Type approvals for passenger cars, tractors, motorbikes and mopeds
have now been completely harmonized within the European Union. This
means that when a manufacturer has received such an approval of the
model, this then applies in all EU countries.
EU type approval
From and including 1 January 1998, all new vehicles that are
registered for the first time must have a type approval according
to the base Directive 70/156/EEC, later amended by Directive
2001/116/EC. Vehicles with EC type approval usually have a model
year of 1995 or later. A vehicle with an EC type approval is
supplied with a manufacturer's plate that contains
the vehicle's approval number, for instance *98/14*0004*01.
Furthermore, the manufacturer will certify with a CoC (Certificate
of Conformity) that the vehicle is covered by an EU type
approval.
A CoC (Certificate of Conformity) is required for a newly
manufactured vehicle
A 'CoC' is required if the vehicle is new and has not been
registered in its country of origin. This is a document in which
the manufacturer certifies that the vehicle is covered by an EU
type approval. A CoC vehicle must also have a manufacturer's plate
indicating that the vehicle is covered by an EU type approval. This
plate is usually found under the bonnet and will include the
vehicles approval number and the vehicles identification
number (chassis number).
If the vehicle is new, no technical check of the vehicle will be
made at the registration inspection. On the other hand, the vehicle
and document will be identified.
Vehicles that have been registered in another EU country
Is the vehicle used and is there a CoC? If so, the CoC may be
used to verify that the technical and environmental requirements
have been met. However, some technical checks are made besides an
identification of the vehicle and document. This applies to both
private individuals and professional importers.
Bringing a vehicle in that does not have a CoC but is
nationally approved in an EEA country (European Economic Area)
A registration certificate from the previous country is now
sufficient to show that the vehicle meets Swedish safety
requirements. The registration certificate or corresponding
document must have been issued in an EEA country. This applies to
series produced vehicles of a standard design with a total weight
of no more than 3 500 kg that are or have been registered and
approved in another EEA country and that have been used in this
country.
If there is no valid CoC, but a type approval is shown by the
registration document and manufacturer's plate on the vehicle, the
vehicle is approved without having to apply the Swedish Transport
Agency's exemption for own use. The same applies if there is a
valid CoC, regardless of whether the vehicle has previously been
registered in another EU country or whether the vehicle is new or
used. There is no restriction on the number of vehicles that may be
brought in. The vehicle must be in its original design and
correspond with the documents provided. This applies to both
private individuals and professional importers.