Changes to Single Vehicle Approval Scheme accelerated

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Release No. 701 - 15 July 1999

On 13 May, John Reid and Stephen Byers announced changes to the Single Vehicle Approval scheme and associated import procedures. Some of these changes are to be implemented ahead of schedule.

The existing scheme makes provision for single approvals issued in Europe to be recognised if they are equivalent to the British requirements. However, such approvals are currently subject to the quantitative limits that apply to vehicles that are not type-approvedin Europe and not imported for personal use. (The limits are 50 approvals per model per year, and 100 over 5 years, for all applicants combined).

To ensure there is no barrier to trade within the European Union, equivalent single vehicle approvals will not be counted against the quantitative limit. The change will be implemented very shortly.

Applications to recognise equivalent foreign approvals issued by other EEA (European Economic Area) states should be made to the Vehicle Inspectorate's offices in Swansea as for any other application for Single Vehicle Approval. The application should include the issuing authority's approval certificate together with evidence to show that the technical standards achieved are at least equivalent to those required in Britain and that the vehicle has beenexamined on behalf of the Authority of an EEA state.

Notes to Editors

1. Press Notice 468 announced changes to the Single Vehicle Approval scheme and associated import procedures for cars and light goods vehicles not type-approved in Europe. The changes were due to comeinto effect from March 2000.

2. Today's announcement addresses concern from independent dealers and the European Commission that there should not be any quantitative barriers to trade within the European Union. The remaining changes to the SVA scheme are expected to follow the timetable set out in Press Notice 468.

3. The latest advice on acceptable approvals from outside the UK can be obtained by telephoning the Inspectorate on 01792 458888.