Spotlight 12 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2026 Autotech Connect chief technology officer Laurence Abbott says the scheme is an important step forward for independent garages, but access to data is only part of the picture. “Garages also need the right cyber safeguards, processes and technician capability in place,” Abbott said. “The businesses that take a joined-up approach now will be in a stronger position as vehicle security systems continue to evolve.” For workshops, this marks a turning point. Functions such as key programming, immobiliser resets, secure ECU replacement and other security-critical operations are increasingly being protected by formal access controls. For independent garages, SERMI offers a route to continue carrying out this work — but only if they meet the required standards. For many businesses, that represents both a significant opportunity and a new set of responsibilities. Motor factor chief Kevan Wooden has welcomed approval for the launch of SERMI in the UK as a hugely significant moment for the independent aftermarket. The chief executive of LKQ & Ireland praised work by the IGA. However, IAAF chief executive Mark Field said while the association welcomed the move, it continued to have reservations about the impact of the scheme being voluntary in the UK, risking confusion among garages. Wooden said: “SERMI is a proven framework that already operates successfully across Europe and Northern Ireland. Its approval in Great Britain brings much-needed clarity and creates a clear pathway for manufacturers and the aftermarket to align around a single, trusted standard for accessing security-related repair and maintenance information. “Independent garages play a vital role in keeping motorists moving, and fair, secure access to vehicle data is essential if they are to remain competitive and keep more work in-house. Widespread adoption of SERMI by vehicle manufacturers is therefore critical.” Wooden said mandating the scheme would be the logical next step to ensure consistency, reduce uncertainty, and create a genuinely level playing field across the UK. Field said: “If a garage is currently not involved heavily in anti-theft related repair activities such as coding keys and repairing door locks, there is little reason to justify signing up.” He noted that workshops do not need to be part of an industry association to be SERMI accredited. This is because the relevant conformity assessment body (CAB) — in the UK’s case RMI Standards and Certification — is also responsible for investigating claims of misuse of the scheme and must remain impartial. Field said the voluntary approach fundamentally impacts the business case for both other CABs applying to be accredited to provide independent repairers with a choice for their accreditation, as well as for access to security related information such as anti-theft related repair work. This is why the IAAF is calling for the scheme to be mandated, as it is in the EU. Industry looks to impact on garages ahead of SERMI Is the aftermarket ready? Kevan Wooden
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