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Getting started and COP

Before you can produce vehicles or vehicle components for the European market and obtain a European type approval, you must first be officially designated as a manufacturer by an EU type approval authority. This designation provides you with a valid Compliance Statement (CS), which is required before applying for type approval. Once you have your Conformity of Production (COP) clearance, you can move forward with the type approval process, ensuring your products meet the applicable standards for the European Market.

Type approval at RDW

To register and sell vehicles or vehicle components in the Netherlands or other European countries, you must first obtain a type approval. This approval ensures that your production process and product comply with legal safety requirements and environmental standards. It includes all the necessary technical information about a specific type of vehicle. Depending on your needs, you can apply for either a national or European type approval. 

Application process:

Conformity of production

To obtain a Conformity of Production (COP), follow these steps:

  • Initial contact
    Send your contact details and product group to [email protected]. You will receive a confirmation of receipt within 2 weeks.
  • Initial Assesment (IA)
    Apply for an Initial Assessment (IA). One of our inspectors will review the IA within 12 weeks. In case of a positive review, you will receive a ‘Communication Initial Assessment', meaning your designation has been approved. If the IA is not approved, you can take actions on the received non-conformity and submit the updates documents where applicable.

Important

If you do not apply for type approval or begin production within 2 years after company approval, your ‘Communication Initial Assessment’ will expire.

More information

Contact us for more information  about our type approval process, how to obtain Conformity of Production (COP), and the steps and requirements involved.

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