The Labour government has announced a significant legislative change for the UK automotive sector, confirming plans to introduce a new law that will require all vehicles sold in Great Britain to carry both GB and EU type approval markings. This move is designed to safeguard thousands of jobs across the country's automotive industry.
Understanding the New Type Approval Requirements
Since Brexit, the UK has operated its own GB type approval scheme through the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). This body grants manufacturers approval for a vehicle 'type' once all regulatory requirements are met and production controls are verified. However, under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to follow the EU scheme, requiring vehicles sold there to bear an EU member state's approval mark.
This divergence has created a complex landscape for manufacturers. To be eligible for sale across the entire UK, a vehicle must now either be approved and marked under both the GB and EU schemes, or carry a specific UKNI approval mark. The government has noted that manufacturers are currently adopting varied strategies to navigate this post-Brexit reality.
Manufacturer Strategies and the February 2026 Deadline
In its statement, the Labour government outlined the different approaches being taken. Some manufacturers are obtaining dual approval for their vehicles, making them available UK-wide. Others are producing the same model but marking those destined for Great Britain with only the GB mark, while those for Northern Ireland receive an EU mark. A third group is creating models exclusively for the GB market, which lack the necessary EU approval for sale in NI.
The legislative foundation for the full GB type approval scheme was laid in December 2022, applying to all new models launched in GB from 1 February 2024. Models already on sale before that date were allowed to continue under provisional approvals. However, a critical deadline is now looming. All provisional approvals will expire by February 2026, as they are only valid for two years. From that point forward, a full GB approval will be mandatory for every type of passenger and commercial vehicle sold in Great Britain.
Implications for the UK Automotive Industry
The VCA is actively working with vehicle manufacturers to ensure they are prepared for the February 2026 transition. The government's stated goal with this legislative change is to provide clarity and stability, protecting the automotive supply chain and the jobs it supports. The government will publish a summary of responses to its call for evidence on this matter, with paper copies available upon request.
This move underscores the ongoing adjustments required following the UK's departure from the European Union, specifically in harmonising standards and ensuring a seamless market for goods. For the automotive sector, the new dual-marking requirement represents a significant compliance step but is framed by the government as a necessary measure to secure the industry's future in Great Britain.
