UK eCoC Implementation Timeline: the Key Dates for Manufacturers and Body Builders
A crowded regulatory calendar
UK vehicle manufacturers and body builders are up against a string of overlapping deadlines across 2025, 2026 and 2027. The eCoC mandate doesn't stand alone — it runs alongside the GB type approval transition, the dual marking proposals, cybersecurity requirements and test report acceptance deadlines. This article pulls every key date into one timeline.
What if you miss the deadline?
The fallout from non-compliance is serious. Supplying a Certificate of Conformity — which from 5 July 2026 means an eCoC — is built into the type approval framework. The VCA says that where an eCoC isn't provided, the type approval authority could revoke your type approval if the matter goes unresolved.
In effect, vehicles without a valid eCoC submission could hit obstacles at registration and may be kept off public roads until compliance is sorted. This is no soft target — it's a legal obligation backed by enforcement powers.
The full timeline
Full GB type approval needed for M and N categories
Every M and N category vehicle type must hold full GB (g11) or UK(NI) (n11) type approval, as provisional approvals lapse.
VCA eCoC Phase 1 goes live
The target date for the eCoC database, web portal and API to come online. The VCA has noted there could be a slight delay — keep an eye on the VCA eCoC page for updates. There's no obligation to submit before 5 July.
R155/R156 cybersecurity rules for new vehicle types
New types of complete and base vehicles have to meet UN R155 (Cybersecurity) and UN R156 (Software Updates).
EU-format CoC derogation closes
Great Britain stops accepting EU-format CoCs, and every vehicle has to use GB eCoCs.
The eCoC mandate kicks in
Every M, N and O category vehicle built from this date needs an eCoC submission to the VCA, and paper CoCs are no longer required.
VCA eCoC Phase 2 goes live
The public-facing VIN lookup page comes online, letting anyone search eCoC data by VIN.
Multi-stage derogation closes for M and N categories
For M and N categories, body builders can no longer get multi-stage approvals unless the base vehicle already holds full GB approval.
EU test report acceptance ends for M and N
The final day on which EU Technical Service test reports are accepted for GB type approval applications covering M and N vehicles.
Full GB type approval needed for O category
Every O category trailer type must hold full GB type approval.
R155/R156 across all complete and incomplete vehicles
Every complete and incomplete vehicle — not merely new types — has to meet the cybersecurity and software update requirements.
UK data standards: EU-aligned, with a few additions
The VCA has confirmed the UK eCoC XML file will be very close to the EU IVI template, with a handful of minor additions for GB-specific sections. So manufacturers already producing EU eCoCs won't be starting over — the core data structure, field definitions and schema logic are shared.
The main differences come down to:
- GB-specific approval authority codes (g11 in place of the EU codes)
- Extra fields for GB regulatory references and dual marking data
- Submission to the VCA rather than to EU member state national access points
Keep up to date
The VCA has said it will keep its eCoC page updated with the latest rollout status. We'd suggest joining the VCA mailing list too, for official announcements on portal availability and any changes to the schedule.
eCoC EU² — production-ready right now
Don't hold out until July. eCoC EU² software is ready today, leaving you months to onboard, test and validate ahead of the mandate.