Briefly Explained: What is a Type-Approval Procedure?
A Brief Overview
Before I address why vehicles and their components require approval in the first place in one of my upcoming articles, I would like to examine a seemingly simple question posed by a participant in one of my recent training sessions. The question was asked at the very beginning. By the afternoon, the participant was already able to answer it independently—both thoroughly and precisely.
The question: "What is an approval procedure?"
Ask yourself this question and attempt to answer it as precisely as possible.
Allow me to outline it succinctly:
"Approval procedure" designates a structured process aimed at obtaining an official approval (for series production in unlimited quantities) from a designated approval authority for a product that requires and qualifies for approval.
This process spans numerous stages: from the initial product concept (technical specifications) and development through to series release. Even after the Start of Production (SOP), it continues through processes governing Conformity of Production (CoP), market surveillance, product safety, product liability, and further requirements extending to the end-of-life stage, such as recyclability.
It is essential to note that the approval procedure generally does not only mandate compliance with specifications governing the physical product itself. An "effective" quality management system is equally required and constitutes an integral component of the approval process.
By means of the type-approval procedure, the product manufacturer benefits from significant administrative and operational relief compared to, for instance, securing an individual operating permit for each unit produced.
Based on a representative "type," the approval authority evaluates whether the product conforms to all relevant regulatory requirements.
Once the manufacturer also satisfies all expectations of the competent authority (and the applicable regulations), they are formally recognized as an approval holder and are thus qualified to apply for product approvals. A key instrument for establishing this manufacturer qualification is the initial assessment, which typically includes an on-site audit.
I hope this brief overview has piqued your interest. You are cordially invited to attend one of my upcoming training sessions.
You will acquire the fundamentals of approval processes in the "Basic Training on Type-Approval Procedures." This course examines the developments that led to today's established approval framework. It provides the essential knowledge required if your product is undergoing an approval procedure for the first time, if you handle such processes infrequently, or if you are seeking a firm foundation in this complex regulatory environment.
Do you already possess sound prior knowledge and practical experience? Might you even be experiencing a certain degree of routine blindness because your daily focus has been confined to one specific aspect of the approval process for years? In that case, the CoP Basic Training or the CoP Advanced Training serves as an ideal alternative or supplement. I would be pleased to deliver these training programs as an in-house workshop tailored to your organization, ensuring that all relevant departments and colleagues are actively engaged. You will achieve ongoing, practical benefits through stronger cross-functional alignment and a clear, shared understanding of responsibilities.