Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA): A Guide to EU Regulation 2018/858

Are you looking to enter the European market with special-purpose or low-volume production vehicles? Discover how to obtain IVA certification under EU Regulation 2018/858 and how ATS Technical Service can streamline your Approval process.

What is Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)?

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) is a certification procedure established by EU Regulation 2018/858. As the European Union continuously raises the bar for safety (GSR) and environmental standards, IVA certification has become the primary gateway for vehicles that do not fall under mass production.

This procedure allows for the certification of a single Vehicle or small batches, ensuring they meet European technical standards without the prohibitive costs associated with a full Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA).

Why is IVA Certification Essential for Your Business?

For manufacturers, IVA certification is a strategic tool for various vehicle categories:

  • Low-Volume Production: For manufacturers with limited annual volumes, custom builds, or modified vehicles, IVA avoids the bureaucratic complexities of large-scale production.

  • Special-Purpose Vehicles (SPV): Prototypes, racing cars, ambulances, or non-standard engineering vehicles require IVA to demonstrate compliance with EU safety, emissions, and technical standards.

  • Rapid Market Access: Thanks to the flexibility of the IVA process, manufacturers can respond quickly to market demands while ensuring full alignment with the General Safety Regulation (GSR).

The IVA Certification Process: Step by Step

Obtaining an IVA certificate requires rigorous technical documentation and physical testing:

  1. Application and Classification: Submission of the application to the Technical Service, specifying the vehicle category (M, N, O, etc.).

  2. Technical Dossier: Preparation of design drawings, specifications, test reports, and for non EU manufacturers the appointment of an Authorized Representative.

  3. Testing and Evaluation: Verification of active and passive safety, pollutant emissions, and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).

  4. Certificate Issuance: Final review by the Type Approval Authority and issuance of the IVA certificate, valid for registration across the EU.

ATS: Your Partner Technical Service for IVA Approval

  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our expert engineers analyze your vehicle from the design phase to identify any potential non-compliance issues regarding Regulation 2018/858.

  • Documentation Support: We assist manufacturers in preparing the necessary test reports and technical dossiers required by the Type Approval Authorities.

  • In-Laboratory and On-Site Testing: We can perform required tests at our own laboratories or, where applicable, at the manufacturer’s facilities, always ensuring strict adherence to EU standards.

  • Global Presence: We provide dedicated support to non-EU manufacturers, acting as a technical bridge to European authorities.

why choose ats group?

ATS Group is a group of companies operating in the field
of Inspections, Certifications and Type Approvals in the Automotive sector.

ATS Group, through its companies designated by e5, e24 and e25
e-marks, is able to issue the type approval of complete vehicles.

With the Type  Approval Authority designations E57, E5, E24, E25, ATS Group is able to carry out Approvals of components, systems and technical units of Vehicles in general.

ATS Europe, as a Certification Body accredited under ISO 17021-1: 2015 as a Certification Body for Quality Management Systems under ISO 9001: 2015, has become a leading company in the field of certifications.

The test laboratories affiliated with ATS Group are ISO 17025 accredited, ensuring reliability, accuracy, and compliance with international standards.

ats-app

ats app

Our proprietary online platform can manage the whole Approval process, fron the quotation till the direct download on the final Type Approval Certificate.

ATS Group offers competitive prices and fast turnaround times, ensuring an efficient and high-quality service to meet customer needs promptly.