Importers gain clarity over Aussie auctions
The NZTA has issued guidance for importers confirming that vehicles purchased through IAA Australia, a digital marketplace, can be supported by invoices downloaded directly from the buyer portal as evidence of legal entitlement.
This applies so long as the documents are consistent with the vehicle and transaction being presented for entry certification, the agency notes.
News of the update has been shared with members of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) in an email alert sent out on August 11.
It explains the clarification follows NZTA’s review of IAA Australia’s online auction and documentation processes.
This was needed because it operates differently from many traditional auction houses as all sales are conducted online and buyers must be verified before they can bid, with verification including identity, address, tax and company information where applicable.
Invoices are accessed through a secure online buyer portal and are not routinely emailed or posted to buyers, plus downloaded invoices do not contain watermarks or other visible security features.
“Because the invoices lack traditional authentication features, questions had arisen around their acceptability as proof of ownership/legal entitlement,” adds VIA.
“NZTA has confirmed that an invoice downloaded from a purchaser’s verified IAA Australia account may be accepted as evidence of legal entitlement.
“The invoice should be assessed in the same way as any other ownership document.
“Certifiers should ensure the details on the invoice are consistent with the vehicle and transaction being presented.”
VIA notes that if an entry certifier wants further assurance, the guidance says they may ask the purchaser to log into their IAA Australia buyer account at the certification site and display the relevant invoice or purchase record directly from the portal.
“NZTA considers this a practical way of confirming the document originates from the purchaser’s verified account.”
The alert continues that if there are concerns about an invoice’s authenticity or validity, NZTA or the inspection organisation may contact IAA Australia directly.
IAA Australia can verify invoice details against its records when provided with a copy of the invoice, but it will not release purchaser or transaction information unless an invoice is supplied for verification.
VIA highlights that for members purchasing vehicles through IAA Australia:
• There is no need to obtain a separately authenticated invoice simply because the invoice was generated through the IAA portal.
• Portal-generated invoices can be used for entry certification purposes.
• Members should retain access to the buyer portal and associated purchase records in case certification staff request additional verification.
• As with any vehicle purchase, documentation must still be internally consistent and support the ownership chain being presented.
“The main outcome of this guidance is that NZTA has recognised IAA Australia’s digital sales process and confirmed that invoices downloaded from a buyer’s verified IAA account are generally acceptable as evidence of legal entitlement,” VIA adds in its alert.
“While these invoices do not contain visible security features, they may be relied upon for entry certification, subject to normal ownership checks and verification processes where required.”
