8 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2024 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net One of the advantages of Brexit was that the UK would no longer be arbitrarily beholden to rules created in the European Union. However, this has been balanced out by the disadvantage of being beyond the EU’s jurisdiction when something useful is instituted. This is the situation the automotive sector finds itself in with regards to the European Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) scheme. Eventually, businesses in all EU countries will be able to use a single portal to obtain certification that allows access to security information across all vehicle manufacturers. This is being gradually rolled out across Europe. Sweden was the first country to come under SERMI in October, with Finland, Norway and Denmark next up during February. More countries will follow during 2024. The UK is, naturally, outside SERMI, but a UK scheme is being set up. More on this later. Significant shift Hayley Pells, the IMI’s Policy and Public Affairs Lead commented: “As Europe rolls out the SERMI scheme, the UK's automotive aftermarket faces a significant shift. This change, profoundly influenced by Brexit, requires technicians to gain authorisation to access vehicle security-related information, a move with far-reaching implications for garages across the UK. “The UK's approach to integrating SERMI, particularly in the context of a voluntary scheme, is still under development. The lack of a definitive approval framework raises concerns about potential barriers for businesses, especially the smaller independents that form a vital part of the sector. This is where organisations like the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) play a critical role, providing guidance and support to these businesses and government.” According to Hayley, the implementation of the SERMI scheme could potentially impact the sector in several ways. One consequence could be the raisings of standards and vehicle security across the board: “With technicians needing authorisation to access securityrelated vehicle information, there's likely to be an increase in the quality and safety of vehicle repairs and maintenance. Enhanced control over security-related information could also improve vehicle security, benefiting motorists in terms of reduced vehicle theft and related issues”. However, there could be cost IS THE AFTERMARKET READY FOR SERMI? Is the emergence of the SERMI requirement going to be a headache for garages, a blessing in disguise, or both?
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