ECE Type Approval

ECE type approval refers to the conformity assessment procedure for vehicles and their components under the UNECE 1958 Agreement. It enables market access in Europe and other participating countries based on uniform technical prescriptions, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio testing requirements.

Scope and Application

ECE type approval is mandatory for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers placing products on the market in the European Union and more than 50 other countries. The system applies to entire vehicles as well as components and separate technical units (STUs). For radar-based driver assistance systems, approval is typically required for the electronic sub-assembly (ESA) containing the radar module.

Key Technical Requirements

From an EMC and radio compliance perspective, ECE type approval includes:

• ECE-R-10: Electromagnetic compatibility for vehicles and components, covering both emissions and immunity

• Performance and calibration tests: Required for radar sensors and other RF-based systems to ensure reliable signal transmission and reception

• Frequency and power conformance: Evaluation of transmission parameters in line with region-specific allocations and regulatory limits

• Integration with safety functions: Radar systems supporting features such as blind spot detection or emergency braking may trigger additional regulatory requirements

Certification and Compliance

The type approval process involves:

• EMC and RF testing by a designated technical service

• Submission of test reports and technical documentation

• Issuance of an ECE approval number and the corresponding approval mark (e.g., E1 for Germany)

• Recognition of the approval in all countries adhering to the 1958 Agreement

For manufacturers, this reduces the need for repeated testing and speeds up international market access.

Lifecycle Relevance

ECE type approval plays a critical role at various stages of the product lifecycle:

• Pre-compliance evaluation during development (e.g., EMC pre-tests for radar sensors)

• Final approval before product launch

• Requalification in case of design or software modifications