Spotlight 11 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2026 Green light for SERMI ‘vital’ for independents After months of waiting, the European scheme will officially go live in the UK on April 1. In this special three-page feature, Aftermarket focuses on next steps forward and industry reaction The Independent Garage Association announced the launch date after confirming it had secured full approval for the European SERMI scheme nationwide. Launching the scheme follows 17 years of persistent effort, advocacy, and collaboration, the IGA said. The move will mean independent garages can finally access secure, securityrelated vehicle repair and maintenance information through the SERMI framework, unlocking opportunities that were previously difficult to reach. The UK is the only country outside the European Union to achieve both approval and implementation of SERMI, which provides a trusted, secure, and manufacturer-recognised route for independent garages to access data that is essential for working on modern vehicles, including systems relating to security, immobilisation, and advanced electronics. The IGA told Aftermarket will continue to support garages through onboarding and is advancing further initiatives focused on secure gateway access and cyber security, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of servicing and repairing next-generation vehicles. Meanwhile, the IGA said there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the scheme from vehicle manufacturers, with 19 brands committing to the SERMI scheme within days of being notified of approval. Further manufacturers are expected to follow. The strong early uptake demonstrates the industry’s recognition of SERMI as a vital step forward for the independent sector, providing a secure and standardised route for independent garages to access vehicle securityrelated information, the IGA said. Manufacturers already committed to SERMI include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Ford, Jaguar, Jeep, Lancia, Land Rover, Maserati, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Ram Trucks, Toyota and Vauxhall. Stuart James, IGA chief executive, said: “From April 1, eligible repairers can operate within a trusted, recognised framework that puts independent garages back on a level playing field.” “To have 19 manufacturers on board within days of notifying them of UK approval shows just how important SERMI is to the future of our sector. This scheme will positively change the operational capability of independent garages and provide something we simply haven’t had in the UK before.” While SERMI will not be relevant to every independent garage business, the IGA is keen to ensure that garages are fully informed and able to make the right decision for their own operations. James said: “It’s essential that garages are secure in their own minds about whether SERMI is something they need. Our role is to continue providing clear and accurate information so businesses can make an informed choice that’s right for them.” Meanwhile, garages are being reminded that the SERMI set-up process includes government DBS checks, which can take up to two weeks, and in some cases longer. Garages are encouraged to factor this into their planning. The IGA said it will continue to communicate regularly with members and the wider independent sector to educate and inform businesses as SERMI adoption moves forward. Eligible repairers ‘can operate within a trusted, recognised framework that puts independent garages back on a level playing field’
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