The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed many of the amendments approved by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee (IMCO), as part of the forthcoming type approval legislation.

These relate to the diagnostics, repair and maintenance of vehicles and are an important step towards improving the legislative framework for independent operators. Over 184 amendments were approved and importantly for the aftermarket included a number of key revisions, the most important of which is keeping the OBD port to the vehicle open and accessible.

IAAF has led the fight against the initial proposals, arguing that a level playing field should be provided to ensure consumer freedom of choice when repairing and maintaining vehicles. The changes come as a direct result of IAAF work with Dab Dalton an MEP for the West Midlands in the UK.

The following key amendments were approved:

• Keeping the OBD port to the vehicle open and accessible, as this connector is the lifeline for the communication with the vehicle.
• Improving the format of the information given to independent operators which should be in "electronically processable format”.
• Improving the unequivocal spare parts identification.
• Improving the clear vehicle identification.
• Improving the definition of RMI and updating the non-discrimination principle.
• Ensuring that independent multi-brand diagnostic and testing tools are able to accurately communicate with the vehicle using standardised communication protocols.

Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive said: "Whilst there is a still a long way to go, this is a great result for the independent automotive aftermarket and we are grateful for the massive political support we have received on this issue, particularly from Daniel Dalton.”

The European Parliament is provisionally expected to discuss and vote on the IMCO Committee Report during a plenary session in April 2017.