Curious about EC vehicle approval?
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I READ WITH interest the article 'Type approval for new SDC trailer' (CM 16 September) in which SDC Trailers claim to have become "the first major manufacturer to offer a fully approved semi-trailer".
As Europe's leading trailer manufacturer, Schmitz Cargobull has operated in the field of approvals and EU directives for many years meeting the national approval requirements of the different countries. This puts us in a strong position and we have a number of trailer types approved to the requirement of the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Directive.
These different trailer types are available to UK customers and incorporate individual system approvals ensuring complete compliance.
In order to gain EC whole vehicle approval, a vehicle has to be tested/assessed for things such as brakes, lights, tyres, etc.
Historically, EC member states have operated their own set of national requirements for trailers. However, Directive 2007/46/EC introduced the basis of a European certification scheme for trailers and this legislation will be phased in. If any of your readers are concerned about the legislation or would like guidance around it, we would be happy to offer advice. Paul Avery General Manager Schmitz Cargobull (UKI
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