Type-approval process

Although type-approval is not in all cases obligatory for approving a manufactured product for use in road traffic, it is still in many cases beneficial, especially when seeking to access foreign markets. The use of a type-approved product in road traffic cannot be refused in any country which recognises the type-approval category in question. For example, EC and EU approved vehicles are fit for use in road traffic in all EU countries without any separate national requirements. In cases that are open to interpretation, type-approval is a simple method for ensuring a product’s eligibility for use in road traffic (although it is worth learning about the target country’s taxation and usage regulations regardless of the type-approval situation).

When vehicles use studded tyres on roads, the studs must be type-approved. A studded tyre does not require a separate type-approval if it uses type-approved studs and the quantity of studs is less than 50 per metre of tyre rolling circumference. If the number of studs per metre of tyre rolling circumference is greater than 50, or if the other requirements stipulated in the Decree for the studs are not complied with, national type-approval can be applied for in respect of the tyre-stud combination on the basis of the amount of wear it causes on the road surface.

The framework directives and framework regulations contain the type-approval requirements for components and systems that are to be installed into vehicles. If it is not clear whether type-approval is needed or not, you can contact the Type Approval unit of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency by emailing approvals@traficom.fi

Before testing the product for which type-approval is being sought, you should familiarise yourself with the regulations applicable to the type in question. In certain cases, depending on the purpose and scope of use, there may be requirements relating to the testing or the technical properties and implementation methods which, if left unconsidered, could result in limitations to the use in road traffic of the type-approved vehicle, system or component. In such cases, it is worth paying attention to these matters already during the planning of the type-approval application and testing. If further tests are required, this will result in additional costs and delays in the type-approval process which could have been avoided through careful prior examination of the regulations.

The documentation required for the type-approval application should be worked through and prepared as fully as possible before the testing begins. In this way, the technical service receives a clear picture of the purpose of use and is able to help in matters related to testing coverage. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency can also be of assistance where there is lack of clarity on how the regulations are to be interpreted.

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency requires that the type-approval applicant make an agreement on the monitoring of conformity of production before type-approval is granted. EC, EU and UNECE approval applicants must make an agreement with a designated technical service. The agreement must be included in the documents accompanying the type-approval application.

If the situation is such that it is not possible within reason to locate a designated technical service able to carry out the monitoring of conformity of production, the type-approval applicant can also make this agreement with the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency.

A successfully completed type-approval test is one of the requirements for obtaining type-approval. The testing must be carried out by a technical service designated by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency for the testing of conformity with the regulation in question. Based on the test results, the technical service writes a research report which provides the test results, the name and version number of the regulation being applied, and the technical service code assigned to the technical service by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency. Regulations also often contain requirements for the way the test results are presented.

Online application is recommended for EU/EC type-approval applications for vehicle components and entire vehicles. National type-approval applications for entire vehicles are always made digitally, using the TYYTI system. Applications made online are logged directly into the case management system of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, meaning that the application is not delayed by the administrative work of processing paper applications.

The initial assessment for monitoring of conformity of production must be completed before type-approval is granted. Small deficiencies observed in the initial assessment do not prevent the type-approval being granted.

Type-approval can be granted provided that there is nothing in the type-approval application that requires correction, that the type-approval tests show the type to be in accordance with the requirements, and that all matters relating to monitoring of conformity of production are in order. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency makes the decision on the granting of type-approval and issues the type-approval certificate for the approved product. The agency shares information on granted type-approvals for components and granted EC/EU approvals for vehicles with the authorities of other countries. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency also publishes lists of granted type-approvals on its webpages.