Lundazi (UK) Limited

www.racafrica.co.uk

Expected to be published in October 2007 the Recast Framework Directive (RFD) will replace the current type approval framework directive (70/156 as amended).

The main effect of this directive is to extend the scope of European Type Approval to include trucks and buses.

Under the RFD there are 4 approval schemes allowed for each category of vehicle:

1)  European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (allows unlimited vehicle numbers that can be sold in any EC state)

2)  National Small Series Type Approval (reduced requirements but limited vehicle numbers and UK only)

3)  EC Small Series Type Approval (passenger cars only with reduced requirements and limited numbers but allows sales in any EC state)

4)  Individual Vehicle Approval (this is not approval of a type but approval of an individual vehicle - each vehicle must be taken to VOSA test station for inspection)

Which scheme is best for a particular manufacturer depends upon several factors but mainly upon expected annual production volume, intended markets and the level of quality control systems applied.

The introduction of the new requirements is to be in stages with the timing being dependent upon the type of vehicle.

The important point is that every vehicle built must be approved via one of the 4 routes listed above.

No approval means no sale!

Although this seems like lots of extra hoops to jump through, Type Approval is not difficult or too onerous so long as the right choices are made at an early stage and that the approvals are created in a systematic and logical fashion.  If it's done right Type Approval should be a positive benefit.

Lundazi can help you gain the type approvals that you need in a way that helps your company rather than hinders it.  Please contact us at the email address shown to the left.

Link to RFD - This is a copy of the latest version of the directive published by the DfT (as of 9th May 2007).  Further amendments have been discussed but not yet published.