Ever wondered if getting a Component Type Approval (CTA) for your vehicle parts is a must? Well, not really, but they sure come with some sweet perks. Think of it like this. Having a CTA can make your life a whole lot easier when it comes to getting approval for road vehicle type and Model Report. It’s like having a golden ticket that shows your vehicle parts are up to snuff with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
In this article, we’ll dive into what CTAs are all about, how they fit into the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA), and why you might want to consider getting one even though it’s not mandatory. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
No, CTAs are optional, not mandatory. A CTA is something that a component manufacturer would have to apply for if they choose. That said, they are pretty beneficial to have, especially when it comes to getting Model Report approvals. By having a CTA, you’re demonstrating that your vehicle components used in manufacturing meet the compliance standards of the ADR.
To apply for a CTA under the RVS legislation, the intended use of the road vehicle component needs to be for a vehicle that has road-type approval or modifications of the vehicle in line with the approved model report.
What Are Component Type Approvals?
The Australian government utilises component type approvals and RVS legislation as a means of regulating road vehicle components to ensure that Australian roads are kept safe and secure for those who use them. The Road Vehicle Standards is a combination of the Road Vehicle Standards Act of 2018 and Rules 2019. Under this act, the manufacturers of road vehicle components are regulated differently in terms of component registration numbers and sub-assembly registration numbers.
In regard to the RVS, applicants need to ensure that they meet the criteria to be eligible for the CTA and have a functional and appropriate Quality Management System running.
What is RVSA?
The Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) was first implemented in 2018 and replaced the Motor Vehicle Standards Act of 1989. This Act manages the vehicle safety standards brand of the Department of Infrastructure in Australia. Its primary role is to help the Australian Government facilitate and regulate the importation of cars into the country.
The thinking behind the RVSA is to create a future-proof method of how cars will be used in the future. As cars develop, becoming smarter and more integrated with the country’s infrastructure, the RSVA aims to create a framework for technological advancements to seamlessly integrate while still maintaining the strict safety and security protocols valued by the Australian community.
What is a component?
We understand that all of the legal jargon can be quite confusing. So here’s an explanation as to what we mean by component. Under section 7 of the RSVA, components are anything used in the manufacture of a road vehicle. This would include the parts, materials, or anything else used in the manufacturing of a car. Here’s what it covers:
- Any components (parts) that are assessable to check if they’re compliant with the NRVS and ADR
- Any assembly of components that are assessable to check for compliance with the NRVS and ADR
It is important that the component or assembly can only be assessed for compliance with a relevant standard independent from an assessment of a broader system included in a vehicle.
The importance of these components being accessible can’t be stressed enough. Here’s an example of vehicle components that meet the definitions of being accessible:
- A back reverse lamp or light that meets the ADR regulations of 1/00
- Bus seats that meet ADR requirements of 68/00. This includes the seat, mountings, belts, and child restraints
- Control systems, brakes, or suspension that meets ADR requirements of 38/– as a group or as individual components
If there is a component that can’t be assessed via the NRVS or NRV, or if there are no equivalent standards that apply, it will not be considered a component of a vehicle. In addition to this, vehicles that are incomplete can be considered eligible for CTA if:
- It’s an assembled part of the vehicle
- A vehicle that’s unable to get road vehicle approval by itself
- A vehicle that can be adjusted to comply with road vehicle standards
Final Thoughts
Just to reiterate, it’s not mandatory for you to get a CTA, but it is beneficial and suggested. The process also isn’t as difficult as you might think. With the Rover portal, ROVER and RVSA are linked allowing you to seamlessly complete your CTA approvals with ease. For more information, get in touch with BTT Engineering. They’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
