IGA SERMI Access to vehicle security-related information

Does your garage business need to re-code vehicle security related components and software?

Find out more about accessing Security-related Repair and Maintenance information, (SERMI) through the IGA.

SERMI is an umbrella scheme which will be delivered by different organisations in each European country. You can find out more about it here.

As your representative trade body, the IGA has negotiated with key stakeholders to ensure that appropriately audited garage operators and their authorised employees in the UK will have access to Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) to the same level enjoyed by their European counterparts using the same framework as the EU SERMI scheme.

The scheme will be delivered in the UK by the RMI’s ISO-accredited subsidiary company, RMI Standards and Certification (RMISC) on a not-for-profit basis, which means the scheme should be affordable for all independent garage businesses that meet the SERMI criteria.

Who needs a SERMI certificate?

Any business or technician who works on or with vehicle security information – that’s information, software, parts or features that prevent a vehicle from being stolen and driven away, or which assist with tracking and recovery – will need a SERMI certificate in order to access this information from the manufacturers.

Why do I need a SERMI certificate? 

Manufacturers and garage operators across Europe have been in talks for over a decade in an attempt to develop a system where just one master certificate is needed to access every vehicle manufacturer’s security information, instead of a separate accreditation from each manufacturer.

The new system is expected to save time and money by offering one central approval system, and one online platform which will link to all manufacturers.

Joining the SERMI scheme will ease the process of accessing security related information and will also show that your garage has met stringent standards on the character and integrity of you and your technicians. If you are not certificated through the SERMI scheme, you may find it increasingly difficult to gain access to security-related information from vehicle manufacturers.

How do I become certificated to the SERMI scheme? 

In the UK, you will apply to RMISC to get approved for a SERMI certificate. Applicants will be assessed fairly but stringently in accordance with the rules and processes set out in the SERMI scheme.

There are a few important documents you will need as part of the process, so it’s worth starting to get them together now.

These are:-

  • documented evidence of ownership of the Independent Operator
  • evidence of Public Liability insurance to the required levels, in excess of £1m
  • evidence and a declaration of a legitimate business
  • Basic DBS certificate for the business owner or person with significant control and nominated employee(s) to be authorised, supported by self-declaration forms.
  • evidence of working within the automotive area

A SERMI certificate will be valid for five years. Once your application has been approved you will be audited, at least twice by RMISC during that period. The audits will take the form of site visits, one pre-arranged and one unannounced inspection.

I signed up for GarageSafe, what is happening to that? 

The GarageSafe network of independent garages, recognised for their transparency and integrity helped us to demonstrate to the SERMI stakeholders that our proposals would work in the UK. The scheme will now be folded into the SERMI system. We have written to all GarageSafe subscribers to thank them for their support and to set out next steps in more detail.

I would like to know more or to sign up:

  • BS 10125 is the industry agreed technical specification for the process of vehicle body repair. It provides bodyshops the processes and procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles.
  • BS 10125 details minimum requirements for competent personnel, appropriate and well-maintained equipment, suitable repair methods and quality for repair materials.
  • The BS 10125 standard focuses on the four key elements of repair methods,people, equipment and materials, as well as repair process management, with an emphasis on continual improvement. As a result, BS 10125 directs bodyshops to the achievement of a safe and technically sound repair.

RMISC can certify your business to the standard and if it meets the requirements, provide you with the Ri-Mark.

Contact us for more information by calling 01788 538 399.
Payment can now be made annually or monthly by Direct Debit.