to 60 business days to assess certain vehicle approval applications. Track progress through your ROVER account.
- Receive Road Vehicle Approval (RVA). If approved, a Road Vehicle Approval is issued. This document is required before the vehicle can be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and subsequently registered for road use in Australia.
- Complete state registration. Present the RVA and any required roadworthiness certification to your state road authority to register the vehicle for road use. See our state registration requirements guide for a state-by-state breakdown.
ADR Compliance Under the LVS
All vehicles approved under the LVS must demonstrate compliance with applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The specific ADRs that apply depend on the vehicle category, the date of manufacture, and the vehicle’s intended use.
Under the LVS, some alternative compliance evidence may be accepted in lieu of the full test reports and documentation required under type approval. This is described in detail in the Department of Infrastructure’s New Vehicle Low Volume Vehicle Scheme Evidence Examination Procedures Manual. Importantly, the LVS concession applies to the form of evidence the ADRs themselves must still be met.
Acceptable alternative evidence categories include:
- ECE (UNECE) approvals. Australia is a contracting party to the UN 1958 Agreement and many ADRs recognise UNECE/ECE regulations as equivalent alternative standards. Where an ECE mark is present on a component (such as an E-mark on lighting), this may be sufficient evidence for the relevant ADR, provided the ECE regulation is recognised as an alternative standard in that ADR.
- US FMVSS compliance. Some ADRs recognise FMVSS (US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) as an alternative standard. Where FMVSS compliance is cited as equivalent, a technical equivalency argument linking FMVSS requirements to the ADR requirements is typically required in addition to test results.
- Engineering declarations and assessments. Declarations from qualified automotive engineers, with supporting technical data, may be accepted where full testing is not required.
- Physical inspection reports. Reports from ADR-approved testing facilities (facilities holding a Test Facility Approval under ROVER) can demonstrate physical compliance for applicable ADRs.
- Manufacturer declarations with supporting technical data. Declarations from the original manufacturer, accompanied by sufficient technical specification documents, may support certain ADR compliance claims.
The Department of Infrastructure’s Evidence Examination Procedures Manual sets out detailed requirements for the standard of evidence, including requirements for unambiguous wording, reference to all vehicle variants covered by the evidence, and final compliance statements. Applicants should consult this manual and the February 2026 Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals before preparing submissions.
Source: LVS Evidence Examination Procedures Manual Department of Infrastructure | BTT Engineering Consulting ADR Compliance Services
Costs 2025–26 Reference
The costs involved in obtaining LVS approval and registering a vehicle in Australia vary depending on the vehicle type, origin, number of vehicles in the application batch, and the ADR modifications required. For a full breakdown of all cost components, see our total landed cost guide.
| Cost Component | Notes (2025–26) |
|---|---|
| ROVER Application Fee | Varies by batch size and vehicle category. Confirm current fees at rover.infrastructure.gov.au before applying. |
| Technical Documentation Preparation | Cost of preparing ADR compliance documentation, engineering assessments, and test reports. Highly variable depending on vehicle type and the number of ADRs assessed. |
| ADR Compliance Modifications | Modifications required to meet applicable ADRs. AUD $2,000–$10,000+ depending on vehicle condition and ADRs applicable. |
| International Freight (if applicable) | RoRo: AUD $1,500–$2,500 (Japan/Asia origin). Container: AUD $3,000–$4,500. Higher for US, UK, or European origins. See our RoRo vs container shipping guide for a full comparison. |
| Import Duty | 5% of customs value for most vehicles. JAEPA exemption removes this duty for Japanese-origin vehicles meeting rules of origin confirm eligibility with a licensed customs broker. |
| GST | 10% on the combined customs value + duty + freight + insurance. See our guide on understanding customs duty and GST on imported cars. |
| Luxury Car Tax (LCT) | 33% on GST-inclusive value exceeding AUD $80,567 (standard vehicles) or AUD $91,387 (fuel-efficient vehicles consuming 3.5 L/100km or less) for 2025–26. |
| Biosecurity & Quarantine | AUD $400–$800 for standard DAFF inspection. Additional costs if cleaning or onshore treatment is required. See our biosecurity and quarantine guide for full requirements. |
| State Registration | AUD $800–$1,500 depending on state and vehicle specifications. See our state registration requirements guide for a state-by-state breakdown. |
| Contingency Buffer | Always budget an additional 10–15% for unexpected compliance costs, currency movements, or processing delays. |
2025–26 Tax and Duty Reference
- Import Duty: 5% of customs value for most vehicles. Under JAEPA, the 5% tariff on Japanese passenger and goods motor vehicles is removed for vehicles meeting JAEPA rules of origin GST and LCT remain payable.
- GST: 10% on the combined customs value + duty + international freight + insurance.
- LCT Thresholds (2025–26): $80,567 (standard vehicles); $91,387 (fuel-efficient vehicles consuming 3.5 L/100km or less). From 1 July 2025, the fuel-efficient definition was tightened vehicles consuming between 3.5 and 7 L/100km no longer qualify for the higher threshold. Rate: 33% on the GST-inclusive value above the applicable threshold.
Always confirm current thresholds, JAEPA eligibility, and duty rates with a licensed customs broker before finalising your cost estimate.
Source: ATO Luxury Car Tax Rate and Thresholds (2025–26) | DFAT JAEPA: removal of 5% tariff on Japanese motor vehicles
Common Mistakes to Avoid
For a broader overview of import mistakes across all pathways, see our guide on common mistakes when importing from Japan to Australia.
| Common Mistake | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Applying under the wrong ROVER pathway | Selecting SEVS or another pathway instead of LVS will result in assessment against the wrong criteria and require resubmission, adding weeks of delay. |
| Insufficient ADR compliance documentation | Applications without adequate technical evidence for each applicable ADR will be queried or refused. The Department’s Evidence Examination Procedures Manual sets a high standard for evidence quality and clarity. |
| Exceeding the volume threshold | If the number of vehicles of a particular model entering the Australian market in a 12-month period exceeds the applicable LVS threshold (25 or 100 per vehicle category), the LVS pathway is no longer available and full type approval may be required. |
| Shipping before approval is issued | A vehicle cannot legally enter Australia without a valid Road Vehicle Approval. The Department’s guidance explicitly warns against shipping before approval doing so risks vehicle detention by ABF, significant storage costs, and potential re-export or destruction at the importer’s expense. |
| Using ambiguous compliance evidence | The Evidence Examination Procedures Manual specifically prohibits ambiguous wording in compliance documentation. Claims that imply compliance without committing to it, or that describe a single vehicle rather than all vehicles of the model, will be refused. |
| Underestimating compliance costs | LVS compliance can involve significant documentation, engineering assessment, and modification costs. Always obtain a detailed cost estimate before committing to an import. |
| Not verifying current ADR requirements | ADR requirements and LVS procedures change over time. The February 2026 Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals reflects recent updates. Always verify current requirements directly with the Department of Infrastructure before preparing your application. |
| Ignoring NVES obligations | From 1 July 2025, CO2 emissions data is required for vehicles entered on the RAV. Confirm whether and how the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard applies to your LVS application before submitting. |
Source: LVS Evidence Examination Procedures Manual | Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals, February 2026 Department of Infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LVS the same as SEVS?
No. SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) establishes eligibility for vehicles to be made available in Australia. The LVS is a compliance approval pathway for vehicles produced in small volumes. The two schemes work together for new vehicles: a vehicle must generally be on the SEVs Register to qualify for LVS, but the LVS governs how compliance approval is obtained.
Can individual buyers use the LVS?
The LVS is primarily designed for manufacturers and importers dealing with small production runs, not for individual buyers importing a single vehicle for personal use. Individual buyers are more likely to use SEVS, the 25-Year Rule, or the Personal Import Scheme depending on their circumstances.
Do LVS vehicles still need ADR compliance?
Yes. All vehicles approved under the LVS must demonstrate compliance with applicable Australian Design Rules. The LVS provides alternative compliance evidence methods for some ADRs compared to full type approval but the ADRs themselves must still be met. As the Evidence Examination Procedures Manual states, the LVS procedures are intended to provide a concessional basis for examination of evidence of compliance not a concession against the ADRs.
How long does LVS approval take?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the number of vehicles in the batch, and the completeness of the documentation submitted. The Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals (February 2026) notes that the Department has up to 60 business days to assess certain vehicle approval applications. Applicants should allow several months and apply well in advance of their intended import or supply date.
What happens after I receive LVS approval?
After receiving a Road Vehicle Approval (RVA) under the LVS, the vehicle must be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). It must also pass biosecurity and customs clearance on arrival in Australia, and must then be registered with the relevant state road authority before it can be used on public roads. See our state registration requirements guide for a full breakdown.
Can the LVS be used for kit cars?
Yes. Kit cars and specialist purpose-built vehicles are among the common use cases for the LVS, provided the vehicle falls within the applicable volume threshold, is on the SEVs Register, and meets the relevant ADRs. Builders should consult the Department of Infrastructure’s guidelines and consider engaging an experienced compliance professional before proceeding.
Does JAEPA duty relief apply to LVS vehicles from Japan?
It may. Under JAEPA, Australia removed the standard 5% import duty on Japanese passenger and goods motor vehicles that meet JAEPA rules of origin. If an LVS vehicle originates in Japan and meets the rules of origin criteria, the import duty exemption may apply however, GST (10%) and LCT (where applicable) remain payable regardless. Confirm eligibility with a licensed customs broker before importing. See our guide on understanding customs duty and GST on imported cars for more detail.
How Glam Groups Can Help
Glam Groups has been managing vehicle imports and compliance in Melbourne since 2002. As an approved Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) and authorised ADR testing facility, we have extensive experience navigating Australia’s vehicle import compliance framework across multiple pathways.
Whether you are a small-volume importer, a kit car builder, or a specialist vehicle manufacturer seeking LVS approval, our team can provide guidance on ADR compliance requirements, documentation preparation, and the ROVER application process.
- Approved Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) authorised to perform ADR compliance work on all imported vehicles.
- Authorised ADR Testing Facility approved to conduct ADR compliance testing in-house.
- Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT 10210) fully licensed to buy and sell motor vehicles in Victoria.
- Second-Hand Dealer registration providing full consumer protection compliance.
- 1,000+ vehicles successfully imported and complied for clients across Australia.
- 22+ years of experience in the Japanese vehicle import industry.
Approved RAW • ADR Testing Facility • LMCT 10210 • Campbellfield, Melbourne
Contact our team to discuss your LVS or vehicle compliance requirements.
Sources and References
- Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA): legislation.gov.au
- Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019: legislation.gov.au
- Department of Infrastructure Road Vehicle Standards Laws: infrastructure.gov.au/road-vehicle-standards-laws
- Department of Infrastructure Low Volume Scheme for New Vehicles: infrastructure.gov.au/vehicle-certification/low-volume
- Department of Infrastructure Vehicle Certification (LVS overview): infrastructure.gov.au/vehicle-certification
- ROVER Portal: rover.infrastructure.gov.au
- ROVER Release 10 (October 2025 MFA implementation): infrastructure.gov.au/rover-releases
- Guide to Vehicle Type Approvals, February 2026 Department of Infrastructure: infrastructure.gov.au (PDF)
- RVS Guides and Resources Department of Infrastructure: infrastructure.gov.au/rvs-guides-and-resources
- New Vehicle Low Volume Vehicle Scheme Evidence Examination Procedures Manual Department of Infrastructure: infrastructure.gov.au (PDF)
- New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) Information for Industry: infrastructure.gov.au/nves
- ATO Luxury Car Tax Rate and Thresholds (2025–26): ato.gov.au
- DFAT JAEPA Outcomes at a Glance: dfat.gov.au/jaepa-outcomes-at-a-glance
- DFAT Guide to Using JAEPA to Export or Import: dfat.gov.au/guide-to-using-jaepa
- BTT Engineering Consulting ADR Compliance Services: bttengineering.com.au/adr-compliance-services
- carsales.com.au What is a Low-Volume Import?: carsales.com.au
Disclaimer: LVS procedures, volume thresholds, ADR requirements, duty rates, and LCT thresholds are subject to change. This guide reflects requirements current as of May 2026. Always verify current requirements via rover.infrastructure.gov.au and consult a licensed customs broker or RAW-accredited workshop before importing.
