Trailer manufacturer Don-Bur is warning customers to check their chassis orders to avoid being caught out by a major change to the way GB type approval is acquired for incomplete rigid chassis vehicles, which kicks in in January 2025 and which could land operators with additional costs.

This key regulatory change will mean it will no longer be possible for dealers to change the designation of a type-approved chassis from EU to GB from January next year.

Incomplete rigid chassis vehicles are designated with either EU or GB approval numbers at point of order with the truck dealer or manufacturer. Following this, stage 2 GB type approval is applied to the body to complete the process.

The company is warning that if the incomplete truck chassis is initially designated with EU type approval number, dealers will no longer be able to change the status of the vehicle approval for incomplete vehicles.

Under the new rule an incomplete chassis designated with an EU type approval number will remain as such and cannot be reclassified with a GB approval number.

For incomplete vehicles placed in the GB market, any truck chassis with EU type approval will be required to follow an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) process to meet GB standards.

Don-Bur said the implications for customers could be serious, with the change introducing potential unexpected costs, as the IVA process involves additional offsite inspections and administrative work.

“Quite commonly, it is not the customer who places the order for a truck chassis; instead, the customer is likely to liaise with a truck dealership, which places the order to comply with customer requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the dealership orders the truck chassis with the correct GB or EU approval,” the company advises.

Don-Bur is also warning customers it will not be held responsible for these additional costs with any costs incurred during the IVA process charged back to the customer.

Karl Forster, Don-Bur engineering manager, said: “We are committed to supporting our customers through this transition and ensuring that you are fully informed of any changes that might affect your operations.

“However, we strongly advise that customers review their chassis orders carefully and ensure the correct type approval designation is in place to avoid unexpected delays or expenses.”

 

 

 

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