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 on the relevant link for more specific information by vehicle type approval and ways in which we can help you.
Or please download our Type Approval application form to apply.
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.
The GB type approval scheme is applicable for manufacturers wishing to place vehicles and components on the market in Great Britain.
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.
Valid EU type approvals are the principal means of demonstrating compliance with EU type approval requirements as they are applied in Northern Ireland.
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…
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.
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.
Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) is the process of approving each individual vehicle against national technical requirements.
The VCA Type Approval Authority will charge the following fees for undertaking approval activities.
Applications for GB, UKNI, or UNECE Type Approval and/or Provisional Type Approval must now be made through our self serve digital portal. Click the link above to register for an account and login to the portal to submit an approval application.