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KBA certification (German Road Traffic Law)



Verification of Approval-Relevant Requirements (GRA) in the Type Approval Process

As a manufacturer of motor vehicles, trailers as well as systems, components and independent technical units, you understand how crucial compliance with approval‑relevant requirements (GRA) in the type approval process of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA) is. This requires an initial assessment followed by regular conformity checks. As a designated “Technical Service Category C”, we provide you with the necessary automotive expertise in cooperation with the KBA.

Proof of your quality assurance measures

Proof of approval-compliant production

Fulfilment of technical regulations and type approval obligations

Ensuring traceability, change control, and effective recall procedures

Beschreibung Standard/Regelwerk

What are the requirements for KBA certification?

If you wish to appoint DQS as a KBA-designated Technical Service of Category C to perform the assessment and provide a certificate supplement including a CoP statement based on the approval-relevant requirements (GRA), you must have an effective and certified quality management system – for example, according to ISO 9001 or IATF 16949. Alternatively, certification of the quality management system can also be performed as part of the GRA verification by an accredited Technical Service such as DQS.

The approval-relevant requirements supplement the quality management system, for example according to ISO 9001, which must be fully audited and forms the basis for certification of compliance with the approval-relevant requirements (GRA) within the KBA type approval process.

Your benefits include:

  • Reliable proof of production conformity, taking into account the applicable directives, through the DQS certificate supplement with reference to the KBA
  • Internationally recognized proof of your quality assurance measures through an ISO 9001 certificate or a comparable standard
  • Continuous improvement of your processes and performance

Who is KBA certification intended for?

For all companies involved with products subject to type approval – from complete vehicles to individual systems and components: manufacturers of complete vehicles (or their stages), such as passenger cars (M1), light commercial vehicles (N1), trucks (N2 and N3) including tractor units and road trains, buses (M2 and M3), electric vehicles, two‑ and three‑wheel vehicles, work machines, trailers and vehicle bodies (O).

We also support manufacturers of components, systems and independent technical units such as engines, exhaust systems, braking systems, brake linings, steering systems, suspension, wheels, tires, interiors, restraint systems (including seats and headrests), protective helmets, measuring and control equipment, alarm systems, acoustic signals, immobilizers, heating units, fuel tanks, EUB (parts with EMC requirements), alternators, (bicycle) lighting fixtures, light bulbs/gas discharge lamps, reflectors, mirrors, glass, vehicle connection devices, underrun protection, vehicle attachments (e.g., spoilers).

Wie funktioniert

How do I obtain a KBA type approval?

In the Initial Assessment Information Sheet (MAB), the KBA as the approval authority stipulates that an initial assessment must be carried out as part of a new application for type approval. These measures verify whether a product complies with the applied type approval and whether the company’s processes ensure ongoing conformity of production. The information sheet also serves as an orientation aid for interested companies: it shows whether they qualify as a holder of a type approval and which prerequisites must be demonstrated to the KBA before a type approval can be granted.

Even after the type approval has been granted and serial production commenced, further measures are required to ensure conformity of production. 

Type approvals for systems (KBA approvals) can be issued under EU regulations (EC directives, EC regulations and EU regulations) and under UN‑ECE regulations (ECE Regulations). 

Component approvals are additionally issued according to national provisions of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung – §§ 22 or 22a StVZO).

Anforderungen

What are the prerequisites for an initial evaluation?

The initial evaluation is a mandatory part of the type approval process and demonstrates that your company can consistently manufacture approval-compliant products. If type approvals for differing approval objects are requested, an extension of the existing initial assessment may be required. A prerequisite for a successful initial assessment is proof of an effective and certified quality management system that fully covers the approval‑relevant requirements.

During the initial assessment by the KBA, you can demonstrate quality assurance measures with a suitable ISO 9001 certificate. After type approval by the KBA and the commencement of serial production, subsequent measures to ensure product conformity with the approved type are mandatory. Post‑checks or product tests must be possible at any time by sampling vehicles or vehicle parts from production.

A combination of GRA verification with other automotive rule sets, such as IATF 16949, is also possible.

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How is the verification of approval-relevant requirements carried out?

DQS GmbH is a Technical Service of Category C appointed by the Kraftfahrt‑Bundesamt (KBA) in accordance with the framework regulations VO (EU) 2018/858, 167/2013 and 168/2013 as well as the UNECE Agreement of 1958. The designation is notified both to the European Commission and to the UNECE Secretariat. Our technical and organizational competence is regularly reviewed and confirmed by the KBA’s appointment body.

If the approval holder decides on an evaluation by a Technical Service Category C, the following framework conditions apply:

  • DIN EN ISO/IEC 17021‑1:2015 and accreditation D‑ZM‑16074 by the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS), in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/858
  • Rules for the appointment of Technical Services (C)
  • Catalogue of requirements – Evaluation of Technical Services (C)

If the assessment is carried out in the context of a certification procedure, the certificate (certificate supplement) must be linked to the ISO 9001 certificate of the respective certification body. The requirements from the above‑mentioned rule sets must be fully implemented.

After type approval has been granted, we regularly verify whether your quality management system is effective and still suitable to ensure conformity of production with the approved type.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, our clients receive a certificate supplement confirming compliance with the approval‑relevant requirements (CoP statement). This confirmation of conformity, like the underlying ISO 9001 certificate, is valid for 3 years and is subject to annual surveillance audits.

The certificate supplement serves as the basis for the initial assessment procedure in type approval for the aforementioned products and as proof of regular serial surveillance (Conformity of Production – CoP).

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What does the verification of approval-relevant requirements cost?

If you appoint DQS as a Technical Service to carry out the procedure for obtaining a KBA initial assessment, the KBA does not charge additional fees for the involvement of the Technical Service. Fees for the type approval procedure itself may still apply. All other costs incurred in connection with the procedure depend on the specific conditions in your company. 

For example, it depends on whether a suitable certified quality management system (e.g. ISO 9001) is already in place or whether additional certification may be required. Please contact us – we will be happy to prepare a tailored offer for your company.

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What you can expect from us

  • DQS is designated by the KBA as a "Technical Service" for KBA certifications
  • More than 40 years of experience in the certification of management systems and processes
  • Industry-experienced auditors with extensive technical expertise
  • Personal, smooth support from our specialists - regionally, nationally and internationally
  • Individual offers with flexible contract terms and no hidden costs
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