Homologation · UNECE · EU type approval
Homologation and type approval
Type approval is the confirmation that a vehicle type or part complies with the relevant technical regulations. The approval is granted by the authorized approval body; technical service reports form the basis of the file. This page explains which regime applies, which items are required, and how the process works.
- UNECE · AB
- regime
- CoP
- conformity of production
At which level is approval obtained?
Type approval is not a single document: separate approvals exist for the vehicle as a whole, its systems and individual parts. The level at which to apply depends on what the product is.
Vehicle type approval
The approval granted for the vehicle as a whole. In the EU, whole vehicle type approval (WVTA) is built on all the system and component approvals.
System approval
The approval granted for systems on the vehicle such as brakes, lighting, emissions and electromagnetic compatibility.
Component and separate technical unit
The approval that parts such as lamps, mirrors, glass, seats, tyres and child seats receive on their own; the mark is carried on the part itself.
The “E” mark or the “e” mark?
The two are different regimes and are often confused. Which mark is required is determined by the target market and the regulation the product falls under.
UNECE type approval
Granted under the UN Regulations applied by countries party to the 1958 Agreement. The mark is a letter E within a circle, followed by the number of the approving country. The approval is mutually recognized in other party countries.
EU type approval
Granted under EU legislation; the mark is a lowercase letter e within a rectangle, followed by the country number. Whole vehicle type approval (WVTA) covers the entire vehicle when entering the EU market.
How does the process work?
- 1
Defining the scope
Which regulations the vehicle or part falls under is determined based on the target market.
- 2
Test plan
The required tests and sample quantity are planned for each applicable regulation.
- 3
Testing and reporting
Tests are conducted; the results become the reports that enter the approval file.
- 4
Approval and conformity of production
The file is submitted to the approval body; after approval, it is maintained through conformity of production audits.
Which regulations do your vehicle or part fall under?
Share the product's technical description and target market; we'll determine the applicable regulations and the required test plan.
The type approval certificate is issued by the authorized approval body; tests are carried out by designated technical services. This page describes the process and file items and is not a declaration of approval authority. Which regulations a product falls under depends on its technical characteristics and target market, and is finalized only upon review of the product.