Ask an expert

Hi - we are hoping to bring our 1968 Triumph Spitfire into New Zealand with us. We can meet all of the necessary customers requirements for import clearance but we are not sure about passing an inspection and compliance audit by the transport services delivery (TSD) agent.

The car runs well and breaks, steering, lights etc are all ok and perform as well as should be expected from a car of this age. What I am not sure about are acceptable levels of rust. Currently there are spots of surface rust in numerous places on the vehicle - nothing that requires welding etc. There are no structural issues - the under carriage is in good order and the car passes an MOT in the UK. But if my memory and experience in New Zealand serves me well, the requirements for an MOT in New Zealand are more strict on rust?

Will we have problems importing the car into New Zealand with small areas of surface rust? If you look hard you will find surface rust on all panels - but we are hoping to avoid having to do a complete respray of the vehicle in the UK (although I am sure it will need one some time in the next 5 years).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many Thanks
M

Hi M from the UK,
All cars imported into NZ need to meet certain standards and need to be structurally sound. The structural areas are clearly defined in the rule book (called VIRM).
After a vehicle has arrived in NZ, it needs to be cleared by NZ Customs, which includes a structural inspection by an agent from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and a Bio-Security inspection. If the structural integrity is compromised through rust or previous poor repairs, it will be flagged as damaged. Before such a vehicle can be entry-certified, it needs to be repaired and then repair-certified by a special engineer.
a rust spot in the middle of a door or say a guard is not a problem, but if there is rust near a door hinge or a door catch or other structural point, then it would fail.

If you wish, you could send us an email to aatech@aa.co.nz We are happy to send you clearer information on what is defined as structual.

Thanks Rene this is very helpful, yes it would be great to get more information. We are going to cut out all (or as much as we can) of the rust so hopefully this wont be a problem.
Many thanks
M

I would tread very carefully with this car. Having the rust repaired could potentially cause more problems if there is any evidence of repairs. The reason being, that if it looks like anything has been patch welded or covered up with underseal or filler, you could be ordered to remove the paint or underseal for inspection, and still be required to have the repair signed off by a repair certifier. As you can appreciate, certifiers do not like signing off something they didn't see beforehand, or have some input into the repair method.
Obviously, if your car is in really solid condition you have nothing to worry about, but from your description it sounds like it's only average at best. We are aware of numerous classic cars that have arrived here (particularly from the UK, but also the USA etc) that have been unable to be registered here due to existing rust or previous repairs that don't meet the standards required.
With a relatively low value classic, unless there is some sentimental reason to keep this particular car, it's offten not worth the cost and hassle of bringing it here. Cost of freight, GST, Customs clearance, compliance, registration etc will come to several thousand dollars, so it can be a better option to sell the car and buy another one when you get here. See this link to get an idea of local values.
As per Rene's advice, make contact with us via the email address he supplied for any further info. Also, if you have any photos of the car and the affected areas (and the underside), we may be able to offer some guidance.

Thanks ABayliss, I hear your warning. The car is very much of sentimental value as we have owned it for over 30 years so will not be looking to sell it. I doubt it would be worth selling anyway as we would never see a return. Bodywork is in good condition with no welding required we are removing surface rust only... But will take your advice and send photos etc to the email provided. Thank you for your help!
Many thanks
Maurice