A self-containment certificate shows your campervan has the facilities to manage fresh water, wastewater, toilet waste and rubbish for at least three days for its certified occupants.
A green warrant is not permission to camp everywhere. Check the current rules for each place you stay. Campgrounds, holiday parks and private property have different arrangements.
1. Prepare your campervan
Choose how many people you want the vehicle certified for. Then check all six systems:
- Fresh-water storage and a hygienic filling method.
- Wastewater collection, storage and a hygienic emptying method.
- A permanently fixed toilet that is usable inside and can be emptied without removing its base.
- A safely installed sink draining to the wastewater tank.
- Secure, suitable rubbish storage.
- Ventilation that removes odours and limits foul air entering the vehicle.
Work through the preparation checklist →
The key distinction: your vehicle needs to meet the legal requirements for at least three days for everyone it is certified to carry. Litre figures below are PGDB inspection guidance, rather than fixed tank-size rules written into the regulations. Your inspector assesses the complete setup.
A small campervan can qualify if it meets every requirement. Size alone does not decide whether it passes.
2. Arrange an inspection
Use a Certification Authority appointed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Ask about any uncertain parts of your setup before the appointment.
Enquire about an inspection with Kiwi Self Contained → or find a Certification Authority in the national register.
What happens at the inspection?
The inspector checks how your complete setup works and records the findings. The Certification Authority decides whether the vehicle meets the requirements. If changes are needed, ask what to fix and how it will be checked again.
What does it cost?
You pay the inspection or certification fee set by the Certification Authority, plus the current $120 including GST SCV levy. The authority collects the levy and transfers it to the Board. Confirm the total and any reinspection charges before booking.
In-person inspections are expected wherever reasonably possible. Remote inspections are appropriate only in exceptional circumstances; ask the authority whether your situation qualifies.
3. Check your certificate and green warrant
Once approved, you receive a certificate and green warrant card, and the vehicle’s information is entered in the national Self-Contained Vehicle Register.
- Check the vehicle details and certified number of occupants are correct.
- Display your valid green warrant card in the vehicle.
- Check your vehicle in the register.
A promotional green sticker does not replace the warrant card, certificate or register entry.
Keep the setup working
Certification lasts up to four years, provided the vehicle continues to meet the requirements. Maintain the systems and contact your Certification Authority before making changes that could affect compliance.
Blue warrants are no longer recognised under the current system. The transition ended on 7 June 2026.
Official information
Check the PGDB information for vehicle owners and vehicle inspection guidance for the detail. Read our plain-language requirements guide if you need more explanation.
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Current legislation takes precedence over this preparation guide.
