What is automotive homologation? The answer covers a broad technical and regulatory framework. We begin with the definition of homologation and then examine how the approval system operates in the automotive industry.
First, What Is Homologation?
Homologation is defined in many sources and is commonly linked to the Greek term “homologos”, associated with agreement or assent (Wikipedia). In practical automotive use, the term describes the regulatory and approval framework used by authorities to determine whether a product may be approved.
Definition of Automotive Homologation
Automotive homologation covers vehicles, components such as seats and doors, and separate technical units. It comprises the engineering and approval activities required to demonstrate their conformity with the applicable technical legislation.
Automotive manufacturers must comply with a defined body of requirements. These include European Union legislation, United Nations Regulations and national vehicle legislation.
Manufacturers that demonstrate conformity with the applicable legislation obtain a type-approval certificate as formal evidence that the approved type meets the applicable requirements. Continued production must remain within the approved specification and conformity-of-production controls.
Automotive Homologation Legislation
For simplicity, this article uses the term “regulation” to refer collectively to European Union legislation, national legislation and United Nations Regulations. In automotive practice, each instrument has a specific legal status and scope.
Automotive approval requirements are developed through the relevant legislative and regulatory bodies. The applicable framework determines, for example, which requirements an M3 bus or an M1 passenger car must satisfy. Manufacturers, approval authorities and other technical stakeholders contribute to this work.
A bus seat, for example, is assessed against defined design, strength and intended-use criteria. These requirements are developed through the regulatory process and published in successive amendments and series of amendments.
United Nations Regulations (UNECE Vehicle Regulations)
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) provides the institutional framework under which UN vehicle regulations are developed. Working parties and expert groups address requirements for vehicle systems, components and separate technical units. In Türkiye these instruments are commonly referred to as UN Regulations. Working groups dealing with subjects such as passive safety and general safety develop requirements for vehicles and components.
We will examine UN Regulations in greater detail in a separate article. Official information on working parties, regulatory texts and amendments is available from: UNECE Vehicle Regulations
European Union Legislation
EU legislation applies within the European Union and is also used as a reference in markets that recognise the relevant EU framework. It is adopted by the competent EU institutions and is developed in coordination with applicable UN Regulations. Vehicle type approvals are issued under framework acts such as Regulations (EU) 2018/858, (EU) No 167/2013 and (EU) No 168/2013, depending on the vehicle category.
EU legal acts are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force in accordance with their stated provisions. EUR-Lex
National Legislation
Each country may also maintain national vehicle legislation. In Türkiye, the Regulation on the Manufacture, Modification and Assembly of Vehicles (AİTM) and the Regulation on Type Approval and Market Surveillance of Motor Vehicles and Their Trailers, Systems, Components and Separate Technical Units (MARTOY) are mandatory elements of Türkiye’s vehicle type-approval framework.
AİTM provides the national framework intended to facilitate domestic manufacture, modification and assembly, whereas MARTOY implements the corresponding EU framework in Turkish law.
AİTM and MARTOY approval procedures in Türkiye are administered by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE).
How Automotive Homologation Works
Manufacturers must first establish the required quality and conformity-of-production arrangements. The vehicle or component is then assessed against the technical acts applicable to its category, followed by the required tests, documentation and approval steps. This work may be managed by an internal homologation engineer or supported by a specialist engineering consultancy.
Where Is an EU Type Approval Valid?
An EU type approval provides the basis for placing and registering an approved vehicle type within the European Union. Some non-EU markets also recognise the EU framework, although national registration, import or supplementary approval procedures may still apply. For exports outside the EU, the destination country’s legislation must therefore be reviewed before determining whether an additional national approval is required.
Many countries use EU requirements as the technical basis for a national approval, while others impose additional evidence or local tests. Export and registration planning must therefore be assessed separately for each destination market.
Where Are UN Vehicle Regulations Recognised?
An approval issued under a UN Regulation can be recognised by contracting parties that apply that Regulation, subject to the relevant national market-entry and registration rules. Whole-vehicle approval is generally governed by regional or national framework legislation; UN Regulation No. 0 provides the international whole vehicle type-approval framework for participating vehicle categories.
What Does a Homologation Engineer Do?
A homologation engineer coordinates the engineering work required to demonstrate a manufacturer’s compliance with applicable legislation. Typical responsibilities include regulatory analysis, test planning, technical documentation and approval management. The role requires practical knowledge across multiple vehicle systems and the ability to follow several regulatory fields at the same time.
It is difficult to give a representative salary range for Türkiye; the article cites a monthly range of EUR 2,500–4,000 in the EU. Actual remuneration varies substantially with experience, employer and level of responsibility. In addition to manufacturers, accredited technical services also employ homologation engineers.
There is no generally recognised standalone “homologation engineer certificate”. Manufacturers in the EU in particular place strong emphasis on demonstrable competence and practical experience rather than relying on a diploma alone. However, in Türkiye, signing project documentation and a certificate of conformity for a vehicle approved under AİTM requires that the prescribed Authorised Technical Manager training be completed and the relevant certificate obtained. The qualification is obtained by completing the prescribed training and passing the examination; it can support employment in manufacturer-side project and approval functions.
EU type-approval legislation does not prescribe the same Turkish authorised-technical-manager qualification. Responsibility for signing certificates of conformity is assigned through the manufacturer’s approved organisational and conformity procedures.
Homologation Testing
Homologation tests are carried out by designated or accredited technical services and by laboratories that meet the requirements applicable to the relevant test. Test methods, facilities and witnessing arrangements vary by regulatory act. In Türkiye, significant automotive testing capacity is concentrated around Bursa and Ankara, while the TSE approval organisation operates from Ankara. The correct technical service and facility must be selected for each approval programme.
Homologation Engineering and Consultancy Services
A manufacturer does not necessarily need to employ a full-time homologation engineer before applying for type approval. The appropriate internal resource depends on production volume, product complexity, company policy and cost. Specialist homologation engineering and consultancy services can therefore supplement or replace an internal function where appropriate.
For manufacturers without an internal homologation team, external engineering support can provide efficient access to current regulatory knowledge and project experience. Because specialist consultancies monitor several technical fields and legislative developments in parallel, they can identify changes relevant to a project at an early stage. Our experienced team has built a strong project record over many years. To discuss this requirement, we invite you to speak with our team.
This article has introduced automotive homologation, the principal regulatory frameworks and the role of a homologation engineer. Further technical guidance is available in the other articles in our Homologation Blog.
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Summary
Homologation is the process of assessing and approving a vehicle, system or component against the applicable technical legislation. This article examines the scope of automotive homologation, the parties involved and its relationship with type approval. The article also covers First, What Is Homologation?, Definition of Automotive Homologation and Automotive Homologation Legislation.
