
3ROCKET CARAVANS |
BEST PRACTICE SPONSOR 2020
small-scale manufacturers opting to
have their trailers individually tested
by the Driver and Vehicle Standards
Agency, formerly the Vehicle and
Operator Services Agency. The test,
known as the individual vehicle
approval for trailers, covers businesses
making or importing a single or very
small number of trailers.
To our surprise, we discovered that
almost no European countries were
prepared to accept the UK individual
approval. This proved to be a severe
impediment to sales, as EU customers
were unable to register Rockets in
relevant member states. This was an
odd situation, considering that the
UK test showed compliance with
EUregulations.
After much deliberation, we decided
to gain European Type Approval for
the whole Rocket range of caravans,
which was a sizeable investment for a
company of our production volume.
In view of current political uncertainty,
and the ongoing changes in legislation
and regulation that will undoubtedly
roll on for several years to come, we
opted to gain the approval through the
Dutch state agency, RDW.
We have seen several benefits
following this decision. Firstly, it fitted
nicely into our internal culture of
quality control, as the entire production
process has to be clearly and closely
documented and monitored for
RDW. It has also raised our standards
to a new level and given us greater
credibility in the marketplace.
Most importantly, gaining EU Type
Approval means that however future
legislation affects manufacturers
like us, we will still be able to trade
with European nation states, as our
products carry certification which
is recognised by all states. The
consultants that helped us through
this process, Hestocon, have bases in
the UK and the Netherlands and so
they will be able to make sure that,
whatever the future holds, we will be
able to keep abreast of the strictest of
both UK and EU regulations.
We believe in
listening to,
and involving,
our entire
workforce in
the various
stages of
production
“
“
Mini-Plus 15-foot
touring caravan