Interpretation ID: nht87-1.86

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 06/03/87

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Erika Z. Jones; NHTSA

TO: Robert R. Shapro -- Vice President, Transportation Specialist, Inc.

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT:

Mr. Robert R. Shapro Vice President Transportation Specialist, Inc. 512 Cave Road Nashville, TN 37210

Dear Mr. Shapro:

This letter responds to your request for "the fact sheet concerning certification as required" by 49 CFR Parts 567 and 568. You describe your company as a "multistage manufacturer," and ask how your company can become certified "to manufacture or alter v ehicles in accordance with the code of Federal regulation." I regret the delay in responding to your request.

First, please be aware that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has authority to issue safety standards applicable to new motor vehicles and certain items of motor vehicle equipment. The NHTSA does not approve vehicles or equipment , nor do we endorse any commercial products. Instead, the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act establishes a certification process under which each manufacturer must certify that its product meets agency safety standards, or other applicable sta ndards. Periodically, NHTSA tests whether vehicles or equipment comply with these standards, and may investigate alleged safety-related product defects.

As you request, I enclose a copy of 49 CFR Part 567, Certification, and Part 568, Vehicles Manufactured in Two or more Stages. Also, for your information, I enclose an information sheet that may be of interest to you if you are new to motor vehicle and m otor vehicle equipment manufacture.

Please note that there is no requirement that a company be "certified" before it can manufacture or alter vehicles. 49 CFR Part 566 does require that if a company begins to manufacture motor vehicles subject to any of the Federal safety standards, it mus t submit information identifying itself and its products to NHTSA not later than 30 days after it begins manufacture.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Sincerely,

Erika Z. Jones Chief Counsel

Enclosures CHIEF COUNCIL NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Washington, DC 20590

December 23, 1986

Our company is a multistage manufacturer. We would like the fact sheet concerning certification as required in CFR 49 567-568. "Vendor must be certified by the NHTSA to manufacture or alter vehicles in accordance with code of Federal regulation". How do we become certified?

Please send this information to:

ROBERT R. SHAPRO Vice President Transportation Specialist, Inc. 512 Cave Road Nashville, TN 37210

Thank You

Robert Sharpo