Regulatory Testing

Does your product need to comply to regulatory standards?
Xtest can take care of your regulatory needs. If you plan to enter the US, Canadian, European, or Australian markets, Xtest can help you develop compliant products, perform the required testing, and provide the necessary documentation.

Regulatory FAQ's

- How do I get my vehicle line DOT certified for the US Market?
- Where can I find the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)?
- I have a vehicle line that complies to US standards what markets can I export this vehicle to?
- How do I get a vehicle line into Canada?
- Where can I find the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS)?
- What markets should I export to next?
- How do I get a vehicle line into Australia?
- How hard is it to make my vehicle line comply to the Australian Design Rules?
- Where can I find the Australian Design Rules?
- What about Europe?
- Where can I find the European two and three-wheel vehicle directives?

How do I get my vehicle line DOT certified for the US Market?

There is no way to obtain a DOT "certification" for your vehicle line. DOT does not offer a compliance "certification" for vehicles. As a manufacturer of vehicles intended for use on public highways in the US it is your legal responsibility to ensure that your vehicle line meets the minimum Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Failure to provide evidence of this will be catastrophic in the event of a lawsuit. Xtest can perform all FMVSS tests and provide documentation proving compliance.

Where can I find the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)?

The FMVSS can be found in:
Title 49 - Transportation of the Code of Federal Regulations
Subtitle B - Other Regulations Relating to Transportation
Chapter V - National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation
Part 571 - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Here is a link to this online resource:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_07/49cfr571_07.html

I have a vehicle line that complies to US standards what markets can I export this vehicle to?

Unfortunately, since neither NHTSA nor DOT police vehicle compliance there is a good possibility that your vehicle line does not fully comply to the FMVSS. Generally, the vehicles we see have a number of compliance issues. All of these issues are resolvable.

If your vehicle line does in fact comply to all requirements for the US market with some very minor modifications your vehicle line can be exported to the Canadian Market. The CMVSS requirements are almost identical to the FMVSS requirements.

How do I get a vehicle line into Canada?

In order to penetrate the Canadian market Transport Canada (TC) requires that you compile and submit for review documents to prove compliance to the CMVSS. If TC finds the documents complete and in order TC will notify Canada Customs that the vehicle line is allowed to be imported vlc. Each shipment of vehicles may now be imported via on a "case by case" basis. As the manufacturer successfully demonstrates the ability to build and deliver motor vehicles compliant to the CMVSS and the ability to adequately conduct a "Notice of Defect" they may be placed on the pre-clearance list. Pre-clearance is an administrative process used by Transport Canada to streamline the entry of vehicles to Canada. The pre-clearance system is reserved for companies that pose low risk of compliance problems where there is no question as to the authenticity and accuracy of the certification documents or the compliance of the vehicles being imported to Canada.

Here is a link to TC's website with detailed information on what is required for
vehicle importation:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/pre/menu.htm

Xtest is familiar with this entire process. We can peform the necessary testing and can help with any or all of the steps necessary to get your vehicle line into Canada.

Where can I find the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS)?

The CMVSS can be found here

Be sure to check Schedule III to determine which regulations apply to your vehicle type.

What markets should I export to next?

For a variety of reasons such as product demand, certification process, and certification costs, Australia is often the next market that manufacturers desire to export their vehicles to.

How do I get a vehicle line into Australia?

Like entry into the Canadian market proof of compliance must also be filed with the Australian Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS). In addition, the Department of Transportation and Regional Services (DOTARS) must conduct a
Single Uniform Type Inspection (SUTI) on a production representative vehicle.

More information can be found here:
http://rvcs.dotars.gov.au/

How hard is it to make my vehicle line comply to the Australian Design Rules?

The Australian Design Rules (ADR's) mirror the European requirements. In some regulations demonstration of FMVSS/CMVSS compliance can be accepted. ADR 83/00 External Noise is generally, the most challenging requirement for vehicle lines to pass. There are currently no exhaust emissions.

Where can I find the Australian Design Rules?

The Australian Design Rules can be found here:
http://rvcs.dotars.gov.au/

Be sure to check the "ADR Applicability tables" to determine which design rules are relevant for your vehicle type.

What about Europe?

Europe has the most involved certification process and the largest number of applicable regulations. Still, the strong European market has attracted many manufacturers to pursue European certification.

The most efficient means of entering the European market is with a Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTS). With this certification all countries in the European Union must accept your vehicle line. An official witness must be present for all tests. After successfully completing all tests a very comprehensive information document is prepared and approval is granted.

Where can I find the European two and three-wheel vehicle directives?

The European WVTA directives can be found here:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/automotive/directives/motos/index.htm