TR CU 018/2011 – Safety of Wheeled Vehicles

TR CU 018/2011 (Safety of Wheeled Vehicles) is the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union governing wheeled vehicles within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). It establishes mandatory safety requirements for vehicles, chassis and vehicle components covered by the regulation and placed on the market within the EAEU.

The Conformity Assessment according to TR CU 018/2011 differs in some respects from conventional EAC Certification. Depending on whether a complete vehicle type, chassis, individual vehicle or vehicle component is being assessed, different approval and conformity procedures may be required.

The regulation is intended in particular to:

  • ensure vehicle safety,
  • reduce risks to drivers, passengers and other road users,
  • establish uniform technical safety requirements within the EAEU,
  • ensure the safe operation of the vehicles covered by the regulation.

TR CU 018/2011 covers in particular:

  • passenger cars,
  • commercial vehicles,
  • buses,
  • motorcycles and other Category L vehicles,
  • trailers and semi-trailers,
  • chassis,
  • certain vehicle components and parts.

The vehicle categories covered by the regulation include in particular:

  • L – in particular two-, three- and four-wheeled motor vehicles,
  • M – vehicles used for the carriage of passengers,
  • N – vehicles used for the carriage of goods,
  • O – trailers and semi-trailers.

The specific requirements applicable depend on the vehicle or component type, its technical design and its respective classification. In addition to TR CU 018/2011, the testing requirements specified therein as well as applicable UNECE Regulations and standards may be relevant.

Depending on the vehicle type and component, the key requirements of the regulation may include:

  • active and passive vehicle safety,
  • braking and steering systems,
  • lighting and signalling devices,
  • occupant and pedestrian protection,
  • electrical safety,
  • noise and emission requirements,
  • product and vehicle marking,
  • other safety-related technical requirements.

As part of the Conformity Assessment, depending on the vehicle or component, the following may be tested or assessed:

  • braking performance and steering behaviour,
  • vehicle stability,
  • active and passive safety,
  • electrical safety,
  • lighting and signalling devices,
  • noise and emission performance,
  • protective systems,
  • other technical and safety-related characteristics.

The type of Conformity Assessment procedure depends substantially on the object being assessed. Type approval procedures may be required for complete vehicle types and chassis. Individual vehicles are subject to separate assessment and verification procedures. Certain vehicle components may, in turn, be subject to their own Conformity Assessment procedure.

Depending on the vehicle, component and procedure, Product Testing, laboratory and vehicle testing, technical assessments, assessment of safety-related systems and examination of production conditions may be required. Where applicable, measures for Production Surveillance may also be provided for.

The results of the tests performed are documented in a Test Report or other appropriate test documentation. Depending on the procedure, accredited testing bodies and competent conformity assessment bodies may be involved in the assessment.

An essential part of the Conformity Assessment is the Technical Documentation. It must contain the information required to identify and assess the vehicle or component as well as the relevant technical documents required for the respective Proof of Conformity.

Particular attention should be paid to correct Product Classification. The vehicle category, the type of object being assessed and its technical characteristics determine the applicable requirements and the required procedure.

Incorrect classification, incomplete Technical Documentation, unsuitable test documentation or insufficiently documented technical modifications may require additional testing and delay the approval or Conformity Assessment procedure.

Following successful completion of the prescribed procedure, the applicable requirements for vehicle or product marking and documentation must be observed. The specific form of the Proof of Conformity depends on the vehicle, component and prescribed procedure according to TR CU 018/2011.

We support the Manufacturer, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and exporters in assessing the requirements of TR CU 018/2011. This includes Product Classification, technical assessment, test coordination, preparation of the Technical Documentation and coordination with testing bodies and competent conformity assessment bodies.

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