Application
The manufacturer submits the information document and technical file.
— A CLEAR VIEW OF VEHICLE COMPLIANCE
Making type approval
understandable.
Follow the compliance journey of road vehicles through categories, competent authorities, and technical services using clear, practical language.
M · N · ORoad vehicles
L · TLight and agricultural vehicles
ACTIVE CATEGORY M1
01 / 05
Passenger carsM1 Category
01 — CORE CONCEPT
What is type approval?
Type approval is the formal confirmation by the competent authority that a vehicle type, or a system, component, or separate technical unit fitted to it, complies with the applicable technical and administrative requirements.
Testing & review
The technical service performs the required tests according to the relevant regulations.
Assessment
The approval authority reviews the reports and production arrangements.
Certification
The approved type is issued with the necessary document and approval number.
02 — LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Framework regulations
The regulations forming the backbone of the EU vehicle type approval system vary according to vehicle group.
MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS
(EU) 2018/858
The main framework for the approval of vehicles, systems, components, and separate technical units, as well as market surveillance.
TWO- AND THREE-WHEEL VEHICLES
(EU) 168/2013
Type approval framework for mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles.
AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY VEHICLES
(EU) 167/2013
Type approval for tractors, trailers, and interchangeable towed equipment.
For information only. In practice, the latest consolidated texts, amendments, and national regulations must be checked.
03 — VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION
Select the category,
review the details.
Purpose of use, seating capacity, maximum mass, number of wheels, and design speed all play a role in correctly identifying the appropriate category.
04 — ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Who does what?
Approval authority
A competent body designated by a country to carry out type approval procedures. It grants, modifies, suspends, or withdraws approval; assigns technical services; and supervises conformity of production.
Review the authority list →Technical service
A competent body acting on behalf of the approval authority to perform testing, inspection, and evaluation and prepare test reports. Its scope depends on its designation and authorization category.
Review the service list →Manufacturer
Responsible for type approval and conformity of production. It prepares the technical file, maintains conformity measures, and issues the certificate of conformity for vehicles.
Review the process →05 — REFERENCE LIST
Approval authorities
A quick overview of type approval bodies in selected European countries.
| Country | Authority | Identifier | Role |
|---|
This list is not exhaustive. Check current official designations through EU/UNECE sources.
06 — TEST & ASSESSMENT
Technical services
Sample organizations involved in testing, inspection, and conformity assessment.
| Organization | Head office | Specialization | Note |
|---|
Scope depends on the authority, regulatory subject, and designation. Verify the current scope before use.