Before the Diesel emissions scandal revelations in September 2015, the European Commission identified the need to address motor vehicle non-compliance.

Their response was a proposal for a new regulation aimed at enhancing the independence and reliability of vehicle testing and increasing surveillance of cars already on the roads.

Accreditation of Technical Services was recognized as an alternative to the assessments performed by Type Approval Authorities (in accordance with Regulation (EC) 765/2008).

As a result, in May 2018, the European Commission released Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components, and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

The objective is to ensure a high level of safety, health, and environmental protection.