SVA WILL BE REPLACED

This is not mine but I thought it would be useful to know to those who don't??

SVA WILL BE REPLACED ON 30th APRIL 2009

BACKGROUND

The European Community (EC) is currently negotiating a Recast Framework Directive (RFD) on the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

This will replace the existing Framework Directive (70/156/EEC) with the most important change being the extension of European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) from passenger cars (category M1) to what might be generally described as "commercial vehicles".

This covers all vehicles under type approval regulations that have not been registered previously in the EU e.g. new vehicles including imported vehicles.

SVA ENDS 1st MAY 2009

From 1st May 2009 SVA and ESVA will be no longer for M1 passenger vehicles. SVA will become bespoke IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) and ESVA will become IVA. This is set in stone.

This scheme remains a concession from the Directives. While the UK has opted to continue operating a small series National Type Approval Scheme it did not have to do so.

A full copy of the Directives can be found at the website http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/sectionecwholevehicletype/

We have been informed that there will be no period of grace. All vehicles must be registered under SVA by 30th April 2009. This could have big impact on your business decisions.

The new directives could mean:
- An end to the 10 year old rule
- More model reports for newer vehicles including EMC
- Noise and Emissions standards will also be reviewed.

WHAT ABOUT LIGHT COMMERCIALS AND CAMPERS?

Light Commercials will be increasingly brought in line with the passenger vehicle test through to 2011.

Camper vehicles/motor homes will have to undergo type approval testing or have bespoke IVA before they can be imported and registered from 2012.

CONCERNED?

First of all you should be. If you have any views on the proposed changes especially, the impact of more model reports, removal of the 10 year old rule, increased fees, etc.

Please email any concerns or representations to queries at bimta. org

BIMTA have now received news that the DFT are likely to publish the new technical regulations in the first week in June for a 3 month public consultation.

As I understand it, the proposed changes will apply to imported vehicles (possibly including those that are more than 10 years old when first imported to the UK) that have not been registered here, before the changes come in.
At the moment, imports more than 10 years old do not have to undergo SVA/ESVA testing. They just need MOT before they can be registered here. It looks like older and newer imports are likely to all be treated the same in future.