New EC framework for whole vehicle type approval

Relevant to
Bus and coach, light and heavy commercial vehicle, trailer and special purpose vehicles manufacturers, importers, converters and dealers, commercial vehicle body builders, and systems and component suppliers in the UK including those who sell vehicles and components in the EC

Took effect on
29 April 2009

From 29 April 2009, new rules will apply the European Community (EC) framework directive on Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EC WVTA) in the UK. They will extend current type approval requirements from the chassis of buses, coaches and trucks to the whole vehicle - ie chassis and body.

On or before 29 October 2014, the new rules will require all passenger vehicles, goods vehicles and trailers - referred to as categories M, N and O - to be type approved to separate Community instruments. These are listed in two Annexes - eg the flammability of materials will have to comply with EC 95/28.

While none of the new rules will require any immediate action, voluntary approval will be available from April 2009.

EC WVTA will create a single European market in trucks, buses and trailers. Vehicles will have to be submitted to the approval authority for whole vehicle approval in a Member State before they can be sold anywhere in the EU. However, once a vehicle has approval in any one member state, it will apply throughout the EU.

Self-certification of trailers will be phased out and replaced by two new statutory recording schemes. For light trailers, the retailer will be required to keep records proving that new trailers had type approval when they entered into service. For large trailers - which currently undergo an annual roadworthiness test with Vehicle & Operator Services Agency - this system will be modified to require proof of approval for a new large trailer entering the system.

The EC WVTA enforcement timetable is available on both the Department for Transport (DfT) and Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) websites and sets out the dates by which each category of new or existing types of vehicles must have compulsory approval.

• Essential certification information on the VCA website - Opens in a new window
• The latest news on EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval on the DfT website - Opens in a new window

Full title of regulation
Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2009 - SI 2009 717; Motor Vehicles (Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 - SI 2009 815; Road Vehicles (Approval) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2009 - SI 2009 818

From
Department for Transport

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