The Australian Government has introduced a new certification process applicable to manufacturers within the trailer and caravan industry, mirroring the framework used by the NHVR – the Component Type Approval. This new process will commence on 30th June 2023.
What is a CTA?
A CTA (Component Type Approval) is the new Australian certification replacing the CRN (Component Registration Number) numbers. The issuance of a CTA number by the administrating body of our industry, the RVS, represents the culmination of, and indeed recognition of, the work undertaken by equipment manufacturers in the caravanning, light commercial and recreational trailering industry.
To qualify for a CTA number, the applicant manufacturer must demonstrate adherence to an approved quality control system. Applicants must provide testing data from the equipment tested under conditions commensurate with the relevant Australian Standard. Likewise, the performance of the equipment is commensurate with the minimum test performance requirements.
This rigorous process has been designed by our industry regulator and policymakers to assure road vehicle users that components issued with a CTA number comply with national road vehicle standards and satisfy road vehicle approval applications. CTA numbers are viewed by industry participants as a testimony to ADR compliance.
Notably, the Couplemate™ Engineering and Production team highlight that, by purchasing a product with a CTA number, the customer can be assured that they will receive a safe and service-ready product.
During a recent Q&A, Couplemate™ Engineer, Rielly, remarked on the significance of the CTA process:
“Components Supplied with a CTA number guarantee that it has been tested to the relevant standards. Moreover, it ensures that a consistently safe product will be supplied. A CTA also removes the trailer manufacturers’ need to test the components when applying for a VTA.”
When will CTAs come into effect?
Until 30th June 2023, Component Registration Number (CRN) and SARN (Sub-Assembly Registration Number) will remain in force in the transitional period. After this date, these numbers will be considered the predecessors of the CTA Number.
Couplemate™ has already commenced this certification process, with many products within our range already approved. Our company already upholds ADR regulations, and we believe certification of our products is a testament to the quality assurance Couplemate™ extends to all our customers.
An example of a component with a CTA number is the Couplemate™ 70mm Tow Ball – CM296. This component has demonstrated that it satisfies ADR standards and thus has been given a CTA number: CTA-045125. An example of a CTA Approval Letter can be viewed here.
The team at Couplemate™ Trailer Parts encourage asking questions. To that end, If you are in need of further clarification or have any questions left unanswered, feel free to contact our head office.CM296 Approval Notice – CTA-045125
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Component Type Approval mean for me?
- Buying a product with a CTA number assures customers that the product has been developed, tested, and presented to the market with no development or manufacturing corners cut.In a sense, a CTA assigns pedigree to a component, providing a testament of quality.
How do CRN, SARN, and CTA numbers differ?
- CTA marks a greater level of responsibility and obligation on the manufacturer. Manufacturers need to demonstrate more control over the design and manufacturing process than with CRN or SARN numbers.This can be done through quality assurance protocols or applicable ISO9001 accreditation, which outlines the various oversight, processes, transparency and locations involved in developing a product.
When should a manufacturer obtain a CTA number for their component?
- For products where a test is defined in the road vehicle standards, referenced in an applicable ADR and outlined in an Australian Standard, the demonstration of product performance is expected to meet the minimum test requirements. From this, the CTA number may be issued based on satisfying Australian Standards.
Further Resources
For further reading, we recommend the following Government sources below.
0 Comments