What are federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS)?
US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Canadian (CMVSS) identify mandatory minimum safety performance requirements for motor vehicles and certain motor vehicle equipment. Both FMVSS and CMVSS were initiated to protect the public by minimizing traffic crashes, deaths, and injuries resulting from traffic crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the federal government agency that issues and enforces FMVSS (Transport Canada – CMVSS) for motor vehicles and regulated parts manufactured domestically or imported to the United States and/or Canada.
The Vehicle Safety Act requires that motor vehicles and regulated equipment manufactured for sale in the United States be certified to comply with all applicable FMVSS. Type approval (as mandated in the European Union) is not required for motor vehicles and equipment sold in the United States. Instead, a “self-certification” process is in place, which requires the manufacturer to certify that the vehicle or equipment item complies with the applicable FMVSS.
Benefits of FMVSS advisory from TÜV SÜD
- Gaining access to one of the world’s largest automotive markets
- Optimizing sales revenue potential
- Eliminating the need for expensive product redesign
- Reflecting positively on your company’s reputation
- Potential liability risks
Why TÜV SÜD?
Regarding FMVSS/CMVSS, you need a partner with a proven track record and extensive expertise. TÜV SÜD, a global leader in automotive homologation services, brings over a century of automotive component and full vehicle testing along with certification experience. Our laboratories and partner laboratories are ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our homologation specialists are ready to guide you through and advise you on the complex process of FMVSS/CMVSS compliance, helping you manufacture motor vehicles and equipment that meet stringent safety standards.
By partnering with TÜV SÜD, we advise you every step of the way. This comprehensive approach ensures access to the North American mobility market and protects your company's reputation. Our homologation specialists and strategic testing partners, based in the United States, provide a wide range of technical advisory and homologation services. We assist you with navigating the ever-evolving landscape of FMVSS/CMVSS compliance.
Homologation services
- Regulation review
- Design gap analysis
- Testing
- General advisory
- Global Mobility Technical Service Provider
Learn more about our homologation services.
Vehicle and component testing
Through our accredited internal test laboratories and extensive network of test partners, we can assist you with a full range of testing services. We can cover the complete vehicle and automotive components to ensure they meet the requirements before entering the North American market.
Multi regulation management
TÜV SÜD helps you understand and identify the overlaps and evolving requirements of different regulations so that you can achieve multiple certifications within one project.
TÜV SÜD can advise your organization with the United States (FMVSS) and Canadian (CMVSS) standards along with European Union (UN-ECE, E-mark, machinery directive, CE mark, and other countries such as Korea-KMVSS and China-CCC).
