Importing helmet?

**Lucyloo** · 6th May 2009, 09:26

Is anyone able to advise me on the implications of importing a helmet from Australia please?
The model is available here but not the graphic that I want.
Is the safetly standard the same - and if not does anyone ever check?
Thanks
Luce.

**Quasievil** · 6th May 2009, 09:32

Most Helmets of international standing will have a DOT or a SNELL safety rating so they will be fine, perhaps tell us what kinda helmet it is ? post a link ?

**Lucyloo** · 6th May 2009, 10:36

Ah, yes, that would be helpful - it's a Shoei XR1000.

**TLDV8** · 6th May 2009, 10:56

Originally Posted by Lucyloo

Is anyone able to advise me on the implications of importing a helmet from Australia please?
The model is available here but not the graphic that I want.
Is the safetly standard the same - and if not does anyone ever check?
Thanks
Luce.

Australia likes to think it is special even though the DOT rating has been around for decades.
That means an Aussie helmet will have its own safety standard and sticker to suit.

This is my Fox V3,you can not legally use a helmet here that does not have this decal attached but it should be fine in NZ.

My Arai XD3 is a US import (Ebay) it has a DOT rating but i use it anyway as do many others with imported helmets.
The cost here is over $800 AUD,i got mine for $470 to the door but given the saving i take the risk.
I believe even if you used a helmet purchased in NZ here it is not legal even though most other things carry a NZ/AS standard.
The NZ system is more accommodating in recognizing foreign standards so you should be fine,they might still follow the SNELL rating though.

At the end of the day i doubt the Traffic enforcers would check.

**Lucyloo** · 6th May 2009, 11:34

Thanks TLDV8. That's good info.
It's not actually the cost that is the carrot - it works out to be quite a bit more expensive than one that I can buy in NZ, but it's the graphics I'm after - well my partner is - he's finally found a lid that he likes and it's not available here - ho hum!
Cheers
L.

**cs363** · 6th May 2009, 12:19

TLDV8 is spot on (as usual!

)

But to further clarify for others who may be interested:

Almost all helmet standards are OK to import into NZ, with the notable exception of DOT approved helmets. DOT approval is more correctly known as FMVSS 218 - this causes confusion in some circles.
Though there is an exception to this rule and that is if the helmet is manufactured and purchased in the USA (like Simpson for instance). The reasoning behind this is that the DOT approval is 'informal' (to quote LTSA's rather polite way of putting it...).
Many cheap helmets, particularly from China and Taiwan have DOT approval yet struggle to meet the more rigorous Snell & ECE standards and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work out why.
Many will argue that they don't care and that nobody checks anyway, to an extent this is true regarding checks as apart from at the border by Customs I don't recall ever hearing of anyone having their helmet checked by Police etc to see if it up to standard. (IMO helmets should be presented as part of the WOF check or something seeing as it's a legally required safety item such as a seat belt in a car.)
For those that don't care how good their helmet is, it's their choice but personally I'd want to know I had the best protection I could afford.

It is also important to note that DOT is not an officially approved standard for racing in NZ either, though as per MNZ's rules some helmets not carrying the approved standards may be passed by the MNZ steward if approval is sought prior to the event.

Also, it should be noted that these laws apply to buyers/sellers of used helmets, so it's really a case of buyer beware - many of the new and used helmets on TradeMe for instance are technically illegal.

For more info go here: http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-sa...ts.html#helmet

And for MNZ info go here: http://www.motorcyclingnz.co.nz/down...afety_Gear.pdf (scroll down to section 8:2)

Hope this clears it up for those that are interested.

Good luck with your purchase Lucyloo, be aware that if Customs nab your helmet on the way through you may be up for GST on top of the purchase price (cost of helmet including freight) depending on it's value. There is no duty applicable.

**Hitcher** · 6th May 2009, 13:01

That Australian Standard label is a trick for Kiwis wanting to take their helmets with them so they can ride in Australia. Mrs H and I were advised that not having that Aussie label on your helmet is a prosecutable offence. Fortunately we found that out after we had completed our travels and not provoking the wrath of the constabulary in the Great States of Victoria, NSW and Canberra.

**Renegade** · 6th May 2009, 13:39

i imported a caberg helmet from the UK, it came into the country no worries, $360nz on my door step, apparently safety gear wont get a customs tax added on, and mine didnt.

Its only got a british motor racing cert sticker on it so i dont know if its legal as such.

The cops here can inspect your helmet and issue you with a ticket if its crap.

**Lucyloo** · 6th May 2009, 14:15

Thanks for all your great info everyone.
Guess we'll take the risk and bring it in if we can source it in Oz.
Cheers
L.

**Quasievil** · 6th May 2009, 15:02

Originally Posted by Renegade

i imported a caberg helmet from the UK, it came into the country no worries, $360nz on my door step, apparently safety gear wont get a customs tax added on, and mine didnt.

Its only got a british motor racing cert sticker on it so i dont know if its legal as such.

The cops here can inspect your helmet and issue you with a ticket if its crap.

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/search/details/?id=99
go here and see all about CABERG helmets, they have the best ratings period 5 star !

Which is why we will be Distributing them shortly

**YellowDog** · 6th May 2009, 15:27

You'd save a lot of money if you get the same helmet from the USA, though it won't have the required DOT stamp.

**Lucyloo** · 6th May 2009, 15:59

Have just done the dirty deed! ......and purchased the helmet ;-)
Found one in Melbourne - they discounted it by $300.00 aud becuase it is now a discontinued line - so all in all a great result. Should be here Monday. Thanks again for everyones help.
L.