EU removes «discriminatory» aftermarket phrase from roadworthiness legislation

EU removes «discriminatory» aftermarket phrase from roadworthiness legislation

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has claimed victory after an obligation to check non-OEM replacement parts was removed from the latest EU legislation on the roadworthiness testing of vehicles (Directive 2014/45/EU), which entered into force in May 2014.

A technical expert committee is currently discussing and drafting the implementing measures that will define the scope of Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) related technical information, which vehicle manufacturers will have to provide in the future to the PTI (MOT) centres and national authorities.

In draft proposals, an obligation to check aftermarket parts was included: “In case of non-OEM replacement parts or after-sales parts, that largely deviate from the original parts, their impact on the safe use of the vehicle has to be carefully assessed by the inspector. A downgrading of the level of safety of the vehicle shall not be acceptable.”

FIGIEFA – the European federation and political representative in Brussels of the independent wholesalers and retailers of automotive replacement parts and their associated repair chains – and IAAF sent their concerns to the commission directorate general for Transport, arguing that the text was discriminatory to the aftermarket, as it stipulated that any replacement part that is not coming from the OEM had to be subject to verification. The associations suggested that the wording of the text was critical because “it would have set vehicle manufacturers’ individual original parts specifications as the benchmark”.

Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive, said: “This is another victory for the independent aftermarket but demonstrates the continuing threat to “lock out” the trade from servicing and repairing vehicles. The IAAF will continue to lead the UK’s response to such threats and work closely with FIGIEFA to ensure that the rights and choice of both the aftermarket and motorist are protected.”

     

   Related items


  • CO2 taxation
    CO2 taxation is now well established across the European Union. Most EU member states currently apply some form of CO2 tax to the registration and/or ownership of passenger... Read more
  • Right sat-nav use is common sense – says RHA
    The Road Haulage Association in Britain is supporting the view of the Local Government Association that satellite navigation systems, designed for cars, are not suitable for use in heavy goods... Read more
  • Disreputable traders, illegal tyres – association shares part-worn experiences
    Although the National Tyre Distributors’ Association would like to see them banned and TyreSafe implores motorists not to buy these products, around 4.5 million part-worn tyres are sold in the UK each year. The Local Government Association (LGA) has now also highlighted some of its members’ experiences with the sellers of used tyres, and cautions motorists to exercise caution when... Read more
  • Hydrogen-enabled drivetrains for large vans and trucks
    The UK government is set to fund a project that promises to catapult the UK to the forefront of the global race to develop a supply chain for the manufacture of hydrogen-enabled drivetrains for large vans and... Read more
  • Autotech joins IAAF
    The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed automotive recruitment specialist Autotech Recruit to its... Read more
Comments
Login to post comments

MOD_LOGINREGISTER_LOGIN_TITLE

Remember Me