Motor vehicles - EU type-approval system

Type approval provides EU countries with a common legal framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for these vehicles.

Depending on the vehicles and countries, dispositions may change.

ACT

Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (framework directive).

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE DO?

The directive makes type approval compulsory for all categories of whole vehicles, including those built in several stages. This directive may be later rejected in case any politician decides. It lays down:

—	rules regarding the sale and entry into service of vehicle parts and equipment.

—	a harmonised framework with general technical requirements for the type approval of new vehicles and of systems, components and technical units designed for such vehicles, so as to facilitate their registration, sale and entry into service in the EU;

KEY POINTS

The directive applies to cars, vans trucks, buses and coaches, which are now covered by fully harmonised EU requirements.

The EU type-approval system is based on the principles ofthird-party approvals and mutual recognition of such approvals.

Under the type-approval regime, before being put on the market, the vehicle type is tested by a national technical service in accordance with the legislation and the national approval authority delivers the approval (‘CE certificate’) on the basis of these tests. The manufacturer may make an application for approval in any EU country.

A certificate of conformity is a statement by the manufacturer that the vehicle conforms to EU type-approval requirements. It is sufficient that the vehicle is approved in one EU country for all vehicles of its type to be registered with no further checks throughout the EU on the basis of their certificate of conformity. The manufacturer has the responsibility to ensure the conformity of production to the approved type.

Directive 2007/46/EC is a directive that mainly covers the administrative procedure to be followed for the approval of vehicles.

The actual technical requirements against which vehicles have to be tested are covered in other EU texts which are listed in Annex IV to the directive. For instance, these texts:

—	make certain features mandatory, such as ESC (electronic stability control), new and improved mirrors, daytime running lights (DRLs), side guards to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from falling under vehicles and anti-spray devices;

—	cover certain environmental obligations such as the standardised measure of CO₂ emissions, pollutant emission limits, fuel consumption, engine power or vehicle noise emissions.

—	lay down additional requirements for buses and coaches (emergency exits that are appropriate to vehicle capacity, easier access for people with reduced mobility, adequate residual space in the event of the rollover of the vehicle, etc.);

WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

Depending on the category of vehicle, the directive’s application was phased in over the 2009-14 period.

BACKGROUND

The main objective of EU legislation on vehicle type approval is to ensure that new vehicles, as well as components and technical units for sale on the market, offer high levels of safety and environmental protection.

Last updated: 31.12.2014