The Clean Car Standard (CCS)
The Clean Car Standard regulates New Zealand importers to reduce CO2 emissions to specific targets. From 1 December 2022, every imported vehicle needs to be allocated to a CO2 account in order to complete entry certification and registration.
Vehicles with a high CO2 emission value will incur a charge, for vehicles below a set standard, a credit is given.
100% transparency with Nichibo - you keep your credits.
While other vehicle exporters may force you to use their CO2 account and you may loose your CO2 credits by doing so – Nichibo believes in transparency. With Nichibo we suggest importers setup their own CO2 accounts with the CCS System at Waka Kotahi, doing so allows full transparency of the vehicles you’re importing and any fees or credits you earn you get to keep or offset against your high emitting vehicles.
The Clean Car Standard (CCS)
The Clean Car Standard regulates New Zealand importers to reduce CO2 emissions to specific targets. From 1 December 2022, every imported vehicle needs to be allocated to a CO2 account in order to complete entry certification and registration.
Vehicles with a high CO2 emission value will incur a charge, for vehicles below a set standard, a credit is given.
100% transparency with Nichibo - you keep your credits.
While other vehicle exporters may force you to use their CO2 account and you may loose your CO2 credits by doing so – Nichibo believes in transparency. With Nichibo we suggest importers setup their own CO2 accounts with the CCS System at Waka Kotahi, doing so allows full transparency of the vehicles you’re importing and any fees or credits you earn you get to keep or offset against your high emitting vehicles.
Key Dates
All vehicle importers must hold a CO2 account where the CO2 emission ratings of their vehicles will be recorded. Without this information, vehicles will not be able to complete entry to New Zealand and be registered.
The CO2 emission ratings of vehicles start to count towards the achievement of the CO2 targets. For vehicle importers complying on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, each vehicle will incur a charge or a credit based on its CO2 emissions. Credits can be used to offset charges or be transferred to other importers.
Charges to be paid and credits can be transferred from this date.
Link your CO2 account with Nichibo
Nichibo has the ability to automatically push vehicle data to your nominated CO2 account on your behalf, the process is very simple to setup and will allow faster loading of vehicles into your CO2 account for you to review vehicles before they get complied.
Link Nichibo to CCS System
Nichibo supplied vehicles can be pushed automatically to your CO2 account on your behalf for faster and more streamlined processing.
Keep your credits
Any credits will be held by your nominated CO2 account, these can then be used to offset your fee vehicles.
Pay fees directly
Any associated fee incurring vehicles must be paid by the CO2 account holder/dealership directly to Waka Kotahi, or you may offset your credit vehicles.
Link your CO2 account with Nichibo
Nichibo has the ability to automatically push vehicle data to your nominated CO2 account on your behalf, the process is very simple to setup and will allow faster loading of vehicles into your CO2 account for you to review vehicles before they get complied.
Link Nichibo to CCS System
Nichibo supplied vehicles can be pushed automatically to your CO2 account on your behalf for faster and more streamlined processing.
Keep your credits
Any credits will be held by your nominated CO2 account, these can then be used to offset your fee vehicles.
Pay fees directly
Any associated fee incurring vehicles must be paid by the CO2 account holder/dealership directly to Waka Kotahi, or you may offset your credit vehicles.
What is the CO2 cost?
Pay as you Go Account Holders
$18.00 per 1 gram of CO2
Annual Account Holders
$22.50 per 1 gram of CO2
| Make | Model | Engine | CCS Credit/Debit (grams of CO2) | Debit Cost $18 per gram* |
| Honda | Fit | Hybrid | 33 | |
| Honda | Vezel | Hybrid | 19 | |
| Lexus | CT | Hybrid | 40 | |
| Lexus | RX | Hybrid | 32 | |
| Mazda | Axela | 1500cc | -13 | -$234 |
| Mazda | Axela | 2000cc | -26 | -$468 |
| Mazda | Axela | Hybrid | 45 | |
| Mazda | CX-5 | 2000 | -23 | -$414 |
| Nissan | Leaf | EV | 142 | |
| Nissan | Note | 1500cc | 6 | |
| Nissan | Note | e-Power | 46 | |
| Nissan | NV200 | 1500cc | -26 | -$468 |
| Nissan | NV250 | Diesel | -46 | -$828 |
| Nissan | Serena | Hybrid | -10 | -$180 |
| Nissan | Skyline | 2500cc | -32 | -$576 |
| Nissan | Skyline | Hybrid | 21 | |
| Nissan | X-Trail | 2000cc | -13 | -$234 |
| Nissan | X-Trail | Hybrid | 20 | |
| Toyota | 86 | 2000cc | -77 | -$1386 |
| Toyota | Aqua | Hybrid | 32 | |
| Toyota | C-HR | Hybrid | 44 | |
| Toyota | Hiace | -46 | -$828 |
* table is estimated guide
What is the CO2 cost?
Pay as you Go Account Holders
$18.00 per 1 gram of CO2
Annual Account Holders
$22.50 per 1 gram of CO2
| Make | Model | Engine | CCS Credit/Debit (grams of CO2) | Debit Cost $18 per gram* |
| Honda | Fit | Hybrid | 33 | |
| Honda | Vezel | Hybrid | 19 | |
| Lexus | CT | Hybrid | 40 | |
| Lexus | RX | Hybrid | 32 | |
| Mazda | Axela | 1500cc | -13 | -$234 |
| Mazda | Axela | 2000cc | -26 | -$468 |
| Mazda | Axela | Hybrid | 45 | |
| Mazda | CX-5 | 2000 | -23 | -$414 |
| Nissan | Leaf | EV | 142 | |
| Nissan | Note | 1500cc | 6 | |
| Nissan | Note | e-Power | 46 | |
| Nissan | NV200 | 1500cc | -26 | -$468 |
| Nissan | NV250 | Diesel | -46 | -$828 |
| Nissan | Serena | Hybrid | -10 | -$180 |
| Nissan | Skyline | 2500cc | -32 | -$576 |
| Nissan | Skyline | Hybrid | 21 | |
| Nissan | X-Trail | 2000cc | -13 | -$234 |
| Nissan | X-Trail | Hybrid | 20 | |
| Toyota | 86 | 2000cc | -77 | -$1386 |
| Toyota | Aqua | Hybrid | 32 | |
| Toyota | C-HR | Hybrid | 44 | |
| Toyota | Hiace | -46 | -$828 |
* table is estimated guide
How to register a CO2 account
The process to create a CO2 account is straight forward.
You will need a RealMe log on and your business NZBN number.
Watch a video on how to register for CO2 account
Watch a video guide from Waka Kotahi on how to view vehicles in the CCS system.
CCS Vehicle Management
Get familiar with how vehicle details appear in your account and the processes and systems that create and update these records.
How to register a CO2 account
Watch a video on how to register for CO2 account
The process to create a CO2 account is straight forward.
You will need a RealMe log on and your business NZBN number.
CCS Vehicle Management
Get familiar with how vehicle details appear in your account and the processes and systems that create and update these records.
Watch a video guide from Waka Kotahi on how to view vehicles in the CCS system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CO2 account to import from Japan?
From 1 December 2022, every imported vehicle that is subject to the Clean Car Standard needs to be allocated to a CO2 account in order to complete entry certification and registration. Any person or business can open a CO2 account for this purpose, but the vehicle they are importing doesn’t have to be allocated to a CO2 account owned by them. Some importing agents and vehicles logistics companies may offer the use of their own CO2 accounts to customers. It is important to note that the owner of the CO2 account is responsible for any fees incurred against the account and will own any CO2 credits earned. They will also need to access the CCS System to accept the vehicle on their CO2 account, as part of the vehicle entry and certification process.
How do I open a CO2 account?
The process to create a CO2 account is straight forward. You will need a RealMe log on, if you are a business you will need your NZBN number. If you would like to apply for a Fleet average scheme additional documents are required.
More resources are available on the Training Hub.
Click here to setup a CO2 account in the CCS system
What documents do I need to have to open an account?
When an account is first opened no documents are needed. You will need to have a RealMe log on ready to set up your CO2 account. If you are a business, you will need your New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). If you would like to apply to for a Fleet Average scheme additional documents are required. More information is available in our guide.
What is RealMe and why do I have to use it?
RealMe is a single username and password you can use to securely access services online. Waka Kotahi uses RealMe for all our online services including the Clean Car Standard system. If you have an existing RealMe, you can use it to create a CO2 account and then use it each time you log in to the Clean Car Standard system. If you do not have a RealMe account yet, you can create one. You can find more information in our guide.
Will I be charged GST?
There is no GST charged on CO2 accounts.
Why am I having to pay two fees for the Clean Car Discount (CCD) and Clean Car Standard (CCS)?
The Clean Car Discount (CCD) rebate and/or fee is an incentive/disincentive for people purchasing a vehicle. The buyer is required to pay a fee or receives a rebate based on the CO2 value of the vehicle. The Clean Car Standard (CCS) is an incentive on the importer to choose cleaner vehicles to import. The CO2 charge or credit is based on a weight adjusted CO2 value not the CCD CO2 value. This means that a CCD charge on a vehicle is not necessarily a charge vehicle in CCS. The importer may choose to pass charges on to consumers but are encouraged to offset any costs against credit vehicles and by doing so will be able to bring vehicles to the market at a more competitive price point than other importers who do not do this.
What is the process if I find a vehicle on my CO2 account that is not mine or if one of my vehicles is missing from my CO2 account?
If you find a vehicle in your CO2 account that is not yours, you should reject it. Rejected vehicles are managed in the Clean Car Standard system as orphaned vehicles and Waka Kotahi will allocate orphaned vehicles to the correct account. If your car is missing, contact Clean Car Standard team CCSimporter@nzta.govt.nz They can search for your vehicle and allocate it to your CO2 account. Then you will be able to accept it and complete the process to register.
When do payments start?
1 June 2023 – charges to be paid and credits can be transferred from this date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CO2 account to import from Japan?
From 1 December 2022, every imported vehicle that is subject to the Clean Car Standard needs to be allocated to a CO2 account in order to complete entry certification and registration. Any person or business can open a CO2 account for this purpose, but the vehicle they are importing doesn’t have to be allocated to a CO2 account owned by them. Some importing agents and vehicles logistics companies may offer the use of their own CO2 accounts to customers. It is important to note that the owner of the CO2 account is responsible for any fees incurred against the account and will own any CO2 credits earned. They will also need to access the CCS System to accept the vehicle on their CO2 account, as part of the vehicle entry and certification process.
How do I open a CO2 account?
The process to create a CO2 account is straight forward. You will need a RealMe log on, if you are a business you will need your NZBN number. If you would like to apply for a Fleet average scheme additional documents are required.
More resources are available on the Training Hub.
Click here to setup a CO2 account in the CCS system
What documents do I need to have to open an account?
When an account is first opened no documents are needed. You will need to have a RealMe log on ready to set up your CO2 account. If you are a business, you will need your New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). If you would like to apply to for a Fleet Average scheme additional documents are required. More information is available in our guide.
What is RealMe and why do I have to use it?
RealMe is a single username and password you can use to securely access services online. Waka Kotahi uses RealMe for all our online services including the Clean Car Standard system. If you have an existing RealMe, you can use it to create a CO2 account and then use it each time you log in to the Clean Car Standard system. If you do not have a RealMe account yet, you can create one. You can find more information in our guide.
Will I be charged GST?
There is no GST charged on CO2 accounts.
Why am I having to pay two fees for the Clean Car Discount (CCD) and Clean Car Standard (CCS)?
The Clean Car Discount (CCD) rebate and/or fee is an incentive/disincentive for people purchasing a vehicle. The buyer is required to pay a fee or receives a rebate based on the CO2 value of the vehicle. The Clean Car Standard (CCS) is an incentive on the importer to choose cleaner vehicles to import. The CO2 charge or credit is based on a weight adjusted CO2 value not the CCD CO2 value. This means that a CCD charge on a vehicle is not necessarily a charge vehicle in CCS. The importer may choose to pass charges on to consumers but are encouraged to offset any costs against credit vehicles and by doing so will be able to bring vehicles to the market at a more competitive price point than other importers who do not do this.
What is the process if I find a vehicle on my CO2 account that is not mine or if one of my vehicles is missing from my CO2 account?
If you find a vehicle in your CO2 account that is not yours, you should reject it. Rejected vehicles are managed in the Clean Car Standard system as orphaned vehicles and Waka Kotahi will allocate orphaned vehicles to the correct account. If your car is missing, contact Clean Car Standard team CCSimporter@nzta.govt.nz They can search for your vehicle and allocate it to your CO2 account. Then you will be able to accept it and complete the process to register.
When do payments start?
1 June 2023 – charges to be paid and credits can be transferred from this date.