Abstract
The paper describes in detail the present situation of international type approval standards for vehicles and vehicle parts. The procedures of application, tests required to be carried out, validity and extension of previous approvals for components, systems and vehicles and conformity of production are discussed. The differences between ECE and EEC-Standards are pointed out. The paper also describes the aspects of deregulation in the global system of regulations and the influence to vehicle and component manufacturers. Furthermore a summary of ECE and EEC legislation and procedures is given in the paper.