| Depending upon the category of vehicle there are five potential methods or routes available to obtain Whole Vehicle Type Approval - three European and two National. Identifying the correct method is critical to avoid excessive cost and time delays.
Clients may wish for the entire approval process to be completed on their behalf or just support in specific areas where there are gaps within their own process, either way we are able to assist.
Therefore Certech will develop a bespoke solution for all clients, each case will be unique and will require a cost effective solution to suit. However the route the approval will vary depending upon volume, complexity and value of the application, let us discuss and outline the options available to you before embarking with the process - simplifying the decision making process and avoiding wasted time and money.
Certification routes open to Vehicle Manufacturers and Converters:-
For OEM manufacturers:
'Complete' and 'Incomplete' approvals:
- ECWVTA – European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval
- NSSTA – National Small Series Type Approval
- ESSTA – European Small Series Type Approval (Car)
- IVA – Individual Vehicle Approval.
For multi stage manufacturers:
'Completed' approvals: as per OEM Complete and Incomplete approvals above but with the recent addition of a National scheme:
Definition of 'Complete', 'Incomplete' and 'Completed':-
‘Incomplete’ OEM vehicles:
There are three potential routes to approval for vehicles with ‘incomplete’ approvals from the OEM. In the case of N1’s -primarily chassis cabs, but can also include Vans and bus/kombi models., and for N2 N3 M2 M3 truck and bus chassis, all with few exceptions, have ‘incomplete’ approvals (cannot be registered using AFRL or V55), therefore the approval routes are:-
- Full blown ECWVTA
- National Small Series Approval – NSSTA
- Individual Vehicle Approval -IVA
Each method has its place dependent on a number of factors which have to be carefully reviewed before progressing with the approval. Certech will review your business and present the most cost effective route and reasons for its recommendation.
‘Complete’ OEM vehicles:
The situation regarding approval routes for ‘complete’ vehicles has changed recently with the late introduction of the N1 enhancements scheme (modelled on the M1 scheme) which is supposed to simplify the process for converters, which it has to a degree, however it still presents additional registration process burden for both Converters and Dealers alike, Certech can provide the necessary process maps and infrastructure to cope effectively.
For modifications outside the scope on the M1 & N1 enhancement schemes the same 3 approval routes for ‘incomplete’ vehicles apply.
‘Completed’ vehicles:
These normally represent completed vehicles sold by the OEM manufacturers through their own ‘One Stop ‘ scheme, some OEM’s will homologate along with the base vehicle as ‘Complete’ some will not. Whilst presenting a standardised turn-key product, invariably they will require further bespoke work to comply with Fleet requirements carried out prior to registration. This will represent a true multi-stage build vehicle with potentially 3 or more manufacturers or suppliers in the process, with the added complication and maintenance involved. Certech will develop the best solution for each case to ensure the vehicle and its paperwork are correct for registration without delay. |
