RV Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP)
The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP) is a voluntary Australian Design Rules (ADRs) educational and inspection program with a focus on safety. ADRs are national standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions.
Participating businesses sign an RVMAP licence, committing to consistently supplying RV products that adhere to relevant ADRs and Federal compliance regulations. These commitments are regularly verified through independent inspections at factories, dealerships and consumer shows – with over 1,000 inspections conducted annually.
RVMAP is managed and delivered by Caravan Industry Association of Australia, the peak national body representing over 5,000 businesses across the Australian caravan and camping industry.
Why Become RVMAP Licensed?
Based on over 8,000 vehicle inspections, the evidence is compelling:
- Proven compliance advantage: RVMAP licensed businesses record nearly three times fewer ADR compliance issues per product inspected than non-licensed businesses.
- Continuous improvement: Since 2020, RVMAP licensed businesses have shown an average 40% improvement in ADR compliance.
- Consumer confidence: Displaying the Accreditation Key signals to buyers that your products meet rigorous, independently verified safety standards.
- Industry recognition: The RVMAP Key is the recognised national standard of RV compliance across the Australian manufacturing industry.
- Technical support: RVMAP businesses have access to extensive technical resources to keep their product knowledge and compliance current.
What Does Becoming RVMAP Licensed Involve?
Becoming RVMAP licensed typically takes 6–24 months. Each business must consistently meet ADR and Federal compliance standards before joining the program and carrying the RVMAP Key.
RVMAP businesses are required to:
- Sign a licence committing to an ongoing compliance standard
- Meet the RVMAP Code of Legal Obligations
- Uphold the RVMAP Code of Ethics, covering customer interactions, sales practices and ethical business standards
- Undergo random third-party onsite ADR inspections on finished product types
- Maintain warranty policies and procedures, which are regularly checked
The Inspection Process
Each RVMAP inspection covers up to 250 individual compliance points carried out at the business's facility. Points include:
- Vehicle (VIN) plate information and dimensional requirements
- Lights and light-signalling devices, including reflectors
- Load carrying capacity, vehicle ratings and masses
- Fire safety – smoke alarm and fire extinguisher presence and suitability
- Verification of Gas and Electrical Compliance Certification
- Tyre ratings, coupling ratings and braking capacity
- Fifth wheel couplings, hitches, safety chain ratings and chassis ratings
The RVMAP Technical Team also conduct ADR-focused inspections at consumer shows throughout the year.
Note: RVMAP is a safety and compliance program – it does not assess overall quality of workmanship, which remains the responsibility of the licensed business.
The RVMAP Keys
Three key types identify the source of origin for RV products. All are subject to the same rigorous inspection regime in Australia:
Australian Key
Built and inspected in Australia for Australian conditions. Used by RVMAP licensed businesses who produce Australian-made RVs.
International Key
Imported with confidence – inspected in Australia to meet rigorous safety standards. Used by businesses importing RVs fully or partially assembled.
Camper Key
Used by RVMAP licensed businesses who produce Australian-made campers or tent trailers.
Disclaimer
RVMAP is a voluntary industry program. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is not in any way a manufacturer, distributor, packager, importer or retailer of any product. The RVMAP key is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, a guarantee or warranty as to: (a) product compliance — inspections are conducted on a random and sample basis; (b) the financial strength of a participating business; (c) overall quality of workmanship, which remains the responsibility of the licensed business; or (d) whether the product meets any particular consumer's needs. The absence of the RVMAP key from a product is not necessarily an indication of non-compliance.
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