Type Approval

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Source: KBA

The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) issues Type Approvals for vehicles and vehicle components for series production that are valid within Germany and Europe. Three legislative scopes are distinguished.

'National legal applicability' includes issuance of National Type Approvals (ABE) and compulsory National Type Approvals for components (ABG) as prescribed by Articles 20, 22 and 22a of the National vehicle safety standard (StVZO, §§ 20, 22, 22a). Type Approvals with 'international legal applicability' are governed by EC directives as well as applicable UNECE Regulations (UNECE = United Nations - Economic Commission for Europe).

Before a Type Approval can be issued, applicants are required to complete a initial assessment procedure. On account of existing and functioning quality assurance measures, initial assessment ensures that only products corresponding to the respective approved type are supplied.

Detailed information regarding initial assessment is available to applicants in the form of

• an Initial assessment Information Sheet MAB -  Information sheet on Initial Assessment (pdf 242-KB)
• Your Type Approval procedure partners.

Numerous directories and other helpful features have been produced by the KBA, in order to keep the procedure as transparent and simple as possible.

The following includes some of the most important sources:

• Information sheets and guidelines
• Type Approval procedure information system (IST)
• Designated Technical services
• Your Type Approval procedure partners

Applicants are subject to a Conformity test procedure. This involves spot checks conducted to verify that the products brought into circulation by Type Approval holders are conform to approval specifications.

It is generally recommended to get in touch with the following contact persons before making a first application.