About the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme

The Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) allows for the importation and supply of used specialist or enthusiast vehicles to the market in Australia. Under this scheme only a RAW can import a used vehicle into Australia. RAWS arrangements do not apply for vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989 or vehicles that are to be imported under the Personal Import Scheme. For these vehicles please refer to Vehicle Safety Standards Bulletin 10 (VSB10) Importing Vehicles into Australia.

If you do not wish to become a RAW and would like to arrange for the importation of a used vehicle, you will need to contact a RAW to arrange for the importation of the vehicle. You can find a listing of approved workshops and their schedule of Approved vehicle models through the Search for a RAW. Before the vehicle can be fitted with a Used Import Plate (required for first registration and for use as transport in Australia) the RAW must modify the vehicle to meet the Australian Design Rule (ADR) requirements as referenced in the RAWS legislation.

In order to be eligible for importation and supply through RAWS, a vehicle must be:

A Used Vehicle - the vehicle must have been used in transport outside Australia and either be:

SEVS Eligible - a vehicle that is listed as eligible under the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Scheme. The details of the vehicle must be as specified under the SEVS ruling; or
A two or three wheeled L-group category vehicle (motorcycle) that meets the evidence requirements for unrestricted importation through RAWS.

SEVS Eligibility does not automatically imply that a vehicle complies with the ADR or other RAWS legislation, nor does it imply that a vehicle model can be economically made to comply. In order for the RAW to fit a Used Import Plate to a vehicle, the workshop is required to hold evidence that the vehicle, as modified, meets the RAWS requirements. This may require testing or modification of the vehicle. If a vehicle cannot meet the RAWS requirements it must be exported or destroyed.

Damaged Vehicles - A vehicle that has been structurally damaged cannot be fitted with a Used Import Plate. The RAW must assess each vehicle for damage against guidelines prescribed in legislation - if the vehicle does not meet these requirements it must be exported or destroyed - irrespective of whether the damage has been repaired or is repairable.

With all necessary supporting documentation the application will be assessed within 5 working days. However, this process will take longer if the necessary supporting documentation is not initially provided.

If you would like to become a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW), try the quick online Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) Self-Assessment tool. It will step you through your viability and check whether you qualify to become a RAW. If your results indicated you are not ready to apply, the tool will provide some guidance on what you need to complete an application.

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For further assistance to become a RAW, please contact our Client Services Centre on 1800 815 272 or by email to raws.info@infrastructure.gov.au