Vehicle type approval and vehicle parts

Do you mass produce vehicles or vehicle parts, or are you authorised to import and to sell them in the Netherlands? You need to obtain a type approval (typegoedkeuring). Type approval confirms that an initial production model meets the set requirements. Without it, a vehicle will not be given a registration and may not be driven on public roads. 

Applying for type approval 

You apply for type approval (in Dutch) to the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). You can apply for type approval for complete vehicles, incomplete vehicles, vehicle systems or vehicle parts with. Your company needs approval from RDW (in Dutch) before you can apply for a type approval. You must apply to have your product tested by RDW (in Dutch) before it can be approved. RDW checks if your product and production process meet the requirements. You must be able to guarantee that each product in your production series meets the same requirements. 

European type approval (ETG) 

RDW offers different type approvals. A European type approval (ETG) is valid in all EU and EFTA member states (in Dutch). A vehicle registration certificate can be requested for vehicles with an ETG in every EU Member State. If you manufacture only a limited number of products, you can apply for a European type approval limited series (kleine serie). 

For specific types of microcars and mobile agricultural machines you can apply for a national type approval or national type approval limited series. 

Individual approval 

Vehicles or vehicle parts that have not been produced in series must be inspected for individual approval (in Dutch) before they are admitted on public roads. For instance, when you convert a van to a campervan. This individual inspection is carried out by the RDW as well.