Everything you need to know about VTA and CTA: we analyze the basic concepts

In the modern conditions of the car market, Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) and Chassis Type Approval (CTA) have become indispensable documents for manufacturers and importers. They confirm that the vehicle and its components are completely safe and comply with the technical regulations of the Customs Union. In this article, we have described the key points that will help you understand VTA and CTA.

What are the differences between VTA and CTA?

The main difference between VTA and CTA is that the first approval concerns finished vehicles that have not been previously operated in the country. The second is only the chassis, on the basis of which various models can be assembled. Thus, VTA includes more extensive testing and affects all aspects of the functioning of the vehicle. While CTA focuses on the structural characteristics of the chassis.

Nuances

1. Obtaining VTA and CTA is a mandatory condition for releasing a vehicle or only a chassis into circulation in the territory of the Customs Union member states.
2. Documents are issued in accordance with TR CU 018/2011.
3. VTA and CTA come into force after registration in the Unified Register of the Customs Union.
4. Approvals are issued for a batch (up to 100 units) and serial production.
5. The validity period of VTA and CTA for a batch is up to 3 years, for a batch - indefinitely.
6. It is the VTA for a series that allows the client to manufacture vehicles at their production facilities without additional certification during the validity period of the document (usually 3 years). This becomes possible thanks to an important stage in the process of issuing VTA — production analysis.

For what vehicles and chassis can VTA and CTA be obtained?

VTA are obtained in four main categories:

• Category L — motorcycles, mopeds;
• Category M — trolleybuses, buses and cars;
• Category N — trucks and special types of equipment;
• Category O — trailers and semi-trailers.

CTA applies to:

• Chassis of vehicles of categories M (cars, buses) and N (trucks) intended for use on public roads.
• Chassis on which bodies, vans or other superstructures will subsequently be installed.

How to obtain VTA and CTA?

The process of obtaining approvals can be divided into several key stages:

1. Submission of an application. The application is submitted to an accredited certification body, such as Centromash.
2. Preparation of documents. To obtain both VTA and CTA, it is necessary to collect an extensive package of documentation, including technical descriptions drawn up in accordance with the requirements. They must reflect information on all modifications of the vehicle/chassis.
3. Testing. Obtaining both types of type approvals involves testing. For VTA, a sample of the vehicle is tested, while for CTA, only the chassis is tested.
3. Analysis of the manufacturer's production status. It allows you to make sure that the manufacturer has the necessary resources and technologies to ensure the sustainable quality of its products.
4. Obtaining approval. After completing the checks and tests, the authorized body issues the necessary certificates/declarations and issues the final document. If there are no violations, the process can take fr om several weeks to several months.

What documents are needed to obtain VTA and CTA?

Approvals are obtained on the basis of documents such as:

• Certificate of Conformity
• Declaration
• UN Communication draft

If the client does not have any of the listed documents, Centromash specialists conduct tests according to all points of the rules. In cases wh ere there are only some of the necessary documents, tests are carried out only according to those rules for which the applicant does not have closing confirmations.

Where are vehicle tests carried out to obtain VTA and CTA?

Vehicle tests to obtain VTA are carried out in accredited testing laboratories in the territory of the Customs Union member states.

What to do if changes are made to the design of a vehicle that already has an VTA, or to the design of a chassis that has an CTA?

In such a situation, you need to obtain a new VTA and CTA or make changes to the current documents.

Main

1. VTA and CTA are two different documents. CTA certifies that the chassis design meets safety requirements, while VTA confirms the compliance of the entire vehicle.
2. Both documents are issued in accordance with TR CU 018/2011.
3. VTA and CTA are issued for serial production or for a batch (up to 100 units).
4. The validity period of approvals for a series is up to 3 years, for a batch - indefinitely.
5. In case of changes to the design of the vehicle or chassis, you need to obtain new documents or make changes to the current ones.
6. VTA and CTA come into force from the date of its registration in the Unified Register of the Customs Union and are valid throughout the territory of the Customs Union.