TYPE APPROVAL (103R)

European Exhaust & Catalyst Ltd (EEC) would like to clarify their current position on the impending Type Approval legislation relating to the supply of aftermarket catalytic converters that is proposed to come into effect from January 3rd 2009.

Please note that as legislation is still in draft form, its contents are subject to change along with the proposed implementation date.

From the implementation date, aftermarket catalytic converters must be type approved in accordance with regulation 103R with the following exceptions:

• If the vehicle was first registered before 1st January 2001
• The vehicle was not originally approved to EU emission standards

To comply with this legislation the catalytic converter has to be indelibly marked with the manufacturer’s 103R type approval number to allow the VCA traceability upon inspection. This certifies that the product meets EU emission standards and has followed stringent test procedures from a regulated EU Testing Agency.

All other information, such as approval certificates and application/installation guides has to be made freely available by the manufacturer.

EEC has always been aware of this pending legislation and has had a type approval program operating since 2001 that has allowed us to successfully export our products into other EU Member States and welcome the U.K. alignment to Directive 2002/98/EC.

The new regulation requires us, the manufacturer, to clearly define if the catalyst is approved for installation. We will ensure that all qualifying product is clearly labelled to avoid any confusion.

As EEC manufacturers its own products, please be assured that the 103R type approval certificates are solely in EEC’s name and not a third party.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter please email our Director of Products, Jim Slade at jslade@eurocats.co.uk as we have regular contact with the Department of Transport & Vehicle Certification Agency.

Paul Clark

Managing Director