Block Exemption Rules (BER)

 

In October 2003 European Union legislation affecting the motor trade came into force.

Its full title is "Block Exemption Regulations 1400/2002" (in short BER)

This legislation changes the way cars may be serviced and repaired and gives motorist a lot more freedom in their decision as to who should look after their cars.

Before BER, it was very difficult to have cars , which were still covered by the manufacture's warranty, serviced anywhere except a franchised dealer.

Now motorists can use any garage of their choice to service their cars without invalidating the manufacturer's warranty .*

* subject to certain conditions

There is written confirmation from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that :

Independent repairers CAN carry out normal maintenance and repair services during a vehicle's period without invalidating the VA's (vehicle assembler) warranty conditions. With two provisos :-

Provided: that the service is in accordance with the VA's servicing schedules and is recorded as such.

And:-

Provided: that the parts used are of 'appropriate quality' and are recorded as such.

 

The above is intended to introduce interested parties to the topic of BLOCK EXEMPTION.

It should not be taken as a definition of the law. For further reading please refer to the search engine of your web browser using the term BLOCK EXEMPTION