CIRCULAR 0-4-26

APPLICATIONS FOR COMPONENT REGISTRATION NUMBERS (CRNs)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Circular sets out the requirements and conditions regarding the application for, and issuing of, Component Registration Numbers (CRNs) for vehicle components. This circular replaces circular 0-2-14 Component Registration Numbers for Aftermarket Parts. Circular 0-2-14 is to be withdrawn.

1.2  Within the meaning of the Motor Vehicle Standards ACT 1989, a vehicle component is “a           component to be used in the manufacture of a road vehicle, and includes a component of a component”.

1.3  The Administrator of Vehicle Standards will accept CRNs as evidence of compliance in Summary of Evidence (SE) submissions.

1.4  CRNs will only be issued for components that are fitted to new motor vehicles or trailers.

1.5  Applicants for a CRN can be the component manufacturer, component supplier or the vehicle manufacturer.

1.6  CRNs will only be issued for the following components:

(i) Lighting and light signalling devices (various ADRs)

(ii) Mechanical connections (ADR62/xx)

(iii) Bus passenger seats (ADR68/xx).

1.7  CRNs will not be issued for the following components using UNECE regulation approvals:

(i)         Lighting and light signalling devices

(ii)        Mechanical connections         

     1.8  CRNs will not be issued for components exclusively for aftermarket fitment.

2.         MAKE-MODEL DESIGNATION

2.1  The Make of a component must be the name by which that range of components is popularly known, or the name of the manufacturer. Make should be the trading name, business name or trademark associated with the manufacturer.

2.2  The Model designation of a component is the name given to a class or family of components that is of the same make, and of the same general type or appearance.

2.3  The Make-Model designation must not be more than 20 characters (Make) and 30      characters (Model), including spaces.

2.4  Separate applications are required for each Make-Model.  In the case of combined lighting and light signalling devices, separate applications are also required for each different function (e.g. stop, position or indicator).  In this case the same Make-Model designation must be used for each function, but with the addition of a suffix describing the particular function (e.g. ABC Brightlamp 123 stop).

2.5  For ADR62/xx components, the Model designation must include the Rated Capacity.

3.         APPLICATION PROCEDURES

3.1  Applicants for CRNs must first register with the Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS) as a Licensee.  A Licensee registration form, Production Facility registration form and Design Facility registration form must be lodged.  These forms can be downloaded from the RVCS website, which is accessible from  www.infrastructure.gov.au.

3.2  Applicants wishing to use an agent to lodge CRNs on their behalf must also lodge an Agent registration form.

3.3  Upon registration, a Licensee will be assigned a User Name and a password.  This will then enable CRN application forms and relevant SE forms to be downloaded.

3.4  An application for a CRN for a Make-Model must consist of a RVCS Routing Slip (RTSLP) form, a CRN form – Application for Component Registration Number, and the relevant SE forms for the particular ADR.  This must include a letter from the new vehicle manufacturer that would be fitting the component.  Additional documentation, where applicable, may be attached to the SE form. 

3.5  Each form must be uniquely identified by a reference number of not more than 12 characters, including spaces, dashes, etc.  Additional forms, or replacement forms for an application that has been successfully lodged, must also be uniquely identified.

3.6  Applications must be lodged electronically.  The successful lodgement of an application will automatically generate an email back to the applicant, advising of the application number.  Applicants can track the progress of their applications by logging onto RVCS.

3.7  Application queries will be sent to applicants electronically as Discussion Items (DIs).  These must be resolved before an application can proceed further.

3.8  An application that has demonstrated compliance with the relevant ADR will be granted a CRN.  CRN documentation will be issued to the CRN holder for information and safe keeping.

     3.9  All submissions of evidence are treated as “commercial-in-confidence”.  However,      applicants may give written permission to the Administrator of Vehicle Standards to release specific items of information to certain other named parties.

4.         PROCESSING TIME

4.1  An applicant must allow 30 days processing time from the date of receipt of the last piece of satisfactory evidence of an application for a CRN, to the date when the CRN is granted.

5.         RUNNING CHANGES

5.1  Running changes are changes in the specification of a component which are made during the production life of the component.  It is the responsibility of the CRN holder to ensure the continued compliance of any revised specification component with the relevant ADR.  This must be documented and be available for inspection by Departmental inspectors if requested.

5.2  If a running change to an approved component is likely to have an impact on ADR compliance, the component will require a re-test and the results lodged on a new SE form.

5.3  A running change to an approved component that does not impact on its ADR compliance may be implemented without the prior approval of the Administrator.

6.         INTRODUCTION OF LATER VERSIONS OF ADRs

6.1  A CRN may be used as evidence in an application for identification plate approval by the manufacturer of a new motor vehicle or trailer, only if the ADR for which it was granted is either the latest version in force, or listed in the “Acceptable Prior Rules” column of the Applicability Table of the latest version in force.

6.2  Where applicable, an amending CRN application (RTSLP and the relevant SE form) should be lodged prior to the mandatory implementation of the later version ADR.

7.         USE OF CRNs

7.1  CRN holders are responsible for ensuring that all the parts comprising the components are supplied as per the CRN applications, and include installation instructions where applicable.

7.2  Vehicle and trailer manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that components are installed as per CRN holders’ instructions.

8.         QUALITY PLAN

8.1  CRN holders are expected to put in place a Quality Plan to ensure that only the specified approved components are identified with the CRNs granted.  Components that are in any way different from those described in the final form of the applications for CRNs shall not be supplied under those CRNs.

8.2  The Quality Plan should be consistent with the quality assurance principles of ISO 9001:2000 Quality management systems – Requirements, and be supported by the necessary documentation, work instructions and records.  This documentation must be available for inspection by Departmental inspectors if requested.

9.         NOTIFICATION OF CESSATION OF SUPPLY TO THE MARKET

9.1  On cessation of marketing the specified components in Australia, CRN holders shall notify the Administrator of Vehicle Standards of the date of manufacture of the last specified components supplied to the market in Australia.