Aussies get tough on emissions

TWO-STROKE OUTBOARD engines are under the gun across the Tasman following the Australian government’s recent introduction of an Emissions Standards Bill.

The standards come into effect on 1 July 2018 and are based on the USA EPA rules. But to make it easier for importers, outboards with certification in the USA, EU, Canadian and California (CARB) will all pass. All marine petrol engines – outboards, inboards and those in PWCS – are affected.

Engine importers will have up to nine months to plan for final shipments to arrive. “The final date for carby two-stroke imports is 30 June 2018,” says Gary Fooks, chairman of the Blue Sky Alliance. The Alliance represents a group of manufacturers and distributors of non-road engine products who believe Australians deserve to breathe clean air.

Stockpiling will be actively discouraged. Importers and dealers will still be able to sell non-compliant engines, but only for 12 months after imports stop. After 1 July 2019, any carby outboards in stock at dealers or importers must be destroyed or re-exported.

“Dealers will be tempted to stockpile old technology outboards and that’s a gamble which may not work out,” says Fooks. “A handful of buyers may snap up the last two-strokes but many more will invest in compliant engines with solid resale values, assured spare parts availability and not take the risk on old models.”

The new standards will also target mowers, generators, chain saws and brushcutters.

For more information see http://www.environment.gov.au/ protection/air-quality/publications/working-towards-australianemission-standards-nrsiee-update-paper