THE LAW HAS CHANGED

From 13th August 2009, new rules have come into force for the sale and installation of replacement catalytic converters for cars and light commercial vans.  The rules apply to both original and after-market replacement catalytic converters. Make sure you're up to date.

ECE Regulation 103 is the industry standard for the sale of replacement catalytic Converters.

The regulations came into force on 13th August 2009 and the requirements of those Regulations are, therefore, legally binding from this date.

The main changes of substance to the draft regulations on which the Department consulted are in the Motor Vehicle Regulations.

In regulations 2(2)(d) and 8(1)(a), the date (of first use of vehicles to which the regulations apply) has been changed from 1 January 2001 to 1 March 2001 as an aid to recognition for installers.

In regulation 8(1)(a), for purposes of clarity, it has been necessary to make separate provision for marking/labelling of non-approved diesel particulate filters.

In paragraph 5(4) of the Schedules to both sets of Regulations, provision has been made for the enforcement authority (VCA) to make purchases of converters or devices in order to ascertain whether an offence has been committed. This is to ensure there is no legal doubt about whether such purchases could be made.

Other, non-substantive, drafting changes have been made to the Schedules in both sets of Regulations.

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), as the Department's enforcement body, will initially focus its enforcement resources on investigating compliance by manufacturers and importers with the regulations in respect of the entering into the supply chain of compliant product.Since, awareness of the regulations amongst retailers and distributors appears to be limited, VCA will, in parallel, undertake a campaign to educate distributors and retailers of their obligations under the Regulations. After a period of 3 months following entry into force of the Regulations, the enforcement policy of the VCA will begin to apply an equal focus on investigating compliance by manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers in their respective roles.