1. Define the type
Freeze the category, body variants, powertrain, mass ranges, axle layouts and intended markets.
Approval Atlas / Frameworks / Motor vehicles & trailers
Framework file 01
Motor vehicles & trailers, mapped.
Regulation (EU) 2018/858 is the EU type-approval framework for M and N motor vehicles and their O trailers. This page turns its approval architecture into a working checklist.
01 / Scope & architecture
One framework, four approval layers.
2018/858 applies to vehicles designed and constructed in one or more stages, and to systems, components and separate technical units intended for them. It is built around mutual recognition: an EU type-approval granted by one Member State is valid across the Union.
M / NMotor vehicles
O1–O4Trailers
EUWhole-vehicle approval
01
Whole-vehicle type-approval
Certifies a complete vehicle type, including the relevant systems, components and separate technical units installed on it.
02
Multi-stage approval
Allows a base vehicle to be completed by one or more manufacturers. Each stage carries forward the information and approvals it changes.
03
System & component approval
Separate approval can cover systems such as braking or lighting, and components such as glazing, tyres or coupling devices.
04
Individual approval
For a particular vehicle rather than a type, subject to national or EU individual-vehicle routes and their defined limitations.
02 / Technical requirements
The approval file is a chain of evidence.
The framework regulation supplies the process; technical requirements are supplied by the applicable regulatory acts, notably the General Safety Regulation and the acts listed in the approval schedule.
| Requirement family | What it controls | Evidence to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Functional safety | Braking, steering, tyres, lighting, glazing, visibility, coupling and occupant protection. | Technical service test reports, component approvals and installation drawings. |
| Environmental performance | Emissions, CO₂, fuel consumption, noise and repair-and-maintenance information. | Emission test results, OBD data, sound measurements and declared values. |
| General safety | Advanced safety systems such as intelligent speed assistance, event data recording, lane keeping and vulnerable road-user protection under 2019/2144. | System descriptions, software/version controls, validation evidence and cybersecurity documentation. |
| Construction & dimensions | Masses, dimensions, axle loads, manoeuvrability, bodywork, passenger capacity and load restraint. | Information folder, calculations, body-builder data and representative vehicle measurements. |
| Conformity of production | Whether every produced vehicle remains consistent with the approved type after approval is granted. | Quality procedures, audit trail, control plans and records of corrective actions. |
Practical reading rule
Start with the vehicle category and its intended use. Then identify the approval type, the applicable UN/EU regulatory acts and the exact variant/version configuration. A regulation number alone is never the complete requirement.
03 / Process
From concept freeze to certificate.
A robust project keeps the technical configuration, test evidence and production controls linked from the first design review.
2. Build the matrix
Map each system and component to the current regulatory act, applicability date, test and approval evidence.
3. Prove conformity
Submit the information folder, test reports and production arrangements for authority assessment and audit.