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Guide to Component Type Approvals

by | Jun 8, 2026 | Frequently Asked | 0 comments

This is a follow-up article to our original post on Component Type Approvals, which focuses on how a CTA is different to a CRN.   (such as our article from December 2022).

Before we get into it… let’s talk about Couplemate™ credentials (aka, why we’re the experts).

Understanding compliance and certifications is integral to Couplemate™ operations. That is, as a Queensland-based manufacturer, our engineers test components in accordance with the relevant ADR or the equivalent Australian Standard. Test results are then presented to Rover for CTA Approvals.

While CTAs officially commenced late June of 2023, our engineering and production teams were ahead of the curve months before its implementation. We’ve also been dedicated to answering questions to help  (such as our article from December 2022).

This article answers the following questions:

  1. What is a Component Type Approval?
    • Does it mean ADR Approved?
    • How does it apply to our industry?
  2. How do you get an Approval number?
    • Is there an example of an approved trailer part?
    • Are there components that can’t be approved?
  3. Are CTA numbers important?
    • Who benefits from a CTA?
    • How can you prove Approval?

What is a Component Type Approval (CTA)?

Technically, the correct term is “Road Vehicle Component Type Approval.”

Put simply, a Road Vehicle CTA is a certification given to vehicle parts that meet certain road standards and application criteria. Each certification is issued to the manufacturer as an “Approval notice” which contains the part “Approval number.” Approval numbers have a set structure: CTA-XXXXXX.

Does a Component Type Approval equal ADR Approval?

Technically, If its Component type approved… is it ADR approved?

177 of the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019

How do they apply to Towing & Trailer Parts?

Vehicles presented for new registration or to reregister an ungistered vehicle must comply with Rover Certifications.

How do you get a Component Type Approval Number?

In order to get a CTA, the parts need to:

  1. Be compliant with Australian road vehicle standards (through design, manufacture).
  2. Demonstrate compliance with Australian road vehicle standards (valid testing).
  3. Satisfy road vehicle approval application requirements.

Moreover, parts must have standards and individual application requirements to be eligible for a CTA.

Example of an Approved Component for Tow Vehicles

The Couplemate™ 70mm Tow Ball is an example of a vehicle component that has:

  1. applicable road vehicle standards,
  2. been manufactured to meet those standards, and
  3. passed testing to certify compliance with the standards.

This component was approved under section 177 of the Road Vehicle Standards Rules 2019. You can see an example of a CTA approval letter here.

Where can I find more? 

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