What is SERMI?
Current status of SERMI certification
The conformity assessment body SERMA has the task of reviewing applications for authorisation and, following a positive test result, granting access authorisation to safety-related repair and maintenance information (RMI). In accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 2018/858, which came into force in 2020, vehicle manufacturers are obliged to grant independent operators, such as independent workshops, unrestricted and standardised access to repair and maintenance information (RMI).
The legislation stipulates that independent operators should be given access to safety-related repair and maintenance information (RMI). This is done in compliance with safety standards and safety certificates and requires that independent operators and their employees are certified for this purpose by submitting specific documents and information.
To meet this need, the “EU Forum on Access to Vehicle Information” was created in accordance with Article 13(9) of Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Article 66 of Regulation (EU) No 2018/858. This is intended to help independent operators to maintain and repair vehicles safely.
This requires personalised, electronic authorisation in the form of a certificate.
Process
6 steps to a SERMI certificate
1

Register
2

Receive certificates
3

Download Trust Centre App
4

Request a service
5

Generate code
6

Send code to LAUNCH
Process
6 steps to a SERMI certificate
1

Register
2

Receive certificates
3

Download Trust Centre App
4

Request a service
5

Generate code
6

Send code to LAUNCH
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a SERMI certificate?
All freelance/independent specialised companies that regularly work with original manufacturer diagnostics or have their vehicle programming carried out by a remote provider, as well as remote providers themselves.
What impact will SEMI have on everyday workshop life?
The cases in which theft and security-related vehicle information from manufacturer portals can be accessed in practice are still largely unknown. In addition, each manufacturer defines the information that falls under the SERMI scheme themselves. As a result, there may be differences in the way SERMI-relevant information is retrieved from the various manufacturers.
It is known that a query of SERMI-relevant information in the manufacturer portal requires authorisation from the workshop employee using the SERMI app. This means that access to certain information will be denied without certification.
The following companies are affected by the certification process:
Repairers,
Manufacturers or distributors of workshop equipment, tools or spare parts,
Publishers of technical information,
automobile clubs,
roadside assistance services,
providers of inspection and testing services,
Organisations for the training and further education of mechanics,
manufacturers and repairers of vehicle equipment.
SERMI mainly applies to vehicle categories M (vehicles for the carriage of passengers), N (vehicles for the carriage of goods) and O (trailers). The manufacturer can apply for type approval or individual vehicle approval for defined vehicle types, provided that these vehicles fulfil the requirements of this regulation. This applies, for example, to vehicles that have been designed and built primarily for use on construction sites or in harbour/airport facilities.
What is theft and security-relevant data/ RMI?
Information, software, functions and services that are necessary to repair and maintain the features/components
components installed in the vehicle that prevent vehicles from being vehicles from being stolen or driven away or to enable the vehicle to be enable the vehicle to be traced. A precise categorisation is the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturers.
I have a registration with the manufacturer. Do I still need SERMA?
Yes, if you need access to theft and security-relevant data, you need a SERMI certificate.
I work exclusively with a multi-brand tester. Do I need SERMA?
No, in this case you do not currently need a SERMI certificate.
Do I get a certificate as a tuning company?
No. Companies that carry out tuning measures, such as
changes to the engine’s rated power or emission behaviour,
are not authorised under the EU regulation.
Who can apply to SERMA for authorisation of a company?
The application can only be submitted by an authorised representative (VP)
of the company. [Owner, managing director,
board member, authorised signatory, authorised representative (depending on company form)]
Who is the authorised representative?
Depending on the type of company:
Owner, managing director, board member, authorised signatory, authorised representative
Is one certificate sufficient for all employees?
No. The certificates are personalised. Every employee who has access to theft and security-relevant information needs their own certificate.
How does the remote diagnostics employee receive my certificate?
You create an authorisation link via your Trustcenter app and
share this with the remote diagnostics employee (via email, SMS, Airdrop).
The remote diagnostics employee must also authorise themselves in the manufacturer portal with their certificate. The information is only activated if both certificates are valid.
How high are the costs?
Authorisation of the company: € 249 per year excl.
Authorisation of each employee: €49 per year excl. VAT https://www.serma.eu/preise
What is included in the costs?
Electronic certificate, inspection certificate, 1x on-site inspection, support (when registering and installing the certificate)
When does SERMI come into force?
Start dates in Europe

Austria
Start Date: April 2024
Belgium
Start Date: April 2024
Denmark
Start Date: February 2024
France
Start Date: tbd
Finland
Start Date: February 2024
Germany
Start Date: April 2024
Italy
Start Date: tbd
Luxembourg
Start Date: April 2024
Netherlands
Start Date: April 2024
Norway
Start Date: February 2024
Poland
Start Date: tbd
Portugal
Start Date: April 2024
Spain
Start Date: April 2024
Sweden
Start Date: October 2023