Skip advert
Advertisement

Vehicle Certification Agency to lose powers after Brexit

The VCA’s ability to grant European-wide type approval to new cars will cease when the UK leaves the EU

EU / UK Flags

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) will automatically lose its ability to provide European-wide type approval to new cars when the UK leaves the European Union.

The VCA is operated by the Department for Transport (DfT), and its type approval process ensures all mass-market new cars – and existing models receiving major updates – meet mandatory technical and safety requirements before going on sale.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Brexit could force Japanese carmakers out of the UK

Under current rules, a vehicle approved by the VCA is automatically granted type approval across the EU. When the UK leaves the EU, that cross-country authority will be lost.

A recent document released by the European Commission states that after the UK has left the EU, “the United Kingdom approval authority [VCA] will cease to be an EU type-approval authority."

The document continues: “As a result, it will not be possible as from the withdrawal date for a manufacturer to place on the Union market motor vehicles accompanied by a certificate of conformity referring to a type-approval granted by the United Kingdom approval authority.”

Stripping the VCA of its EU-wide powers would have significant implications for carmakers with UK operations, a number of whom pay between £350,000 and £500,000 to the VCA each time a new model is submitted for type approval. The Financial Times reports a number of major manufacturers have either cancelled future arrangements with the VCA, are in talks with another country’s certification authority, or are considering leaving the VCA.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) previously warned carmakers could simply drop some models from the UK market due to post-Brexit type approval issues, while Aston Martin voiced similar concerns towards the end of last year.

The European Commission’s report allows for the possibility of a “transitional arrangement” relating to vehicle type approval, which could allow the VCA’s EU-wide authority to remain post-Brexit. However, it warns of “considerable uncertainties” and “legal repercussions” related to type approval.

A DfT spokesperson said: “The Vehicle Certification Agency is internationally recognised and respected, and we are confident it will remain one of the world’s leading type approval authorities after we leave the European Union."

Now read about the Brexit impact assessments which suggest the UK car industry could face a 13 per cent rise in costs after the UK leaves the EU...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month
Mazda 3 front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month

Fluid handling and even more flowing styling are the selling points of the Mazda 3 in this affordable deal
News
12 Apr 2025
New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights
 Denza Z9GT - front tracking

New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights

The new Denza Z9GT hybrid estate is on the way to the UK. Should BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche be worried?
Road tests
11 Apr 2025