Labour has launched a new consultation that could see new vehicles adopt certain regulations from the European Union.
The Department for Transport has unveiled a fresh consultation for England, Scotland and Wales on whether to update the GB type approval scheme.
It questions whether certain European Union and international vehicle regulations should be incorporated into the GB type approval scheme.
Type approval is the process by which manufacturers are required to test a new model against safety and environmental standards, and obtain Government approval to sell the vehicle.
The consultation considers a number of developments in the vehicle regulations within the EU and internationally.
If the proposals receive positive feedback, the Government intends to introduce the regulations as soon as possible once the consultation ends.
This would be done through one or more statutory instruments to amend the assimilated regulations which establish the GB type approval scheme.
The Department for Transport said it was committed to maintaining alignment with the EU scheme to protect the internal UK market, given that thousands of cars are imported every month.
Labour is consulting on adopting new EU measures for the GB type approval scheme
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GETTY
It proposes accepting EU type approvals for certain components, including washer and wiper systems, spray suppression devices, aerodynamic devices and hydrogen fuel systems.
In most cases, the GB scheme accepts components approved to United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations.
These measures are also accepted by the European Union, as well as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and South Africa.
The GB type approval scheme was made through a statutory instrument in January 2023 and was phased in and has been fully applied to most vehicles since February 2026.
Some of the upgrades mentioned in the consultation could impact steering equipment
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GETTYIt is made up of EU regulations that are also applicable to vehicles made available in Northern Ireland through the Windsor Framework.
The DfT stated that it wanted to maintain alignment with the EU scheme to protect the UK market and support growth.
It added: “To deliver this, we need to make updates to domestic regulation to recognise or mandate new standards developed both within the EU and internationally within the GB type approval scheme.
“We are now considering whether to incorporate further developments in vehicle regulations into the GB scheme, outlined by this consultation.”
Potential GB type approval updates could include:
UNECE Regulation 25 – head restraints
UNECE Regulation 34 – prevention of fire risks
UNECE Regulation 79 – steering equipment
UNECE Regulation 100 – requirements for the electric power train
UNECE Regulation 117 – tyres with regard to rolling sound emissions and/or to adhesion on wet surfaces and/or to rolling resistance
UNECE Regulation 157 – Automated lane keeping systems (ALKS)
UNECE Regulation 171 – Driver control assistance systems (DCAS)