Information for Cars

This page was last updated on 13th February 2020
The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP)

WLTP replaced the NEDC test procedure for establishing the official Fuel Consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars in September 2017, which became mandatory for all new cars (powered by an Internal Combustion Engine) by September 2018.

Vehicle Type Approval

VCA is the designated UK Type Approval Authority for automotive products and also a designated Technical Service for type approval testing in the United Nations (UN) scheme. VCA is also responsible for certification under UK type approval schemes. Please click…

Publications

We routinely publish information about us, which may include: Our spending Our priorities Our decisions Our policies and procedures Information in lists and registers and about our services This section will help you to find that information.

What is Vehicle Type Approval?

Vehicle Type Approval is the confirmation that production samples of a type of vehicle, vehicle system, component or separate technical unit will meet specified performance standards.

Fuel Consumption and CO2

Climate Change is recognised as one of the greatest environmental threats facing the World today and it has long been appreciated by governments that reducing the impact of the motor vehicle has an important part to play in addressing this…

GB Type Approval Scheme

The GB type approval scheme is applicable for manufacturers wishing to place vehicles and components on the market in Great Britain.

Type Approval Category Definitions

Learn more about the different category of power-driven vehicles and trailers.

Conformity of Production (CoP)

Conformity of Production (CoP) is a means of evidencing the ability to produce a series of products that exactly match the specification, performance and marking requirements outlined in the type approval documentation.  Whether you are a manufacturer, or the agent…

Contact Us

Sometimes you may need a little help from us at VCA. Don’t worry… we’re here for you. If you’re unsure about what to do next, or would like to make further enquiries about our services, then we’d love to hear…

VISTA and LegStat

LegStat is an online service that is our radar on proposed and draft legislation.  VISTA is an electronic library of EU and UN Type Approval Legislation that is available either online or on a DVD-Rom.

VCA Europe S.r.l.

Welcome to the home page for VCA Europe S.r.l., for Type Approval services for industry.

Dangerous Goods

Our Dangerous Goods Office is the UK authority for the certification of packaging and intermediate bulk containers used for the transport of dangerous goods, in accordance with national and international regulations. We are also responsible for the appointment of suitable…

VCA Portal

Type Approval enquiries and applications for all schemes must now be made through our self-service portal.

Cars and Emissions

In the UK, road transport is now the largest source of CO2 emissions.

Zero and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ZEVs/ULEVs)

ULEVs are currently defined as having less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) from the tail pipe.

Car fuel data, CO2 and vehicle tax tools Disclaimer

Information is provided by manufacturers on a voluntary basis and subject to checks before being published on the New Car Fuel Consumption and Emissions database.

Cookie Preferences

  Cookies are files saved on your phone, tablet or computer when you visit a website. We use cookies to store information about how you use the GOV.UK website, such as the pages you visit.

Sitemap

Use this sitemap to easily navigate the Vehicle Certification Agency site. About Us About this site Application for Appointment as an Inspection Body for Tanks and/or Pressure Equipment Blog Careers Direct Entry Graduate Scheme Apprenticeship Scheme Trainee Scheme Applying to…

Vehicle Importing

This service will be of interest to individuals wishing to permanently import a car, motorcycle, or goods vehicle into the UK. All information about making an application is available on the VCA and GOV.UK web-sites. Under the GB Conversion IVA…

New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures

This guide lists the fuel consumption, CO2, and other tail pipe emissions performance figures of new cars currently on the market in the UK

Cars and Noise

The external noise emitted by passenger cars has been controlled since 1929 when the Motor Cars (Excessive Noise) regulations were introduced.

Other Certification

In addition to our Type Approval role, VCA carries out a number of additional certification activities.

Type Approval for Motor Vehicles and Trailers (M, N & O Categories)

Information on Type Approval for Motor Vehicles and Trailers (M, N & O Categories)

About this site

The content of this site has been designed in a logical manner to make it easy for you to find exactly what you are looking for. Following the links from the home page is the recommended way of navigating, but…

Cars and Fuel options

This guide contains data on vehicles running on petrol and diesel, as well as alternative fuels, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Type Approval for Motorcycles (L category)

Type Approval for Motorcycles (L category)

VCA Europe S.r.l. Portal

Type Approval enquiries and applications for all schemes must now be made through our self-service portal.

Legislation and Information Services

In addition to providing type approval technical and approval authority services, we can also provide copies of all automotive European Community and UN ECE legislation in a number of ways. The information is available either as ‘one-off’ individual Word or…

Provisional GB Type Approval Scheme

The Provisional GB scheme is a temporary arrangement intended to enable vehicles to be placed on the market in Great Britain for an interim period until a full GB type approval scheme is available for the vehicle categories in question.

Air Quality

Emissions of the main air pollutants are regulated by the EU Euro emissions standards, under the vehicle ‘type approval’ process.

Fuel Consumption Labelling

Responsibilities of Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers.

Privacy Notice and Information Charter

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT) offering Type Approval services to the automotive industry in the UK and overseas. Working predominantly with the automotive industry, the VCA processes and holds only…

European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA)

The European approval scheme is based on the concept of ‘type approval’ and put simply; this process provides a mechanism for ensuring that vehicles meet relevant environmental, safety and security standards.

Type Approval for Agricultural Vehicles (T, C, R & S categories)

Information on Type Approval for Tractors – T1 to T4

Type Approval for Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM)

The Regulation requires that, in order to be first placed on the EU market, engines for use in non-road mobile machinery must be approved to demonstrate compliance with pollutant emission limits.

VCA Australia

Welcome to the home page for VCA Australia, for Type Approval services for industry. The VCA Australia office was established on 1 July 2008. The office provides Type Approval Product Certification services to automotive component and vehicle manufacturers.  Products we…

Complaints and Appeals

Complaints and Appeals Procedure Complaints Complaints relating to any of the VCA’s services, activities or personnel are to be sent to the Head of Central Quality, accompanied by a suitable statement giving the grounds for the complaint, as well as…

Vehicle Importing Information

This section relates to the importation of cars, motorcycles and motorhomes 

VCA India

Welcome to the home page for VCA India, for Type Approval services for industry. VCA is the UK Vehicle Type Approval authority and approaching 40 years of experience, supports the global automotive industry by providing internationally recognised testing and certification…

Scope and Timings

GB Type Approval Scheme Scope and Timings

What are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods (often called hazardous materials in the USA) may be pure chemicals, mixtures of substances, manufactured products or articles which can pose a risk to people, animals or the environment if not properly handled in use or in transport.

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Vehicle Special Orders

We are responsible for granting and maintaining individual Vehicle Special Orders under Section 44 of the UK Road Traffic Act 1988.

End of Series Derogation Applications

When legislative standards change and new legislation is coming into force, manufacturers may be allowed to place on the market, offer for sale, register and/or enter into service certain vehicles that do not comply with the incoming standards.

Administrative Guidance for Applicants

Introduction This guide provides details on the administrative requirements of the GB type approval scheme as they apply to whole vehicle, system, and component type approvals. Note – this page does not cover information relating to Conformity of Production (CoP).…

Application for Appointment as an Inspection Body for Tanks and/or Pressure Equipment

Please use this form to apply for the Secretary of State’s appointment to undertake the inspection of transportable pressure equipment and/or tanks for the carriage of dangerous goods. We recommend you read the general arrangements for tank inspection bodies https://www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/download-publication/2232/uk-arrangements/…

Fuel efficient driving tips

Fuel efficient driving or ecodriving is about adopting driving techniques that maximise modern engines’ efficiency. Using less fuel/energy when driving also means that carbon emissions and air pollutants from vehicles are reduced and for electric vehicles it can increase the…

VCA North America

Welcome to VCA North America, the home of Type Approval services in various industries. The Vehicle Certification Agency has been established in North America since 1991, and have our office located in Livonia, Michigan. We have collaborated with numerous manufacturers,…

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who does the testing? A: Testing is carried out either by independent test organisations, or by the vehicle manufacturers or importers themselves, usually at their own test facilities.   In the UK, and before the results are officially recognised, the…

GB Type Approval Scheme FAQs

This frequently asked question (FAQ) page has been produced to address questions raised during communications events held by VCA to outline the structure and requirements of the GB Type Approval Scheme.

VCA China

Welcome to the home page for VCA China, for Type Approval services for industry. This is our first office in the People’s Republic of China, offering the full range of Type Approval services to manufacturers across the country. The office…

VCA’s Point of Sale (POS) System

Dealers are obliged to present a label showing the official fuel consumption and CO2 data for every new car displayed in a showroom or as part of an exhibition

Connected and Automated Vehicles

By 2035, it is estimated that 40% of new car sales will have self-driving capability. To realise this ambition the trialling of this technology and the deployment into all types of vehicles in the marketplace has to be completed safely…

Individual Vehicle Approval without Inspection

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) is the process of approving each individual vehicle against national technical requirements.

Packaging Approvals Database

Certificates for Approved Dangerous Goods Packagings are issued on the basis of test reports received from UKAS accredited test stations (for Dangerous Goods Packagings) in the UK.

Designated Technical Services

In addition to the technical services provided by VCA at locations around the world, the following organisations have also been designated to carry out testing to the standards listed.

Privacy and Cookies

Cookie policy When we provide services, we want to make them easy, useful and reliable. Where services are delivered to the public via the internet, this sometimes involves placing small amounts of information on your device, for example, computer or…

Dangerous Goods Packaging

Under the regulations, packaging must meet or exceed minimum standards of performance before it can be authorised for the carriage of dangerous goods.

What is CoP?

Conformity of Production (CoP) is a means of evidencing the ability to produce a series of products that exactly match the specification, performance and marking requirements outlined in the Type Approval documentation.

Register of GB Type Approvals

This frequently asked question (FAQ) page has been produced to address questions raised during communications events held by VCA to outline the structure and requirements of the GB Type Approval Scheme.

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Average Emissions Monitoring

Information about the collection and processing of average emissions data

VCA Japan

Welcome to the home page for VCA Japan, for Type Approval services for industry. VCA is appointed as UK Type approval authority and has supported vehicle industry for more than 30 year to conduct tests and issue approvals for vehicle…

Designation of Technical Services for UNECE type approval testing

We are authorised to designate laboratories to act as Technical Services for testing or supervising testing of vehicles, systems or components, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 1958 Agreement.

Tanks and Pressure Receptacles

Dangerous goods which are  transported by road or rail within Great Britain must comply with the requirements of The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations.

UK(NI) Type Approval Scheme

Valid EU type approvals are the principal means of demonstrating compliance with EU type approval requirements as they are applied in Northern Ireland.

New Car Fuel Consumption

We have developed databases listing most of the cars and new vans.

Accessibility

This accessibility statement applies to our Vehicle Certification Agency website, which is owned by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). This website is run by VCA. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For…

How to use the data

Learn more on how we measure, collate and present the data.

Conformity of Production Audit Procedures

What is Conformity of Production (CoP) and why is it needed? EU, UNECE, GB and UK(NI) vehicle type approval legislation all require manufacturers to hold Conformity of Production clearance with the approval authority that issue their type approval certification. This…

Use of the VCA Logo

Information and guidance about the use of the VCA logo

Company Policies

Data Examples GDPR Application File Retention policies Complaints and Appeals Complaints Assessors Privacy & Cookies Accessibility The Civil Service code (opens in a new window)

Accessibility statement for the VCA New Car Fuel Consumption Website

VCA is committed and is actively working to ensure that the tools on this site are usable and accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability, capability or technology.

How to find our Midlands office

Please contact us on: Telephone: +44 (0)24 7632 8421 Fax: +44 (0)300 003 2199 Arriving by Car or Motorcycle Parking is available at this office, although it is recommended that you contact your host in advance of the meeting to…

Importing a Vehicle – Commonly Used Terms

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is granted to a product that has met the regulatory, technical and safety requirements required  of The Type Approval process.

Approval Fees

The VCA Type Approval Authority will charge the following fees for undertaking approval activities.

Technical Guidance for Applicants

The VCA Type Approval Authority will charge the following fees for undertaking approval activities.

Transparency

The Government has set out the need for greater transparency across its operations. Data Datasets and underlying data Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) information Departmental structure Department for Transport (DfT) and non-departmental public bodies (NDPB) structure…

Cyber Security and Software Updating

VCA are actively involved in the development of the provisions for vehicle cybersecurity and cybersecurity management systems.

Tyre Labelling

Since November 2012, the EU Tyre Labelling regulation has required tyre manufacturers and tyre distributors to display a consumer information label on all C1, C2 and C3 tyres.

VCA Korea

Welcome to the homepage of VCA Korea Type Approval services for industry. Since November 1999, we have been providing type approval services in Korea. Our experienced engineers are able to provide services that include testing and the issuing of approval…

VCA South America

Welcome to the VCA South America webpage. The Brazilian subsidiary was opened in November 2013 by Robert Goodwill, UK, Minister of Transport. It was initially established at the General British Consulate in São Paulo. Then VCA South America moved to…

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Transition to full GB type approval

Information on the transition to full GB type approval

Careers

Accelerate your career at the VCA and help drive a safer, more environmentally friendly future for tomorrow. You can make a difference to society, in the UK and overseas, by joining our dynamic, innovative and inclusive team.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is up to date and accurate, VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy or content. Visitors who rely on this information do so at their own…

New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who does the testing? A: Testing is carried out either by independent test organisations, or by the vehicle manufacturers or importers themselves, usually at their own test facilities.   In the UK, and before the results are officially recognised, the…

UK Appointed Inspection Bodies

The scope and extent of any appointee’s capability should be established by reference to their UKAS schedule of accreditation and/or directly with the body concerned.

Useful links

Note that to follow any of the links shown below, an internet connection is required. Content will open in an Internet browser window.  The Vehicle Certification Agency is not responsible for the contents or reliability of the linked web sites…

Enforcement on Advertising

If your business is involved in the supply of new cars in the UK, you must provide certain information under the Passenger Car (Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions Information) Regulations 2001, and the amendment Regulations 2004,2013 and 2018.

Civil Traffic Enforcement in England

Changes to legislation are harmonising the civil traffic enforcement procedures throughout England

Import a Van or other Light Goods Vehicle

This section relates to the importation of small vans or light goods vehicles (N1 Class Vehicles)  

GB Scheme Conformity of Production (CoP) Questions and Answers

We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the proposed GB Scheme CoP requirements.

Complaints Procedure and Internal Review Process

Should you be dissatisfied with any area of the service that you have received from the VCA then please follow the complaints procedure. If you are dissatisfied with the way the VCA has handled your request for information or with…

Pooling Declarations

Submissions for pooling must be submitted to VCA before 31 December of the first year in which the pool is requested to apply from.

UK(NI) Type Approval Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions

Summary This guidance is intended for manufacturers, importers and distributors of motor vehicles in the United Kingdom. One of the options for registering vehicles in the United Kingdom is now the UK(NI) Type Approval Scheme. This has been in place…

Importing a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)

Our sister Agency the Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) is now responsible for processing Heavy goods vehicle imports.

UNECE Type Approval

UNECE type approval is based upon the international 1958 Agreement concerning the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal…

Dangerous Goods Seminar

Our annual event which covers a wide range of issues connected with the handling, consigning and transport of dangerous goods.

Light-Duty Emissions Approvals for GB Type Approval

Approval Routes To satisfy GBTA emissions requirements for light-duty vehicles, there are planned to be two primary routes available for manufacturers: Option 1 (available now) Manufacturer applies for GBTA on the basis of holding a GB 715/2007 emissions approval (aligned…

How to find our Bristol office

Arriving by Car or Motorcycle Parking is available at this office, although it is recommended that you contact your host in advance of the meeting to reserve a parking space at the front of the building. Arriving by Bus or…

Information Notices on European and UK National Type Approval Legislation

This section includes information on current standards for Type Approval and forthcoming legislation.

Using UN Packaging

The regulations require the packaging supplier to provide the user with all the information necessary to enable them to prepare the package for transport in accordance with the approved specification.

Cylinders for Gases

Information relating to the inspection and testing of LPG, steel and aluminium cylinders.

Introduction of Conformity of Production for the GB / UK(NI) Schemes

All manufacturers will be required to hold Conformity of Production (CoP) clearance directly with VCA before they are able to obtain a full GB or UK(NI) Type Approval. 

Annex

ZEV mandate The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes Order 2023 (Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate) is a world leading legislative framework, designed with vehicle manufacturers to support the UK’s transition to a fleet of zero emission new cars and vans. In…

Designation Fees payable

A list of the technical services that require a fee, which provides an overview of the costs involved for each service.

ShareFile

ShareFile is a Citrix product. It is simple to use, and is being made available to our type approval customers free of charge. Important Note: If you do not have your login details, please contact us through your type approval…

SAE J1349 Certified Power

You have invested a significant amount of time and effort in research, development and testing. After all, it’s your reputation on the line. Any claims you make about engine power and torque are no doubt supported by your own data…

Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) and Listing of Self-Driving Vehicles

Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) will be the first commercially available systems designed for passenger vehicles that will enable the driver to safely hand over control to the vehicle.

Responsibilities of vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers

EU Directive 1999/94/EC requires new car fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data to be made freely available to consumers. Car dealers are required to display a label on (or near to) every new car displayed for sale. The label shows…

Phase One – The Declaration Letter

This phase began during the first quarter of 2022 for the categories M, N, L, and T. For Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM), O and components, these will be introduced during the first three months of 2023. So, what will be…

Guide to Control Plans

EU, UNECE, GB and UK(NI) vehicle type approval legislation all require manufacturers to hold Conformity of Production clearance with the approval authority that issue their type approval certification. This clearance is needed before granting of the initial approval and must…

Packaging Revalidation at 5 Years

At least once every five years, the certification of each UN approved packaging type must be re-validated.

Brazil National Environment Homologation

VCA South America is an Accredited Technical Service (ATC) to the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), according to the Technical Cooperation Agreement n°6/2015. This authorizes VCA to conduct the technical analysis necessary for compliance certification, perform…

Dangerous Goods Certification Fees

View our costs and charges here

Guidance for Operators Requiring a Vehicle Special Order (VSO) for Longer Semi-Trailers (LST)

In January 2012, a trial of Longer Semi-Trailers was launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Approval Fees

Please click here to see our list of approval fees for undertaking approval activities.

Type Approval and the Protocol on Northern Ireland

This guidance sets out how the UK’s type approval regime applies in Northern Ireland

CoP Frequently Asked Questions

Terms/explanations What is meant by the term ‘vehicle manufacturer’? The term ‘vehicle manufacturer’ refers to the approval holder as used by the legislation. This is the same for single stage and multi-stage manufacturers. What is the VCA “risk rating” that…

License Agreement and Disclaimer

Please read this section before you begin using the VISTA or LegStat service.

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Referral to ICA

Independent Complaints Assessors review complaints made against the Department for Transport, its agencies and other bodies. If you think you’ve been treated unfairly or have received poor service from the Department for Transport (DfT) or one of its agencies or…

Non-Road Mobile Machinery – Field Testing

This guidance is intended for manufacturers of engines for Non-Road Mobile Machinery and requiring an exemption for field testing of engines in the UK. Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 was retained as GB legislation and the EU version applies…

Applying for UN Approvals

The UN Testing and Certification Certification System.

Aerosols

Aerosol dispensers and small receptacles containing compressed gas (gas cartridges) which are filled, transported or placed on the market in the UK, must pass a leakproofness test before they are offered for carriage.

Conformity of Production Price List

View our Conformity of Production (CoP) price list for New Clearances, Updates to Existing Clearances, and for Meetings.

Making a Subject Access Request under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

GDPR legislation came into force on 25th May 2018. For further information about your rights, please visit the Information Commissioner’s website. How do I find out what information you hold about me? Please write to us at dpa@vca.gov.uk. In order to process your…

Scope and Timings

Provisional GB Type Approval Scheme Scope and Timings

How to find our Leatherhead office

Please contact us on: Telephone: +44 (0) 1372 226110 Arriving by Car or Motorcycle Limited visitor parking on site by arrangement in advance. Arriving by Bus or Coach The nearest main route bus stop is located near Leatherhead train station.…

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What we do and for whom?

Since April 2007, our Dangerous Goods Office (DGO) has been responsible for operating the UK Certification Scheme.

Escritório VCA América do Sul

Bem vindo ao website da VCA South America. A filial brasileira foi aberta em novembro de 2013 por Robert Goodwill, Ministro de Transportes do Reino Unido. Inicialmente estabelecida no Consulado Geral Britânico de São Paulo, a VCA South America se…

Independent Complaints Assessors for the Department for Transport

Independent Complaints Assessors provide independent reviews of how complaints made against the Department for Transport, its agencies and other bodies have been handled. If you think you’ve been treated unfairly or have received poor service from the Department for Transport…

Examples of the types of data held by the VCA

The following are some of the types of data held by the VCA. Note that this list is not exhaustive. In all cases the VCA has explained the lawful basis for processing your information. Where there are other legislative requirements…

DfT/VCA Guidance

VCA Guidance and Technical Bulletins – Guidance on the Interpretation of ADR Chapter 6.10 for Vacuum Operated Waste Tanks The Department for Transport Dangerous Goods Division (DfT DGD) and VCA DGO have provided their interpretation on a number of issues…

Thank you for getting in touch

We received your message and will get back to you as soon as possible.

SVA Scheme for Malta

VCA has worked alongside the Maltese government to develop a scheme whereby second-hand cars due for export from Japan to Malta are inspected at source prior to shipping, so ensuring that the quality of used vehicles entering Malta is properly…

Fuel cost

The fuel cost of driving 10,000 miles is calculated using the combined fuel consumption figure and the respective average fuel figures. The fuel figures used are those published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and appear on…

General points

The information provided by VCA is only a guide. When determining tax on first registration, it is the CO2 figure shown on the registration certificate (V5C) that will determine the amount of tax payable; A new car is one that…

SVA Scheme for Malta

VCA has worked alongside the Maltese government to develop a scheme whereby second-hand cars due for export from Japan to Malta are inspected at source prior to shipping

Training & Consultancy

The Dangerous Goods Office team offer specialist training courses which can be undertaken on your premises.

Annual Fees FAQs

In October each year, registered holders of Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificates will receive an invoice for the renewal of their approval(s) for 12 months commencing 1st January the following year.

Bulk Containers

Certain dangerous goods may be carried in bulk in containers that have been approved in accordance with the Convention on Safe Containers

Media Area

All information held on this area of the site is for use by both the media, and any other individual or organisation free of charge. Crown Copyright rules apply. For more general information about VCA, please see our About VCA page. Media Contacts Press-enquiries@vca.gov.uk…

VCA – FOI and EIR Disclosure log

This page lists full and partial responses to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) . The following page has more information on how to make an FOI request. Documents available: The…

VCA Annual Reports and Accounts and Business Plans

Annual Reports and Accounts Our annual reports and accounts review our business activities over the course of the year. It provides highlights of projects and the progress that we have made in meeting our objectives. Annual Report and Accounts 2023-2024…

File Retention Policies

As they become available, retention policies for different departments within VCA will be available here. Departments Retention Policies within VCA: Subject  VCA department Retention policy available here? Where “Yes”, click to find do out more Financial Information Finance and Resourcing…

VCA Publication Scheme

Specifies the categories of information that the VCA publishes and how to get that information.    Contents About this publication scheme  Feedback and complaints about the scheme  Classes of information  General enquiries regarding VCA publications    The Freedom of Information…

英国车辆认证局(VCA)中国代表处

欢迎来到VCA中国代表处主页, 我们为业界提供型式认证服务。

UK Enforcement and Research Activities

VCA are responsible for a small number of enforcement and research roles within the United Kingdom. Accountability for Regulator Impact (ARI) scheme The Accountability for Regulator Impact (ARI) scheme is one of a number of measures, intended to make improvements to the…

Technical Services

We are authorised to designate laboratories to act as Technical Services for testing or supervising testing of vehicles, systems or components, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 1958 Agreement.

How to find our Bedford office

Please contact us on: Telephone: 0300 3305797 Arriving by Car or Motorcycle Parking is available at this office. There is a car park at the front and rear of the reception area, with onsite parking throughout the facility. Arriving by…

Graduate Scheme

Take it up a gear with our world-class Graduate Scheme to become an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. See first-hand the impact you can make on the future of automotive safety and compliance, working alongside industry experts and manufacturers in the…

What are Control Plans?

A control plan is the documented description of those procedures, checks or assigned activities necessary to verify that production units continue to conform to the type approval requirements with regard to specification, marking and performance. The aim of the control…

Statutory Operations

Hello and Welcome, As Head of Statutory Operations, I wanted to share what my department does, what our future looks like, and why VCA is a great place to work. But don’t take my word for it; further down, some…

Other work areas that are not managed by VCA

The following is a list of some of the work areas that VCA often gets asked about but are either managed by other areas within the Department for Transport, or are otherwise questions that VCA cannot assist with. If the…

Application for Appointment

Arrangements for the appointment of bodies for tank inspection may be found HERE (PDF) Applicants must be accredited to EN ISO17020:2012, “General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection”, by the United Kingdom Accreditation service (UKAS)…

Privacy Information

The personal information you have provided in this form has been provided to allow VCA to process your application. Details of how this data will be handled, stored and used can be found in our “Privacy Notice” (please follow the…

Confirmation – Dangerous Goods Seminar

Take it up a gear with our world-class Graduate Scheme to become an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer. See first-hand the impact you can make on the future of automotive safety and compliance, working alongside industry experts and manufacturers in the…

VCA Apprenticeships

Achieve success with a VCA apprenticeship and earn while you learn. Benefit from on-the-job experience and training with speciality experts, whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Direct Entry

It takes an extensive team of people to deliver our work, all playing a key role to realise our mission and goals. If you share our values, in an organisation you will be valued and make a real difference, we…

Management Board

Coming soon.

End of Series Derogation Category L

We are now accepting End of Series applications for requirements coming into force on the 1st of January 2025 within Great Britain and Northern Ireland. To apply for End of Series, please populate the application form, VIN list and Annex…

End of Series Derogation Category T

We are now accepting End of Series applications for requirements coming into force on the 1st of January 2025 within the UK. To apply for an End of Series, please populate the application form and VIN list below and send…

Applying to the VCA

Applying to the Vehicle Certification Agency When applying to the VCA, we’ll assess your experience, as well as your strengths, and will give you the best opportunity to showcase these. Current Vacancies Application and selection process Summary of processMaking an…

Trainee

If you have a basic knowledge and experience in automotive engineering, why not fast-track your career with our trainee scheme. Learn the role of our engineers as they teach you the skills and requirements to become competent in our area…

VCA Europe S.r.l. (Italian)

Benvenuti in VCA Europe S.r.l.

Costs

Provisional GB Type Approval Scheme Costs

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The work we do takes an incredible community of people, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities, which is why it’s important to us all colleagues are offered equal opportunities across VCA.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions relating to the Provisional GB scheme have been grouped alongside those relating to the full GB and UK(NI) type approval schemes. Please refer to the GB type approval scheme FAQs page here.  

Eco Innovation Applications

  Date of Application Title of Eco Innovation Applicant VCA Decision July 2021 12V efficient charging through intelligent control of hybrid vehicle recuperated kinetic energy for use in hybrid powered passenger cars (M1) and light commercial vehicles (N1) Link to…

Emissions Strategy Assessment for GB Type Approval

VCA have a statutory obligation as the Type Approval Authority to assess and approve emissions strategy documentation in relation to GB type approvals for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles under retained regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 595/2009 respectively. This strategy documentation,…

Civil Traffic Enforcement in Wales

Changes to legislation have harmonised the civil traffic enforcement procedures throughout Wales (English)

Provisional approval for vehicles with special features

Information on provisional approval for vehicles with special features

Automated Vehicles Trialling

Trialling of automated vehicle technologies and services on public roads and in public places falls under the Code of Practice for Automated Vehicle Trialling. This is split into automated vehicle trialling and vehicle authorisations and exemptions for more complex CAV trials.

Seminars and Webinars

GB Conformity of Production (CoP) workshop 2021 A big thank you to everyone who recently attended our online and face-to-face CoP workshops. It was a great opportunity for us to highlight the Conformity of Production requirements for the GB Type…

Phase Two – Initial Assessment (Scoping Meeting)

Phase Two of GB CoP implementation is an initial assessment which consists of a scoping meeting. This will need to be completed before a GB Type Approval is required, which will either be because a new approval is needed after…

Crown Copyright 1997- present

You may use and re-use the information featured on this website (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. We encourage users to establish hypertext links to this website. Any…

Appendix 2 – Example of a Control Plan

Subject CoP Requirements Regulation Inspection Type Frequency Control Noise   51 1 1 per year IVXX1 2 1 per month Emissions 83 1 1 per month IVXX2 2 1 per month 4 100% Audible Warning 28 1 1 per Year…

Questions and Answers from the Conformity of Production (CoP) Workshops 2021

Conformity of Production (CoP) Workshops 2021 Questions and Answers

UK Derogations

Manufacturers continue to be able to apply for a niche volume or small volume derogation from the overall CO2 emission target.  To ensure that manufacturers continue to qualify for the same style of derogation that they have previously qualified for…

Information and communications technology (ICT) contracts above £10,000 in value (from July 2010)

As part of the government’s transparency agenda, the Vehicle Certification Agency publishes all ICT contracts above £10,000 in value that have been awarded since 1 July 2010. ICT contracts are one or all of the following: a good or service…

Phase Three – Carrying out the Audit Plan

Following the activity that has taken place in Phase One (application) and Phase Two (initial assessment), this clearance method will need to become a regular exercise, for both new and existing VCA CoP holders. In the future, we will conduct…

Gorfodi Traffig Sifil

Changes to legislation have harmonised the civil traffic enforcement procedures throughout Wales (Cymraeg)

Appendix 3 – An Example of a Control Plan for Whole Vehicle (In Addition to Individual System Plans)

(Separate System Control Plans must also be in place) CONTROL DESCRIPTION AREA RESPONSIBLE FREQUENCY ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FORM OF RECORD RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION Comparison of initial order, engineering spec, build spec, bill of materials, with type approval cert & C.O.C.…

Relationship to Quality Certification

Details on the requirements for CoP are contained in Annex IV of EU Regulation 2018/858 and Schedule 1 of E/ECE/TRANS/505 for ECE Regulations. GB and UK(NI) legislation currently refer to the aforementioned legislation for CoP. These two pieces of legislation,…

Designation of Technical Services for GB type approval

VCA are now accepting expressions of interest from prospective Technical Services for the following GB type approval Regulations: Whole Vehicle Type Approval (not including NSSTA or IVA) (2018/858) Space for Mounting & Fixing Rear Registration Plates (1003/2010) Towing Devices (1005/2010)…

UK Pooling

Manufacturers continue to have the opportunity to pool their registrations together and, for the purposes of calculating a CO2 emissions target and calculating performance against that target, be considered as one entity.    Manufacturers should note that pooling arrangements have not…

Approved UK Derogations

The following manufacturers have been granted a UK derogation in accordance with Article 10(1)(c) of Regulation 2019/631 from the specific emissions targets calculated in accordance with part A, points 1 to 4 of Annex I to that Regulation for the…

HDV Average Emissions

The new UK heavy duty vehicle CO2 emissions regulations came into force as of 1 January 2021.   Two Statutory Instruments (SIs) are currently in force alongside the retained EU Regulations – SI 2019/846 and SI 2020/1402.   The VCA…

CO2 Emissions from New Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles

CO2 emissions from new passenger cars registered in the UK (2021) in accordance with Regulation 2019/631 as amended 2021 Provisional data from new passenger cars (XLSX) 2021 Provisional data from pools for new passenger cars (XLSX) CO2 emissions from new light…

Preparation of Plans

Preparation of plans, the structure and amount of detail included within the above framework, rests entirely with the manufacturers (and not the assembly plants), in relation to their own particular circumstances. For example: the format of the Control Plan is…

Informações sobre privacidade

As informações pessoais fornecidas neste formulário objetivam permitir que a VCA processe sua solicitação de serviços. Detalhes de como esses dados serão tratados, armazenados e usados ​​podem ser encontrados em nosso “Aviso de Privacidade” (siga o link). Se você não…

CoP Test Data

We will accept CoP data used to demonstrate compliance to EU Type Approval where the vehicle specification and technical requirements are the same. We will also require access to the data direct from the manufacturer.  We are not asking for…

When are Control Plans Required?

Both EU regulations (which are adopted currently for GB / UK(NI) law and ECE regulations mandate control plans for each subject. Annex IV paragraph 3.2 of EU Regulation 2018/858 states: 3.2. Before granting a type-approval pursuant to this Regulation and…

Alternative Download Option

Due to technical issues, the latest version of the data is not currently available. You will be aware that for some years, VCA has provided this facility for users who would like to download the car fuel and CO2 database…

वीसीए इंडिया कॉन्टैक्ट पेज

उद्योग के लिए टाइप स्वीकृति सेवाओं के लिए, वीसीए इंडिया के होमपेज पर आपका स्वागत है।  

UK Eco Innovations

Manufacturers will continue to be able to receive ‘credits’ for Eco Innovations (EI) – vehicle technologies that reduce CO2 emissions when the vehicle is in use on the road but that may not be taken into account during the traditional…

Appendix 1 – Some Helpful Headings for General Information

COMPANY:  XYZ Company Ltd PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Passenger Car TYPE APPROVAL SUBJECT: All system Regulations and  Whole Vehicle approval issued by VCA SPECIFIC COP TEST REQUIREMENTS: Applicable requirements indicated on subject plans or addressed by XYZ company procedure PC-123 SITE OF…

Related Control Systems

Certain elements, critical to COP in the type approval context, are not necessarily covered by the control plan as defined above. control of change, so that for example, alternative suppliers or revised specifications are not introduced before the type approval…

Eco Innovation Application Summary ACEA

Executive summary of the application TITLE OF THE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY 12V efficient charging through intelligent control of hybrid vehicle recuperated kinetic energy for use in hybrid powered passenger cars (M1) and light commercial vehicles (N1) CONTACT DETAILS Applicant’s name ACEA…

Acceptance

The arrangements outlined above both satisfy the respective legislative responsibilities and enable VCA to build confidence in the overall control of the type approved product to be issued with an approval certificate.  Manufacturers will be requested to propose their own…

Ongoing Clearance / Business as Usual

Following the three phases to obtain a CoP GB Scheme approval, an annual or quarterly meeting will need to continue, together with on-site audits and remote audits. All this will depend on risk as evaluated by us and will follow…

Heavy-Duty Emissions and CO2 Approvals for GB Type Approval

Heavy-duty emissions and CO2 requirements within GB type approval are based on retained Regulation (EC) 595/2009 and its implementing regulations, Regulation (EU) 582/2011 and Regulation (EU) 2017/2400. These regulations set out the requirements for measurement of emissions, and CO2 and…

Monitoring Activities

EU Regulation 2018/858 Annex IV paragraph 3 requires the authority issuing an approval to monitor the manufacturer’s conformity controls.  That section and the clauses in some of the individual regulations also require the authority – when not satisfied with the…

Eco Innovation Application Summary ZF

Summary Information Title of the Innovative Technology: 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) with efficient alternator function for use in hybrid powered passenger cars (M1) and light commercial vehicles (N1). Contact Details ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Graf-von-Soden-Platz 1, 88046 Friedrichshafen, GERMANY Summary…

VCA Europe S.r.l. Contact Us

Sometimes you may need a little help from us at VCA Europe S.r.l. Don’t worry… we’re here for you.

Eco Innovation Application Summary Stellantis

Summary Information Title of the Innovative Technology: Smart Diesel Fuel Heater Contact details: Stellantis N.V. The Corporate Seat of Stellantis N.V. is situated in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and its Corporate Office is in Lijnden (The Netherlands), Singaporestraat 92, 1175 RA.…

VCA Europe S.r.l. Privacy Notice and Information Charter

VCA Europe S.r.l. Privacy Notice and Information Charter

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VCA Europe S.r.l. Compliance Guidelines

VCA Europe S.r.l. has its base in Italy and aims to provide class leading type approval testing and inspection services to EU and UNECE standards.

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