Welcome to the Vehicle Certification Agency

We are the designated UK Type Approval Authority for automotive products and also a designated Technical Service for type approval testing in the United Nations (UN) scheme. VCA is also responsible for certification under UK type approval schemes.

The GB type approval scheme is applicable for manufacturers wishing to place vehicles and components on the market in Great Britain.

From early 2024, all Type Approval enquiries and applications must be made through our new digital portal.

Conformity of Production (CoP) is a means of evidencing the ability to produce a series of products that exactly match the specification, performance and marking requirements outlined in the type approval documentation.

Our staff are responsible for making a real difference to public safety and the environment. By joining us, you will be part of a global agency known for its long standing reputation in providing services of the highest quality.

As an apprentice at the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), you will begin your journey with a globally respected approval authority responsible for ensuring that new vehicles, systems, and components comply with national and international standards.

By 2035, it is estimated that 40% of new car sales will have self-driving capability. To realise this ambition the trialling of this technology and the deployment into all types of vehicles in the marketplace has to be completed safely and securely.

Our Dangerous Goods Office is the UK authority for the certification of packaging and intermediate bulk containers used for the transport of dangerous goods, in accordance with national and international regulations.

We have developed databases listing most of the cars and new vans available for sale in the UK. Follow the link below for more information on using the databases, and the other related services to industry offered by us.

In addition to our Type Approval role, we carry out a number of additional certification activities. Learn more about these here.

This service will be of interest to you if you're wishing to permanently import a car, motorcycle, or goods vehicle into the UK.

In addition to providing type approval technical and approval authority services, we can also provide copies of all automotive European Community and UN ECE legislation in a number of ways.