Vehicle Type Approval (UNECE) Certification

UNECE homologation subjects vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units to type approval under the regulations published under the 1958 Geneva Agreement. Contracting parties to the agreement mutually recognise each other's approvals; this removes the burden of re-approval in every country. Approval is granted by the type-approval authority; technical assessment is carried out by designated technical services.

• Vehicle manufacturers and vehicle converters
• Manufacturers of lighting, brakes, glazing, mirrors, tyres and seats
• Trailer and bodywork manufacturers
• Manufacturers of vehicle electronics and systems within cybersecurity scope

Mandatory for vehicles and components within scope; registration and sale are not possible without type approval. In addition to the approval, the Conformity of Production (CoP) obligation is continuous. In the EU, vehicle type approval is governed by framework Regulation (EU) 2018/858, and most UNECE regulations apply within this framework.

• Determining the UNECE regulations to be applied (varies by vehicle category)
• Selecting a technical service and planning tests
• Carrying out the tests and drawing up the technical report
• Preparing the information document and the technical file
• The initial conformity of production (CoP) assessment
• Issuing the type-approval certificate and assigning the approval number
• Displaying the E mark on the product
• Periodic auditing of conformity of production
• Notifying type changes, and revision and extension procedures
• The management-system requirement under R155 (cybersecurity) and R156 (software update)

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• E-MarkVehicle Homologation
• CoPConformity of Production
• EV ComplianceElectric Vehicle Compliance
• Battery Compliance
• IATF 16949Automotive Quality Management
• VDA 6.1Automotive Quality Management System Audit
• VDA 6.3Process Audit
• VDA 6.5Product Audit