UK aftermarket lobbying intensifies

IAAF provides updates on motor vehicle block exemption regulations, repair and maintenance information and MOT test frequency

UK aftermarket lobbying intensifies
Image: Bigstock.

UK government lobbying has intensified, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (UK AFCAR) has said.

The IAAF is currently in active dialogue with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over motor vehicle block exemption regulations (MVBER).

It’s also in discussions with the DVSA about MOT test frequency and the introduction of SERMI, the ability of independent operators to access security-related repair and maintenance information.

The IAAF said UK aftermarket issues are the same as those being faced around Europe, “so it’s important we work together to support the sector”.

SERMI

SERMI is a scheme for accreditation, approval and authorization to access security-related repair and maintenance information (RMI).

It has been included in EU legislation and will be up and running by August next year, ensuring workshops in Europe get access to security related RMI once they get their SERMI certification.

However, the SERMI update to type approval legislation was established after Brexit, which means it does not currently apply to UK – except for Northern Ireland where it applies under the NI Protocol.

The IAAF is calling on the UK government to adopt SERMI.

In a statement issued on its website, the IAAF has said: “Preparations are progressing well and it would be easy to deploy SERMI in the UK.

“The organisation and technical infrastructure can be easily leveraged.

“The vehicle manufacturers will all have adopted SERMI for the EU, with all necessary technical integrations, so it would make perfect sense for the UK to take advantage of this.

“The benefits of SERMI for the UK aftermarket are evident, with SERMI providing a one-stop-shop for authorisation of independent workshops and technicians, with the credentials being accepted by all OEMs.”

Motor vehicle block exemption regulations

Block exemption is currently set to expire on 31 May 2023 in the UK.

The EU has announced its intention to extend block exemption before it expires.

The CMA is to assess whether the retained motor vehicle block exemption regulations meets the intended purpose and takes account of specific features of the UK economy serving the interests of UK businesses and consumers, as well as considering the impact of recent developments in technology and industry business models.

The review will also assess the European Commission guidelines that accompany the existing motor vehicle block exemption regulations, namely the supplementary guidelines on vertical restraints in agreements for the sale and repair of motor vehicles and for the distribution of spare parts for motor vehicles and as a new element, access to vehicle generated data.

The IAAF said: “The CMA will draw on this evidence from the European Commission’s evaluation to the extent that it is relevant to the UK, so it is vitally important that the UK government also updates the type approval legislation in line with the EU.

“In the unlikely event block exemption is not renewed, access to RMI under type approval will still be in place, but not the other protections of MVBER.”

MOT test frequency

The DVSA recently emailed MOT testing stations about what it described as “potential changes to MOT requirements” following a proposal to change the requirement for an MOT test from every year to every two years.

In an attempt to reassure workshops, the agency said a public consultation would need to be held before new legislation would be introduced.

The IAAF said: “The current Conservative Party leadership contest has thrown further uncertainty onto the next steps of the leaked plans to extend the MOT.

“The industry is united in its stance, and we have plans underway to take our message further beyond the IAAF membership, which will rely on the support of members.”

2 Comments

  1. I am the owner of Swiftfit in Gloucester an independant garage and have been open for thirty years. I would like to comment on the M.O.T test frequency, In my humble opinion this would be a great mistake as all M.O.T Station know just from years of experience,this as we all know would put our motoring public in danger from having Bald tyres defective brakes and not least steering and suspension faults caused by the lack of attention for approximately 2 years .
    So in my opinion putting our customers in danger.

    Reply
  2. Thing is you as a garage or person find can’t work on a car due to lack of information

    But Tomaz from next door doing roaring trade in bent video games

    Reply

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