Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: 'Whole vehicle type approval is a hugely important part of getting a vehicle on the road as it ensures that technical and safety standards are consistently met across Europe, but businesses could be at risk if they don’t prepare now. SMMT has created "SENTA" a simple interactive guide that helps vehicle manufacturers and bodybuilders to simply and quickly achieve Type Approval, allowing them to continue to sell their products across Europe and protecting valuable UK businesses and jobs.'

"European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval" (ECWVTA) collates hundreds of individual Type Approval elements to ensure manufactured vehicles meet strict safety and technical regulations. From 29 April this year, manufacturers, converters and bodybuilders of Special Purpose Vehicles (category M1) will have to seek Type Approval to register vehicles across Europe. Bodybuilders making all sorts of products from motor-caravans, ambulances and hearses to armoured vehicles and wheelchair accessible vehicles (up to eight seats) will have to adhere to the new rules.

From October 29, the same set of rules will also apply to the manufacture of complete and incomplete trucks (mass over 3.5t), all complete and incomplete trailers and new types of Special Purpose Vehicles.

Type Approval became mandatory in October 2011 for all minibuses, buses and coaches, plus single-stage built trucks (mass under 3.5 tonnes).

SMMT’s European and National Type Approval (SENTA) guide streamlines the process of applying for type approval. The system simplifies complex legislation, saving time and money and is free to use by all SMMT members.

To find out more about Type Approval and how SMMT’s SENTA tool can help, visit Senta by clicking on this link.