UK eCoC Implementation Timeline: Key Dates for Manufacturers and Body Builders
A packed regulatory calendar
UK vehicle manufacturers and body builders face a series of overlapping deadlines across 2025, 2026 and 2027. The eCoC mandate does not exist in isolation — it sits alongside the GB type approval transition, dual marking proposals, cybersecurity requirements, and test report acceptance deadlines. This article brings every key date into a single timeline.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
The consequences of non-compliance are significant. The provision of a Certificate of Conformity — which from 5 July 2026 means an eCoC — is written into the type approval framework. According to the VCA, if an eCoC is not provided, the type approval authority could withdraw your type approval if the matter is not resolved.
In practice, this means vehicles without a valid eCoC submission could face barriers to registration and may not be permitted on public roads until compliance is achieved. This is not a soft deadline — it is a legal obligation backed by enforcement powers.
Complete timeline
Full GB type approval required for M and N categories
All M and N category vehicle types must hold full GB (g11) or UK(NI) (n11) type approval. Provisional approvals expire.
VCA eCoC Phase 1 launch
Target date for eCoC database, web portal and API to go live. The VCA has indicated there may be a slight delay — monitor the VCA eCoC page for updates. No obligation to submit before 5 July.
R155/R156 cybersecurity requirements for new vehicle types
New types of complete and base vehicles must comply with UN R155 (Cybersecurity) and UN R156 (Software Updates).
EU-format CoC derogation ends
EU-format CoCs will no longer be accepted in Great Britain. All vehicles must use GB eCoCs.
eCoC mandate takes effect
All M, N and O category vehicles manufactured from this date must have an eCoC submission to the VCA. Paper CoCs no longer required.
VCA eCoC Phase 2 launch
Public-facing VIN lookup webpage goes live. Anyone can search for eCoC data using a VIN.
Multi-stage derogation ends for M and N categories
Body builders can no longer obtain multi-stage approvals without the base vehicle holding full GB approval (M and N categories).
EU test report acceptance deadline for M and N
Last date for EU Technical Service test reports to be accepted for GB type approval applications for M and N vehicles.
Full GB type approval required for O category
All O category trailer types must hold full GB type approval.
R155/R156 for all complete and incomplete vehicles
All complete and incomplete vehicles (not just new types) must comply with cybersecurity and software update requirements.
UK data standards: aligned with EU, with minor additions
The VCA has confirmed that the UK eCoC XML file will be very close to the EU IVI template, with some minor additions covering GB-specific sections. This means manufacturers who already generate EU eCoCs will not need to start from scratch — the core data structure, field definitions and schema logic are shared.
The key differences relate to:
- GB-specific approval authority codes (g11 instead of EU codes)
- Additional fields covering GB regulatory references and dual marking data
- Submission to the VCA (rather than EU member state national access points)
Stay informed
The VCA has indicated that its eCoC page will be updated to reflect the latest rollout status. We recommend signing up to the VCA mailing list for official announcements on portal availability and any schedule changes.
COCDesk — production-ready today
Do not wait until July. COCDesk is ready now, giving you months to onboard, test and validate before the mandate takes effect.
Ready to meet the UK eCoC deadline?
Book a free demo and see how COCDesk can have your eCoC process production-ready before the VCA mandate takes effect.