ABSTRACT
This chapter considers that the optimum approach should the United Kingdom (UK) have the opportunity to operate independently of the European Union (EU). There are two methods by which the EU seeks to achieve technical harmonisation of vehicles: the creation of the EU-specific ‘Whole Vehicle Type Approval System’, and participation in the worldwide international harmonisation conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The chapter reviews the close relationship between EU and United Nations (UN) standards and notes how the adoption of UN standards is achieved. It describes the new position and speculates as to the consequences for the UK car industry of leaving the EU, commenting on the proposition that the UK will be in an improved position once freed from EU regulation. The appendix to the Agreement determines that a four-fifths majority of those voting is required to establish a draft as a UN Regulation.
