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Introduction

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.

 

NSAI grant IVA approvals for the following categories:

Category

Vehicle

Description

M

Passenger cars, buses and coaches

Motor Vehicles with at least four wheels designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers

N

Commercial vehicles

Motor Vehicles with at least four wheels designed and constructed for the carriage of goods

O

Trailers

Trailers (including semi-trailers) towed by motor vehicles of category M or N

 

Requirements

In order to gain an IVA, NSAI assess vehicles against Irish legislation. Each vehicle will need to meet the requirements laid out in Statutory Instrument S.I. 201 of 2024. This typically will involve an inspection by one of our Approved Test Centres (ATC's). See here for the minimum UNECE series level required.

 

Important Note:

Type approval applications for all vehicles/trailers must be built and submitted by an Approved Vehicle Body Builder (AVBB). If the vehicle is built in a another EU member state, that vehicle must receive the equivalent National approval (IVA/NSSTA) in that member state before importation to Ireland. NSAI may be able to transfer that approval to the equivalent Irish approval if it meets the relevant requirements. See important update as regards non-EU member state applications. 

In cases where a vehicle or trailer has been issued with a European COC, an IVA is only possible if the vehicle/trailer has been through a significant subsequent stage manufacturing/adaption process. NSAI shall not issue an IVA where there has been no change to the vehicle since its initial production. 

In cases where a European COC is not accepted for registration (for example change in emission requirements), an end of series derogation may be an option. The RSA (Road Safety Authority) are the responsible body to be contacted as regards this.

For a breakdown of approval fees see here

RH Rev. 1.0

Learn More

This is a multi-step process

Step 1:
Please contact NSAI for the applicable IVA evaluation form or access to our online application portal. You will then need to complete and submit drawings/photographs and any other attachments as requested on form. Please inform NSAI which ATC is intended to be used for inspection of the vehicle.  


Step 2:
NSAI shall review the application plus attachments, drawings/photographs etc. NSAI will transfer any relevant documentation to the ATC that is intended to be used for inspection. The requested ATC must have an appropriate scope and also be considered independent and impartial for carrying out the inspection


Step 3:
Applicant contacts the Approved Test Centre (ATC) to book an appointment that it informed NSAI at step 1 above that it intends to use. NSAI shall have transferred the relevant technical documents and inspection direction to the ATC (but NSAI will not have booked an inspection time, the applicant must contact the ATC for this)


Step 4:

Following satisfactory review of the application package (ATC inspection report, technical documentation etc), approval will be granted for the vehicle. Approval is in the form of an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate issued by NSAI. This can then be used for registration.

Stephanie Flood
T: 00 353 1 807  3879
E: Stephanie.Flood@nsai.ie

Julie Elliot
T: 00 353 1 807 3919
E: julie.elliot@nsai.ie

Amanda O'Shea
T: 00 353 1 807 3832
El: amanda.oshea@nsai.ie