Repairers urged to act as SERMI deadline looms
Repairers who will need SERMI certification have been urged to begin the process immediately.
SERMI will come into force in the UK on 1 April, limiting access to security-related vehicle repair and maintenance information from vehicle manufacturers signed up to the scheme.
The scheme is voluntary for vehicle manufacturers in the UK, but so far Ford, JLR, Nissan, Stellantis, Toyota and Volvo have said they will take part.
That means any repairer working with these brands will need to become SERMI-approved to access security-related data such as key coding and immobiliser unlocking. Tasks such as ECU coding and those involving immobiliser-related parts with VIN locking protection could also require SERMI conformity.
Repairers signing up to SERMI will be required to complete an online application and provide certain documentation, with the sign-up process taking anything from six days to a month.
As such, the Independent Garage Association is encouraging repairers and bodyshops to contact vehicle manufacturers immediately to seek guidance around SERMI applications and clarity about which jobs will be behind the SERMI wall.
