The publication of the 2023 self-containment regulations was an important step for RV owners, but understanding how a particular toilet would be assessed still required practical inspection guidance.
What had become clearer
By October 2023, the Self-Contained Vehicles Regulations had been released. WCTNZ® had contributed to the consultation process with the aim of ensuring waterless composting toilets were considered on their practical performance.
The regulations did not create a blanket prohibition on waterless toilets. They provided for a fixed toilet and appropriate waste containment, including a removable chamber for a waterless toilet. Whether a particular installation qualified still depended on meeting the relevant requirements.[1]
That was a positive starting point, but it was not a guarantee for every toilet described as “composting”. The design, fixing method, capacity and handling arrangement still needed to be assessed.
Why inspection guidance mattered
Written regulations establish the requirements. Guidance helps inspectors and certification authorities apply those requirements consistently to real vehicles.
Our October report anticipated further guidance as the new certification system was implemented. The intention was to give customers a realistic picture of the process rather than offer a premature assurance about a specific installation.
The PGDB’s inspection guidance subsequently made the distinction explicit: guidance assists assessment, but the legislation takes precedence where there is an inconsistency.[2]
Product suitability and vehicle certification are different things. Manufacturer evidence can support an assessment. The self-containment certificate relates to the complete vehicle and the installation assessed by the certification authority.
What is the process to certification?
A certification authority arranges an inspection through a vehicle inspector, considers the findings and determines whether the vehicle can be certified. The assessment is not simply a retailer’s declaration about a toilet model.[2]
For customers, the useful preparation is to bring the manufacturer’s instructions, the planned mounting and emptying method, expected occupancy and the rest of the water and wastewater layout to that discussion.
Ask what information the authority needs before modifying the vehicle. Avoid assuming that a product described as suitable for self-containment makes every installation compliant.
Where to find the later position
The December 2023 inspection-guide report, the August 2024 amendment report and the June 2025 specialist guidance report explain the subsequent developments. In particular, readers should not use an early ventilation summary in isolation from the later amendments.
WCTNZ® continues to support suitable waterless toilet options with product information and operating guidance. The final vehicle assessment belongs with the responsible certification authority.
Start with the right information
Share the proposed toilet model, vehicle layout and occupancy with WCTNZ®. We can help identify the product documentation needed for your certification discussion.
Talk to WCTNZ®
Requirements around toilets are compulsory ie. they are not open to inspectors or issuing authorities discretion Note section 17(1) stated a motor vehicle "Must have ... Must making ir mandatory or compulsory . On a brighter note composting toilets are wider accepted - porti potties are NOT