Transition options

A key focus of transition is ensuring that operators, where possible, can continue to utilise their NHVAS accreditation whilst preparing their business operations to meet the new scheme requirements.

The transition approach is designed to provide adequate time for operators to meet the new HVA scheme requirements. All operators are encouraged to ensure they check their NHVAS expiry dates and take action in line with the outlined transition approach, so as to ensure that they have adequate time to prepare to transition. We expect that auditors will be in high demand and encourage operators to book audits early.

Key dates

New law scheduled to take effect: The NHVR is working towards being implementation-ready by 1 July 2026.

NHVAS application cut-off date: To allow NHVAS maintain applications to be processed by the NHVR ahead of the expected law commencement date, all NHVAS maintain applications that expire prior to 12 December 2026 (including a compliance audit summary report) must be submitted to the NHVR by 12 June 2026.

Eligible to submit NHVAS application: Operators whose NHVAS accreditation expires prior to 12 December 2026 are eligible to submit an NHVAS maintain application. This is because the NHVR Business Rules and Standards allow applications to be submitted from one month up to six months before accreditation expiry dates (i.e. after 12 June 2026).

Transition to new scheme: Operators whose NHVAS accreditation expires post 12 December 2026 will transition to the new HVA scheme, if they choose. We will work with these operators to support their transition.

Options

Option 1 - Maintain NHVAS for up to 2 more years

If your NHVAS accreditation expires before 12 December 2026, you can apply to maintain your NHVAS accreditation. To do this you will need to: 

• complete a compliance audit
• submit a Maintain Accreditation Application to the NHVR before 12 June 2026.

Once approved, this will start a new NHVAS accreditation period of up to 2 years, giving your business time to prepare and transition to the new HVA scheme before your renewed NHVAS expires.

If you can’t complete an audit and submit your Maintain Application by 12 June 2026, you can apply to extend your existing accreditation (see Option 2). 

Option 2 - Extend your current NHVAS accreditation for up to 12 months

Operators can choose to transition to the new HVA scheme at any time once the new law takes effect, or when their current NHVAS accreditation expires after the new law starts

If you need additional time to prepare for the new HVA scheme, you can apply for an extension of your current NHVAS accreditation for a period of up to 12 months.

To request an extension, email accreditation@nhvr.gov.au and advise the requested extension period.

Option 3 - Transition to the new HVA scheme when it takes effect

Further information on how to apply to the new scheme will be provided shortly.

If your NHVAS is due to expire before the commencement date for the new HVA scheme (scheduled for 1 July 2026), you will need to apply for an extension of your current NHVAS until the HVA start date or a date that suits you after. This is because the new HVA can't be approved and commence until the start date.

Ensure you apply for your extension prior to your accreditation expiry date as you cannot be granted an extension after expiry.

To request an extension, email accreditation@nhvr.gov.au and advise the requested extension period.

Exit accreditation

If you no longer require accreditation (for example due to increased GML weights), you can submit an exit application through .

Please note that Mass Management accreditation will still be required to access HML, PBS and certain notices and schemes.