Frequently asked questions about SERMI certification

Soon, independent car, body repair and motorhome companies will require the SERMI certificate to be allowed to work and programme components related to theft prevention, such as keys, ignition switches, door locks and the ECU. The SERMI certificate is named after the European association of manufacturers and independent car companies: the Forum for Access to Security Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI).

SERMI certification allows you to log in securely to multiple manufacturers in the same way as you do now with a DigiD. This way, you no longer need different identification methods for multiple manufacturers. For certification, you must meet a number of requirements. Check out the question "What do I need to do before applying for a SERMI certificate?" to see all the requirements.

No, SERMI certification is not mandatory. Not all car companies will be required to work with SERMI. Tuning companies or brand dealers, for example, are not subject to certification. However, if you want to access data for security-related maintenance and repair from the car manufacturer, you will need SERMI certification.

The implementation date for the mandatory certification is: 1 April 2024.

Certification also applies to work on vehicle components that run over the same ECU as the engine immobiliser. For some makes, for example, when configuring a tow hitch system, SERMI certification is also required in connection with the functioning of the indicators.

Yes, you can apply for SERMI certification at Kiwa. Start your application via the SERMI certification page.

For both the application of a certificate for a company as well as for an employee, you should submit a number of documents, declarations and data in our portal. Go to the Required documents for SERMI certification page to find out what you need to apply for a SERMI certificate.

Self-employed persons without personnel/sole proprietors do not need to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct for Legal Entities (VOG RP). A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for natural persons is sufficient.

SERMI certification makes working on vehicle security:

• simpler: you can log in to all manufacturers with a single login (DigiD) to access security-related information;
• more economical: with the SERMI certificate you get direct access to information from different vehicle manufacturers instead for each brand separately;
• faster: you no longer need to submit a separate application to the manufacturer for each make. Moreover, the procedure to get SERMI certification is shorter than the access procedures at the manufacturers.
• carefree: you are certified for a period of 5 years. During these 5 years, Kiwa will do one audit at your premises to see whether you still meet the SERMI requirements.

* Listed prices exclude VAT and include SERMI license fees. Prices are at the rates in effect for 2024.
** All specified sites where SERMI activities are performed should be visited for on-site inspection.

A brand dealer already has access to the manufacturer's data. Do you work on vehicle security of another brand? In that case, you will need SERMI certification.

No, this is not possible. One of the requirements for SERMI certification is that the company does not carry out work related to vehicle emissions.

The validity of an employee's SERMI certificate depends on the validity of company’s certificate. The company receives the certificate for a period of 5 years. During these 5 years, Kiwa will carry out one unannounced on-site inspection to check whether the company still meets the SERMI requirements. It is important to note that upon renewal of the certificate, another inspection will take place.

Both the company and the certified employee have responsibilities they must meet after obtaining SERMI certification. We have compiled this information on the page What you need to know after you are SERMI certified.