Type Approval process

Previously, manufacturers had to obtain separate national type approvals for each EU member state, which was cumbersome and time-consuming. To simplify this process, the EU introduced a common EU type approval system to harmonize the market, creating one single European access point. A European type approval is valid in all EU member states, which facilitates easier cross-border trade within the EU countries. This streamlined approach not only saves time and resources for manufacturers, but also promotes consistency and compliance across the automotive industry.

Regulation developement

RDW plays a significant role in the field of international policy and regulations, both in Europe and around the world, even though the Netherlands is a small country. As a knowledge institute, RDW’s close involvement in regulatory processes ensures that manufacturers can confidently access the EU market, knowing they comply with the latest requirements.

New regulations

As the automotive landscape rapidly evolves, the development of regulations must keep pace with innovations and emerging challenges. This ongoing effort ensures that new regulations effectively address critical areas such as vehicle automation, cyber security, in-service conformity and verification. These new regulations are essential to maintaining the EU's leadership in automotive safety and innovation.