New Zealand’s Transport Agency (NZTA) is reminding vehicle importers and dealers to prepare for key updates to the Clean Car Standard (CCS). Stricter emissions targets and a new admin fee are set to begin over the coming months.
“From 1 January 2026, you’ll likely see an increase in fees on some of the vehicle models you import and accept into your CCS account,” said. the NZTA.
The CCS emissions targets will become tougher for both passenger and commercial vehicles. These changes are part of the Government’s wider push to cut carbon emissions and move toward cleaner transport.
For passenger cars (Type A), the target will drop from 112.6 to 108 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. For light commercial vehicles (Type B), the target will move from 223 to 207 grams per kilometre.
Importers are advised to log in to their CCS accounts to check the ‘Target emissions’ section. This can help them plan ahead for any cost changes. More detailed guidance is available on NZTA’s website.
Credit Trading Now Requires AML Checks
NZTA also reminds importers that they must now complete anti-money laundering (AML) checks if they plan to trade CO₂ credits with other accounts.
“If you trade credits from one CO₂ account to another account, both account owners must be anti-money laundering (AML) verified,” the agency says.
Importers who haven’t yet completed the process can contact NZTA at CCSimporter@nzta.govt.nz to get started.
New $22.46 Fee Starts July 2025
Starting 1 July 2025, anyone registering a new-to-New-Zealand light vehicle for the first time will need to pay a $22.46 CCS administration fee. This applies when registering at AA, VTNZ, or other official agents.
The Government is introducing this fee to help cover the costs of running the Clean Car Standard, which it has funded since the program launched in 2023.
“The new fee will help make the scheme financially sustainable so it can keep lowering emissions in the long term,” NZTA says.
The decision to add the fee follows public consultation in late 2024. Most people supported having a single charge at the time of vehicle registration.
Supporting a Net Zero Future
The Clean Car Standard plays a key role in New Zealand’s plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The scheme encourages the import of low-emission vehicles. It also manages the environmental impact of higher-emission ones to help reduce the carbon footprint of the country’s fleet.
NZTA says more changes may come in the future as technology, vehicle supply, and climate goals evolve.
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