Overview of what may happen to regulations around approval of new vehicle types in the event of a no trade deal.
Whilst the UK is due to leave the EU at the end of January, the country will actually enter a transition period where current rules will still apply until the end of the transition period which finishes in December 2020.
This period may be extended if no trade deal has been finalised at this point.
This means that though we might formally leave the EU, there is no requirement for many of these changes until the transition period is finished – and there future requirement will be dependent on what sort of UK-EU trade deal is negotiated.
If no deal can be negotiated on vehicle type approvals, then type approvals issued in the United Kingdom (UK) would no longer be valid for sales on the EU market. This means that affected manufacturers would need to ensure that they have the correct type-approval for each market.
The UK will continue to recognise UN-ECE approvals for systems and components.
VCA would continue to act as a technical service for the purpose of testing for UK type-approvals. However, it may no longer be recognised as a technical service by EU type-approval authorities.
Who is affected by these changes?
It will affect all businesses involved in the manufacture, conversion, build, import or sale of new goods and passenger vehicles and will include ancillary equipment suppliers such as those who buils cranes or tail lifts.
What should members be doing now?
There are a number of steps which members should be considering in preparation of the impending changes.
These steps include:
- Supply chain - Ensure you are working with motor manufacturers, body builders and supplying dealers to ensure that they are accomodating all your key requirements and vehicle specifications. Also, to get an insight on the time frame for them to obtain a UK type-approval and for vehicles to be placed on the market for sale in the UK.
- Customers - You should be flagging up these changes to your customers now and highlighting the impact of costs and the delay of products being available resulting in longer ordering times.
Further information
Detailed guidance on what vehicle and component manufacturers need to do to show they meet safety and environmental standards when the UK leaves the EU.
