National Type Approval

Introduction

NSAI is the Irish Type Approval Authority, responsible for National Type Approval (NSSTA) and Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). Approvals are issued in accordance with Statutory Instrument 201 of 2024.

 

Important Update

General Safety Regulation 2019/2144(EU) (GSR2) has introduced a number of new advanced safety requirements for all categories of vehicles. This has been introduced for National Vehicle Appproval with Statutory Instrument 201 of 2024. 

Examples of new features on GSR2 compliant vehicles: 

• Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB)

• Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation (AIIF)

• Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS)

• Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW)

• Emergency Lane-Keeping System (ELKS)

• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

• Event data recorder (EDR)

• Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)

• Moving Off Information System (MOIS)

• Reversing Detection Systems (RD)

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Please see links to updated requirements in relevant section below (IVA/NSSTA section).

These updated requirements apply to incomplete, complete and completed vehicles (existing and new approvals). For multi stage approvals (eg. Box body mounted to incomplete chassis) ensure that the base vehicle complies with 2019/2144(EU) (GSR2). This may be evident by items 54, 55, 56 on the incomplete EU COC. In the extracted sample section of an EU COC below, item 54 indicates compliance with Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation (AIIF), Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW), Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) and Advanced Emergency Braking (AEBS). Item 55 indicates compliance with Cyber Security Approval (UNECE R155) and item 56 (UNECE R156) with Software Updates.

54.	Vehicle fitted with advanced vehicle systems	TPMS/ESS/AIF/ISA/DDAW/BSIS/AEBS
55.	Vehicle certified in accordance with UN Regulation No. 155	Yes
56.	Vehicle certified in accordance with UN Regulation No. 155	Yes

Contact the vehicle manufacturer representative for clarification on base vehicle compliance for GSR2.

For non GSR2 compliant vehicles an End of Series Derogation may be issued. The responsible body for this is the Road Safety Authority.

IVA - Individual Vehicle Approval

An Individual Vehicle Approval is whereby a vehicle is granted an approval based on the relevant technical requirements. The vehicle concerned will need to meet the type approval requirements laid out by each member state by either National of EU legislation. An IVA is a VIN specific vehicle and typically will suit low production, IVA recognition or importation of vehicles (non-registered).

NSSTA - National Small Series Type Approval 

NSSTA is a series approval issued to manufacturers for a limited number of vehicles of which the validity is restricted to the territory of the member state where issued. At least one representative vehicle must be inspected at an Approved Test Centre (ATC). Manufacturers must also demonstrate to the approval authority a functioning quality system and adequate control plans to ensure conformity of production for vehicles produced under the NSSTA. An onsite audit of the production facilities and periodic surveillance audits shall be required. An NSAI appointed Technical Service may also be required for submission of a National Small Series Type Approval in some cases.

 AVBB - Approved Vehicle Body Builders

The AVBB scheme sets out a minimum quality system and legislative requirement for vehicle/trailer construction. NSAI’s AVBB scheme is required for all categories i.e. O1- O4, N1 - N3 & M1 - M3, including Special Purpose Vehicles. 

ATC - Approved Test Centre

NSAI has approved a number of Approved Test Centres (ATC’s) throughout Ireland for the purpose of inspection of new unregistered vehicles for IVA or NSSTA. IVA or NSSTA applicants must contact NSAI prior to presenting the vehicle to an ATC.

Vehicle Adaptions for Persons with Reduced Mobility

For persons with reduced mobility, NSAI can grant IVA’s for Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV’s) which have undergone a modification which supports a driver and/or passenger to travel safely in a vehicle. Some typical modifications can be but are not limited to, hand controls, swivel seats and wheelchair restraint systems.

For information on pricing of the approvals above click here.