Euro Car Parts calls for exhaust type approval

Euro Car Parts is calling for tighter regulation around sales of exhaust systems as the Department for Transport (DfT) looks to reduce the number of non-compliant products being sold and fitted in the UK market.

While the motor factor has welcomed the DfT’s recent announcement reiterating strict requirements for selling catalytic converters and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) into the UK, it believes exhausts should also be covered. The company is working closely with its global manufacturer network to ensure that all exhausts it sells comply with relevant approval laws.

Martin Gray, CEO of Euro Car Parts, explained: “While it is a legal requirement in the UK for all catalytic converters to meet Type Approval standards, we have no such stipulation regarding exhaust systems. Such a standard will ensure that all repairers are fitting exhausts manufactured to the same quality as original equipment (OE) equivalents and extensively tested for fitment ease, noise and back pressure.”

Type Approved-exhaust systems are already a legal requirement in Ireland and other European countries, but not for the rest of the UK. Euro Car Parts has been lobbying the UK government with exhaust manufacturer Klarius to change this. In fact, the company only sells Klarius exhausts, which are independently tested to full type-approval standards confirmed by regulatory bodies including the British VCA and German TUV. According to Martin Gray, Type Approved exhausts are essential now more than ever.

Gray continued: “The introduction of Real Driving Emissons (RDE) testing for all new cars this September brings the topic of Type Approval to the fore. We must ensure the independent aftermarket both has access to, and is encouraged to fit, Type Approved products. These will continue to provide a true representation of ‘real-world’ fuel consumption and air pollution from vehicle emissions. By introducing mandatory Type Approval for exhaust systems in addition to DPFs and catalytic converters, this can be achieved, keeping the independent aftermarket competitive for new vehicle servicing.”