GB Scheme Conformity of Production (CoP) Questions and Answers
This page was last updated on 4th March 2024We would like to update you on the proposed GB Scheme Conformity of Production (CoP) requirements.
Following the introduction of the Full GB Scheme, there will be a requirement for the holder to have Conformity of Production clearance directly with us and the purpose of this note is to share the current proposal for how this introduction will be managed.
To register a new vehicle in the UK, you will be required to hold the appropriate type approval certification. We have lots of information on the various type approval options here.
One of the options for registering vehicles in Great Britain is now the Provisional GB Type Approval scheme. This has been in place since 1st January 2021, and there are no Conformity of Production requirements in addition to those required for the EU approval used to gain the provisional approval.
So, what will be Changing?
To obtain a Full GB Type Approval, you will be required to hold Conformity of Production clearance directly with VCA.
When will the Full GB Scheme come into effect?
The full scheme is being developed, and the Department for Transport (DfT) are aiming to consult on new regulations covering categories M, N and O shortly. A consultation on separate regulations setting up the full scheme for motorcycles and tractors (categories L and T) will take place later, and it will be based on the same principles, where appropriate.
It is to be proposed that approval to the full scheme will be available for the applicable vehicle categories as soon as the relevant regulations enter into force and would become compulsory after a short transition period. Provisional Approvals issued before the full scheme is introduced are valid for two years, DfT will consult on whether this should continue to be the case for any provisional approvals issued after the full scheme becomes available.
How will this be phased in?
We will soon be writing to all holders of provisional approvals to ask for a letter confirming that UK vehicles are being included in internal CoP processes as part of the existing EU CoP clearance. We would require this information to be held on file with us from the 1st January 2022.
During 2022, we will arrange initial scope meetings with approval holders to understand the scope of their vehicles for Full GB Type Approval and the number of assembly plants which need to be approved. An appropriate audit plan will then be created for an initial 3-year period as a minimum.
From 2023, it is planned that all GB approvals will be treated as business-as-usual CoP activities, and follow our normal processes.
What are the requirements?
Onsite audits are mandatory for all assembly plants. Each plant must be visited at least once in a three-year period. The frequency will be determined using a risk-based approach during the annual central HQ central function audit.
There will be a requirement for an annual remote audit covering each assembly plant to review procedures and data collected in the past year.
For manufacturers who hold emissions approvals with us, and are therefore required to generate CoP test data, there will be a requirement to meet on a quarterly basis to review this data.
What does it cost?
The cost is determined based on the activity:
- £1295 Onsite Audit*
- £890 Remote Audit
- £89/hour Quarterly Meeting*
*Travel costs will be charged at actual rate for locations outside of the UK, there is no charge for travel within the UK.
What action do I need to take now?
If you are only utilising the provisional GB scheme to sell your products in the UK, then no action is required at this time. If you would like to register your interest in a CoP workshop later in the year, this will allow us to schedule an appropriate number of sessions, focussing the topic to different frameworks if needed.
If you are currently approving your vehicles to pre-existing schemes, such as a small series approval to either g11, n11 or a retained e11 then you should update you CoP records with us with the appropriate representative information by the 1st January 2022. For an UK(NI) approval you will be required to have a representative based in the European Union or Northern Ireland. For a GB approval you will be required to have a representative based in Great Britain, this does not include Northern Ireland.
What about CoC and Vehicle Markings?
If you have an n11, g11 or e11 approval (which has not been transferred to another EU Authority) this approval number should appear on the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and be marked on the vehicle. This must be present on vehicles from 1st January 2022.
If your approval was converted to another EU Type Approval Authority following the exit of the UK from the European Union, the previous e11 approval number no longer exists, and no products should be marked as e11.
The Provisional GB Type Approval number does not need to be marked on a vehicle or CoC. The Department for Transport (DfT) will be consulting on proposals to require markings in the future.
Got a question? Who should I contact?
If you have worked with us before, you can talk to your usual CoP contact. Alternatively, you can direct your enquiry through the contact us form on this website.
Please include ‘GB CoP Enquiry’ in the subject line to ensure your email is directed to the correct person.
