Homologation and Automotive Regulation Working Group

Coordinator

• Olga Bukova
  olga.bukova@aebrus.ru

Working Group objectives

Action plan 

The Working Group was created to address the following issues:

• The current vehicle certification system is not sufficiently transparent or efficient. The system was developed in June 1993 based on the Guidelines of the International Organisation for Standardisation Committee ISO/IEC. The second updated issue of the rules was published in 1998. The new Russian Law on "Technical Regulations" was enforced in July 2003 and in accordance with this law "the rules" of certification must be replaced by several technical regulations. 
• End Life Vehicles (EVL): More and more cars are being sold in Russia, but there is currently no system for recycling old cars (the issue is not yet on the agenda, although this is an acute problem considering the age and condition of the existing car fleet). This lack of an effective infrastructure could have consequences for the market, as well as being an environmental issue. Neither the government nor business representatives are involved in the process; there is no clear government policy and no unified utilisation system.  

The WG considers the following steps necessary:

• The working group is committed to cooperation with authorized bodies to ensure the development of a transparent and efficient vehicle certification system in Russia and to promote European and international principles of homologation. In particular, the working group would like to see homologation requirements for second-hand vehicles and those imported by private persons brought in line with those for new vehicles and more equitable terms for importers. New task on the agenda for 2008 is working out a common position on ELV issue. 
• Car recycling is supported/subsidised by the state in most other countries. In Russia we would like to see an effective EVL infrastructure, system of exemptions and effective instruments put in place to encourage businesses to recycle vehicles. To kick-start discussion of the EVL utilisation issue, the working group plans to meet the relevant authorities (NAMI, State Parliament, Ministry of Industry, Association of Russian Automakers, Moscow Government, etc.) and business circles to treat the matter from legislative and business points of view, bearing in mind international practice (implementation of EU Directive in selected countries; ELV Responsibilities; a recycling quota and its impact on economic operators; material restrictions; technical requirements for treatment operators; ELV economics; the role of post shredder technology; monitoring and reporting, etc.).

The benefits would include:

• If the suggested homologation requirements were put in place, there would be significant benefits for consumers and government. Customers would be assured of the safety of the vehicles they buy and use, while the government would benefit from the implementation of better environmental, ecological and road safety standards and the creation of barriers in the import of “grey” vehicles.
• The implementation of an effective EVL infrastructure would encourage consumers who presently find it easier to dispose of a car to recycle it. The environmental and economic benefits would be significant.