The Regulations
Below are links to the official requirements for vehicle self containment; this covers caravans, motorhomes, and camper vans. It is a very detailed document and can be confusing so if you need advice just give us a call or message us through our contact page.
The detail of the requirements is contained in the Regulations, made by the government in August 2023. The Vehicle inspection guidance (aimed at Vehicle Inspectors and Certification Authorities) may also be helpful in understanding the requirements contained in the Regulations.
The previously used Standards are no longer directly applicable to the self-contained vehicles regime, however, specific technical references and examples used in the Standard and Building Code can be useful in illustrating ways in which vehicles can meet the requirements contained in the Act and the Regulations.
A timeline of the transition from the old to new regulations is outlined here.
Toilet ventilation
There has been some confusion around the requirements for toilet cassettes to be vented in the new regulations. Most cassette toilets installed correctly according to the manufacturers instructions will not require separate venting systems.
The Regulations require that wastewater storage tanks are ventilated directly to the exterior of the vehicle. This requirement does not apply to removable cassettes from cassette-type toilets. It also does not apply to removable chambers for waterless toilets. However, where the manufacturer’s instructions for a waterless toilet requires external venting, then this must be followed in order to meet the requirement in regulation 17(1)(a) – that is to be fit for purpose and installed in accordance with their design and specifications.
