Open consultation

Updating GB type approval for passenger and goods vehicles

Published 18 August 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Introduction

Motor vehicles are required to be type-approved before they go on sale. Type approval is the process whereby manufacturers of a new model of motor vehicle or trailer are required to:

• test prototypes against a range of safety and environmental standards
• obtain approval from a government type approval authority prior to placing it on sale

Type approval ensures that manufacturers are producing vehicles that comply with the safety and environmental obligations set out in legislation.

The GB type approval scheme is the automotive regulatory scheme for road vehicles in Great Britain. It applies to passenger vehicles (cars and buses), goods vehicles, their trailers and certain components.

The scheme was made through a statutory instrument and entered into force in January 2023. It was phased in and has fully applied to the majority of vehicles in scope since February 2026. The scheme is derived from assimilated EU regulations and so closely mirrors the equivalent scheme that applies in the EU. The EU regulations are also applicable to vehicles made available in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is the sole type approval authority of the scheme and is empowered to issue GB type approvals in accordance with the type approval regulations.

In the last few years, there have been developments in vehicle regulations in the European Union (EU) and through the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations (UNECE).

We are committed to maintaining alignment with the EU scheme to protect the internal UK market, reduce burdens on business and support growth. To deliver this, we need to make updates to domestic regulation to recognise or mandate new standards developed both within the EU and internationally within the GB type approval scheme.

We are now considering whether to incorporate further developments in vehicle regulations into the GB scheme, outlined by this consultation.

Purpose of consultation

This consultation considers a number of developments in the vehicle regulations within the EU and internationally and asks for views on our intended approach to incorporate these into the GB scheme.

These updates will be introduced through one or more statutory instruments to amend the assimilated regulations which establish the GB type approval scheme.

This consultation covers a group of proposals where we intend to make regulations as soon as possible after the consultation.

Proposals for consideration

Acceptance of EU type approvals for certain components

Component suppliers are often responsible for obtaining type approval for their products. Vehicle manufacturers using these components are not required to repeat tests that are covered by the component approval. In the majority of cases the GB scheme accepts components approved to UNECE regulations. Approvals to these harmonised regulations are also accepted in the EU and by countries around the world such as Japan, Korea, Australia, South Africa.

However, there are a small number of subject areas not yet covered by UNECE regulations. These include:

• washer and wiper systems, Assimilated Regulation EU 1008/2010
• spray suppression devices, Assimilated Regulation EU 109/2011
• aerodynamic devices, Assimilated Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012
• hydrogen fuel systems, Assimilated Regulation EU 79/2009

Vehicle manufacturers seeking to obtain a GB whole vehicle type approval must therefore either use products with GB approval to the relevant assimilated EU regulation or take on the responsibility for approval themselves.

For component manufacturers, obtaining GB approval is a relatively simple process for those who already hold or plan to obtain the equivalent EU approval. No additional testing is required for example where the manufacturer can show the test reports used to obtain EU approval. Manufacturers must also demonstrate to the VCA that they have the necessary procedures in place to ensure conformity of production and place a GB approval mark on the component.

Allowing the acceptance of EU component approvals as an alternative to GB component approvals would further reduce duplication of certification processes and remove the need for GB specific markings, helping to minimise administrative burdens for manufacturers and facilitate trade. It would also support consistency between the GB scheme and EU requirements, which is particularly important for manufacturers who supply vehicles and components to both markets.

By recognising EU component approvals, GB authorities can focus their resources on other regulatory priorities while still ensuring that only safe and compliant vehicles and components are placed on the GB market. Vehicle manufacturers will continue to be required to obtain GB approval to the relevant regulations to demonstrate that the components have been installed correctly. All vehicles placed on the GB market will also continue to require GB whole vehicle approval issued by the UK’s type approval authority.

We have not included components for eCall systems in these updates. The GB scheme was updated in 2025 to recognise EU component approvals for eCall - see The Road Vehicles (Type-Approval) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025.

UN regulations update

Our second objective is to update Assimilated Regulations (EU) 2018/858 and (EU) 661/2009 in order to incorporate the most recent developments in United Nations (UN) regulations relating to vehicle standards and to align with the latest levels applied in the EU.

UNECE regulations cover around 75% to 80% of subject areas for passenger vehicles in the GB type approval scheme.

The UK is a contracting party to the UNECE’s 1958 Agreement, Revision 3. This is an international agreement relating to reciprocal recognition of vehicle approvals.

Governments (contracting parties) that sign up to an internationally agreed specification (UNECE regulation) are permitted to issue approvals to vehicles or components that comply with that regulation. Contracting parties must accept vehicles and components type-approved by another contracting party against a UNECE regulation that they are a signatory to.

The benefits of international harmonisation include reducing the complexity faced by manufacturers in attempting to understand and test vehicles to numerous national standards, and gives rise to economies of scale in manufacture, thus lowering costs.

Vehicle lighting and anti-theft

The UK is a signatory to the UN regulations listed in tables 1 and 2.

Table 1 – lighting requirements

UNECE regulation	Subject	Notes
148	Light signalling devices	Brings together requirements that exist separately under other UN regulations, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicators. Approvals to this new regulation are accepted as alternatives to the existing UNECE regulations for these lamps.
149	Road illumination devices	Brings together requirements that exist separately under other UN regulations, for example, headlamps, fog lamps. Approvals to this new regulation are accepted as alternatives to the existing UNECE regulations for these lamps.
150	Retro-reflective devices	Brings together requirements that exist separately under other UN regulations, for example, rear reflectors, side reflectors. Approvals to this new regulation are accepted as alternatives to the existing UNECE regulations for these devices.

Table 2 - anti-theft requirements

UNECE Regulation	Subject	Notes
161	Devices against unauthorised use	Devices for unauthorised use, immobilisers and alarm systems are currently all covered under a single regulation, UNECE R116. They have been separated out into individual regulations to accommodate contracting parties that may choose to apply some rather than all of the requirements. Approval to any one of these regulations is equivalent to the relevant part of UNECE R116.
162	immobilizers
163	Vehicle alarm systems

These regulations have been introduced in the UNECE system as alternatives to existing UNECE regulations. The lighting regulations consolidate over 20 separate lighting regulations into 3 regulations. The regulations concerning anti-theft contain equivalent requirements to those in UNECE regulation 116 concerning the protection of motor vehicles against unauthorized use. By including these regulations in the GB scheme, it will be clear that manufacturers can use UNECE approvals to these regulations when seeking GB vehicle approval.

We will achieve this by adding these new regulations to the table in assimilated Regulation (EU) 661/2009, Annex IV, which lists all the UNECE regulations that are applicable in the GB scheme. Additionally, we will include them in assimilated Regulation (EU) 2018/858, Annex II, Part I which lists all the regulatory requirements for approval of a vehicle in unlimited series and medium series. We will also include them in Annex II, Part III concerning special purpose vehicles.

Tyre pressure monitoring, UNECE Regulation 141

The UNECE regulation on tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), UNECE R141, is already applied in the GB scheme via Annex IV of assimilated Regulation (EU) 661/2009. However, the associated reference to TPMS in assimilated (EU) Regulation 2018/858, annex II, Part I, Item 46E, is potentially confusing as it concerns both TPMS and temporary use spare wheels but only references the UNECE regulation for spare wheels, UNECE Regulation 64. Adding a reference to UNECE R141 would help alleviate any confusion about the applicability of TPMS in the GB scheme.

Updating UN regulation requirements to latest series of amendments

The GB scheme specifies the minimum level of a UNECE regulation that is compulsory. Manufacturers can choose to approve their product to the specified level of the UNECE regulation or any more recent level. To ensure the GB scheme continues to apply the latest levels of safety we are proposing to update the latest levels of some UNECE regulations that are compulsory - see table 3.

Table 3 - updates to existing UNECE regulations

UNECE regulation	Subject	Level currently specified in GB scheme	Proposed level to be specified in the GB scheme
Regulation 25	head restraints	04 series of amendments Corrigendum 2 to Revision 1	Supplement 1 to the 04 series of amendments
Regulation 34	prevention of fire risks	Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments	04 series of amendments
Regulation 79	steering equipment	03 series of amendments	04 series of amendments
Regulation 100	requirements for the electric power train	Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments	03 series of amendments
Regulation 117	tyres with regard to rolling sound emissions and/or to adhesion on wet surfaces and/or to rolling resistance	Supplement 8 to the 02 series of amendments	04 series of amendments

The above will be achieved by updating the relevant rows in assimilated Regulation (EU) 661/2009, Annex IV. These changes would apply from the entry into force of the legislation.

Automated lane keeping systems (ALKS) UNECE Regulation 157

A requirement for passenger cars to comply with UNECE Regulation 157 if fitted with ALKS was added to the GB scheme by Statutory Instrument 2025 No.661. This UNECE regulation has since been updated and the scope widened to include all passenger and goods vehicles (M and N categories). We propose therefore to update the GB scheme to require vehicles fitted with ALKS to comply with the 01 series of amendments to UNECE Regulation 157.

This will be achieved by updating assimilated Regulation 2018/858, Annex XII. Table 1 of that annex will be amended to reference the 01 series of amendments to UNECE Regulation 157. Table 2 of that annex will be updated to extend compliance to cover all M and N category vehicles (all passenger and goods vehicles when fitted with ALKS).

Driver control assistance systems (DCAS) UNECE Regulation 171

DCAS are more sophisticated driver assistance systems which cannot be approved to UNECE Regulation 79 on steering equipment. They provide greater support in the driving tasks but do not completely take over control from the driver.

UNECE Regulation 171 sets out general functional requirements regarding system safety, interaction with other safety systems and driver interaction with the system.

We propose to require compliance with UNECE Regulation 171 within the GB type approval scheme for all passenger and goods vehicles fitted with DCAS.

This will be achieved by updating assimilated Regulation 2018/858, Annex XII. Table 1 of that annex will be amended to include a reference to UNECE Regulation 171. Table 2 of that annex will be updated to require compliance for all M&N category vehicles, i.e. all passenger and goods vehicles when fitted with DCAS.

Transitional provisions for UNECE regulations

Transitional provisions are included in UNECE Regulations when they are introduced or updated to specify when the new requirements apply. In the GB scheme the transitional provisions that apply are those in the specific version (combination of series of amendments and supplement number) of the UNECE regulation listed in assimilated Regulation (EU) 661/2009, Annex IV. A footnote in Annex IV explains the application of the transitional provisions. However, evidence suggests further clarification is required. We propose amending this note as follows, adding the words ‘versions of’ before UNECE regulations, as follows:

The transitional provisions of the versions of UNECE regulations listed in this table apply, except where specific alternative dates are provided for in this regulation. Compliance with prescriptions in accordance with subsequent amendments to those listed in this table shall also be accepted.

Revise documentation templates for type approval

The type approval authority is required to complete a type approval certificate when they are satisfied that the vehicle or component meets with the requirements in the GB type approval scheme. In addition to the type approval certificate, the approval authority is required to attach a test results sheet and complete an ‘addendum’.

The test result sheet lists the results of the regulatory tests. These are supplied to the type approval authority by the technical service conducting the approval tests on behalf of the applicant.

The ‘addendum’ to the approval certificate contains additional details about the vehicle or component such as date of test report, technical service responsible for conducting tests.

Filling these out takes time, reducing the efficiency of the administrative process of issuing a GB approval. We have concluded that the information included in the test results sheet and addendum are superfluous. Both the applicant and the type approval authority receive the test results from the technical service. Attaching them to the approval certificate therefore simply duplicates information that is already held by both parties.

Similarly the information in the addendum is already held by both the approval authority and the applicant, again duplicating information unnecessarily. Removing the need to complete these templates will simplify the process, making it more efficient and reducing administrative burden.

The template for the test results sheet is set out in assimilated Regulation (EU) 2020/683, Annex VI. We are not proposing to delete this template. Instead we will make completion of the sheet optional at the discretion of the approval authority.

The format for the type approval certificates are set out in a number of regulations, for example, assimilated Regulation (EU) 2020/683, Annex III. As with the test results sheets we are proposing to make completion of the addendums optional at the discretion of the approval authority.

Permitted maximum mass when towing

The maximum permitted masses and dimensions for vehicles are set out in assimilated regulation (EU) 1230/2012. The requirements relating to permitted masses when a passenger car or light good vehicle are towing are contained in Annex I, paragraph 2.7.

Assimilated regulation (EU) 1230/2012 was amended by  The Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 (Statutory Instrument 2022 No.1273) which deleted paragraph 2.7.2.2. of Annex I. The wording of the deleted paragraph was as follows:

2.7.2.2. In the member states where the road traffic legislation allows it, the manufacturer may indicate in an appropriate supporting document, such as the owner’s manual or the maintenance book that the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle may be exceeded by not more than 10 % or 100 kg, whichever value is lower.

This allowance shall apply only when towing a trailer in the conditions specified in point 2.7.2.1 provided that the operating speed is restricted to 100 km/h or less.

Removing this paragraph has led to a lack of clarity for manufacturers around the towing masses that they can declare in the owner’s manual. It also means the GB scheme is not aligned with the equivalent requirements in the EU type approval scheme. We are therefore proposing to reinsert paragraph 2.7.2.2. into assimilated Regulation (EU) 1230/2012 amended as follows to remove reference to EU member states which is no longer relevant in the GB scheme:

2.7.2.2. The manufacturer may indicate in an appropriate supporting document, such as the owner’s manual or the maintenance book that the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle may be exceeded by not more than 10 % or 100 kg, whichever value is lower.

This allowance shall apply only when towing a trailer in the conditions specified in point 2.7.2.1 provided that the operating speed is restricted to 100 km/h or less.

Provision of repair and maintenance information

Vehicle manufacturers are obliged to make information required to repair or maintain a vehicle available to all businesses involved in repair and maintenance on an equal basis. The obligations are set out in assimilated Regulation (EU) 2018/858, CHAPTER XIV Access to Vehicle OBD Information and Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information. Further requirements are contained in Annex X of the regulation.

Since Brexit, the EU has adopted a delegated Regulation, REGULATION (EU) 2021/1244, amending annex X, including the introduction of a new Appendix 3 which sets out a standard system to be used to check that those seeking access to security related information are trustworthy. It is known as the SERMI system. This was not retained in GB regulations and a decision was taken during the development of the GB scheme not to pursue the introduction of a GB version of SERMI. For the GB scheme therefore, it is for manufacturers to decide how they ensure only trustworthy persons have access to the data.

The EU has now adopted further updates, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/699. This is primarily to take into account the implementation of new UN regulation on cyber security, UN R155 together with amendments to take into account technical progress. The changes will ensure that car manufacturers can apply effective and proportionate cybersecurity measures while still providing access to onboard diagnostics (OBD) information.

We propose to align the Annex X of the assimilated regulation (EU) 2018/858 with the latest amendments adopted in the EU. However, this will not include amendments to Appendix 3 of Annex X since this relates to SERMI which does not apply in GB.   We will also need to take account of changes made previously in the EU by Regulation (EU) 2021/1244 which the latest amendments build on.

The EU has also introduced a new Appendix 4 which sets out the conditions a manufacturer must fulfil to allow an independent repairer access to the OBD. This will be replicated in the GB scheme but references to SERMI in this appendix will be removed.

Technical service

Technical services are the test bodies that are contracted by the manufacturer to conduct the testing required in the type approval regulations. Technical services report the results of the tests to the type approval authority who will only issue a valid approval provided the test results provided by the technical service demonstrate the product is compliant.

The approval authority designates technical services and will only accept test results from technical services that have been designated for that purpose. The procedures for the assessment of technical services are set out in assimilated Regulation EU 2018/858 Article 73 and Annex III appendix 2. The regulation as it applies in the EU requires that, where assessment is carried out by the type approval authority, they should appoint a joint assessment team composed of representatives for the type approval authorities of at least 2 other member states and a representative of the Commission.

Since the Commission and EU member states have no role in the GB scheme, the need for a joint assessment team was removed from Article 73 in the GB version.

However, Annex III appendix 2 was not updated and references to the joint assessment team remain. To rectify this inconsistency, we propose to replace all examples of ‘joint assessment team’ in the annex with ‘assessment team’.

How to respond

The easiest way to respond is to use the online response form.

This form includes the option to save and continue your response if you are unable to complete it in one go. 

If you cannot use the online form, you can email or post your response.

Email to: 

ivs.consult@dft.gov.uk

Write to: 

International Vehicle Standards
3rd Floor, Zone 2
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Rd
London
SW1P 4DR

If you send your response by email or post: 

• answer the questions asked in the consultation and, if required, provide further comments and evidence 

• tell us if you are responding as an individual or on behalf of an organisation 

If responding on behalf of an organisation, you need to: 

• make it clear who the organisation represents 

• outline how the views of members were assembled (where applicable) 

You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt if you submit your response by email. Check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive this within 15 minutes of sending your email.

If you do not find a receipt, email ivs.consult@dft.gov.uk with ‘missing receipt’ in the subject line. 

We will only accept responses received before the closing date: 11:59pm on 29 September 2026.

Full list of questions

Personal details

Name:

Email address:

Are you responding as an individual or organisation?

Organisation questions (for organisations only)

Does your organisation represent other businesses?

If yes, how many businesses?

Proposal questions

Do you agree or disagree with the proposal to accept of EU type approvals for our listed components?

Do you agree or disagree with the proposals to update the UNECE regulations applied in the GB scheme to the latest levels currently applied in the EU and the application of the relevant UN regulations in the GB scheme?

Do you agree or disagree with the proposals to revise documentation templates for type approval?

Do you agree or disagree with the proposal to clarify the approval requirements on permitted maximum mass when towing with those in the EU?

Do you agree or disagree with the proposal to align requirements on the provision of repair and maintenance information with those in the EU?

Do you agree or disagree with our proposal for technical services?

If disagreeing, why?

Final comment

Any other comments?

Other comments

Please provide any other comments you may have on the GB type approval scheme, for consideration in relation to potential future amendments.

What will happen next

We aim to publish a summary of responses, including the next steps, within 3 months of the consultation closing and lay a statutory instrument to bring forward our proposals, subject to stakeholder views and ministerial approval. Paper copies will be available on request.

If you have questions about this consultation, contact:

International Vehicle Standards
3rd Floor, Zone 2
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Rd
London
SW1P 4DR

Alternatively, email ivs.consult@dft.gov.uk.

List of representative bodies consulted

SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders)

NCC (National Caravan Council)

The Camping and Caravan Club

The Caravan and Motorhome Club

NTTA (National Trailer & Towing Association)

WAVCA (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Convertors Association)

VBRA (Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association)

BIMTA (British Independent Motor Traders Association)

Freedom of information

Information provided in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be subject to publication or disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

If you want information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please be aware that, under the FOIA, there is a statutory code of practice with which public authorities must comply and which deals, amongst other things, with obligations of confidence. In view of this it would be helpful if you could explain to us why you regard the information you have provided as confidential. If we receive a request for disclosure of the information, we will take full account of your explanation, but we cannot give an assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not, of itself, be regarded as binding on the department.

Data protection 

The Department for Transport (DfT) is carrying out this consultation to decide whether to introduce the option of complying with new international regulations into the GB type approval scheme for road vehicles. 

This consultation and the processing of personal data that it entails is necessary for the exercise of our functions as a government department. If your answers contain any information, including the email address itself, that allows you to be identified, DfT will, under data protection law, be the controller for this information.

As part of this consultation, we’re asking for your name, email address and organisation. This is in case we need to ask you follow-up questions about any of your responses. You do not have to give us this personal information but if you do, we will only use it only for the purpose of asking follow-up questions.  We will not use your name or other personal details that could identify you when we report the results of the consultation.

DfT’s privacy policy has more information about your rights in relation to your personal data, how to complain and how to contact the Data Protection Officer. 

Your information will be kept securely and destroyed within 12 months after the consultation has been completed.