Which eCoC date applies: 5 July or 29 November?
Understand the eCoC dates for EU legislation, Dutch registration and UK VCA submission. Check vehicle production date, approval scheme and destination.
Manufacturer readiness
What is the right eCoC route for small-series manufacturers?
Low production volume does not identify the approval scheme. Start with the approval document and destination, then decide which electronic or paper route is permitted and how the team will operate it.
01
Identify the approval scheme first
Distinguish EU small-series approval from national small-series approval. For UK work, also distinguish GB medium series and the GB or UKNI national schemes. Keep the approval reference and issuing authority visible in the implementation brief.
02
Apply the destination’s actual scope
VCA includes GB medium series and UKNI EU small series in its eCoC requirements, while GB and UKNI national small series are exempt. RDW also distinguishes national small series in its Dutch registration guidance. Do not transfer an exception between schemes or markets just because both describe a small production run.
03
Choose a proportionate operating method
Assess manual entry, an existing data export or an API against the available receiving service and expected workload. A low-volume team still needs reliable source data, validation, version control and a named person responsible for corrections.
- Identify the approved type and vehicle completion stage.
- Document the permitted route for each destination.
- Check whether manual entry or file upload is available.
- Use a sample vehicle to estimate the work per certificate.
04
Retain the evidence behind an exemption
Keep the relevant authority guidance with the approval record and the date of review. If using an electronic route voluntarily, confirm the current format and submission conditions with the receiver. Voluntary use should still produce a controlled, traceable record.
Questions and answers
Are all small-series vehicles exempt from eCoC?
No. The approval scheme and destination matter. For example, VCA distinguishes included GB medium-series and UKNI EU small-series vehicles from exempt national small-series vehicles.
Do we need an API for a low-volume operation?
Choose the exchange method after confirming the receiver’s available services, data quality and workload. An API is an implementation choice, not proof that it is the right route for every small-series manufacturer.
Official references
Reviewed . Requirements are defined by the linked authorities and service documentation.
- VCA: electronic Certificates of Conformity
UK guidance updated 2 October 2026: vehicle scope, approval schemes and submission arrangements.
- RDW: digital CoC requirements
Dutch registration scope, production dates, national small series, IVI 2.0 and electronic seals.
- EUCARIS: implementation of IVI
Manufacturer submission choices, the IVI exchange model and the Article 37 timetable.
Continue through the eCoC workflow
Which NAP can your manufacturing team use?
Choose an eCoC National Access Point and plan manufacturer onboarding, validation, signing, submission responses and corrections. Keep UK VCA delivery separate.
Which electronic seal does your eCoC workflow need?
Plan an eCoC electronic seal around the receiving authority’s requirements, authorised entity, certificate, XML format and tested signing workflow.
eCoC software for vehicle manufacturers
Manage vehicle data, IVI 2.0 XML validation, signing and submission preparation in one eCoC workflow. Explore the platform and request a manufacturer demo.
Review your route with one representative vehicle
Bring your approval scheme, vehicle category and target market. We will map the data, validation, signing and submission steps in a workflow demonstration.
Request a workflow demo