Business 10 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2026 The UK’s independent garages are proving their commitment to professional integrity With SERMI set to go live in the UK on 1 April, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) and digital identity specialist, Digidentity, highlight the security framework that underpins the scheme. Both businesses and individual technicians must undergo stringent background checks before they can access security-related repair and maintenance information. This includes formal identity verification, criminal record checks, business validation, and ongoing compliance requirements. Only once these standards are met is a secure ‘digital passport’ issued, confirming that the garage and named technicians are authorised to work on protected vehicle systems such as immobilisers, key coding, and secure ECU functions. Digidentity, a European digital identity specialist, is the UK Trust Centre responsible for carrying out these comprehensive checks. With extensive experience in digital identity verification and regulatory compliance across Europe, Digidentity provides the independent, secure infrastructure that forms the foundation of the UK’s SERMI implementation. A significant number of UK independent garages have already successfully completed the full application and verification process. These businesses are accredited and ready to operate from 1 April. For consumers, the introduction of SERMI should provide meaningful reassurance. Research and industry commentary increasingly point to growing public concern around vehicle data security and transparency in repair processes. By requiring enhanced identity assurance and strict operational checks, SERMI-accredited garages can visibly demonstrate that they meet recognised, independently verified security standards. Stuart James, Chief Executive of the IGA, commented: “Security is the foundation of SERMI. This is not simply about access to information; it’s about demonstrating that independent garages and their technicians meet the highest standards of integrity, identity assurance, and accountability. Working alongside Digidentity as the UK Trust Centre ensures that the verification process is robust, independent, and aligned with European best practice. The independent sector is showing it is fully prepared to operate within one of the most secure access frameworks our industry has ever seen, giving manufacturers and motorists complete confidence that sensitive vehicle data is handled responsibly.” Marcel Wendt, Founder and CTO of Digidentity, added: “The launch of SERMI in the UK marks a pivotal shift toward a more secure and transparent automotive landscape. As the UK Trust Centre, Digidentity is proud to provide the rigorous verification infrastructure that makes this possible. Our role is to ensure that every ‘digital passport’ issued is backed by the highest standards of identity and business validation. “By successfully navigating this stringent process, the UK’s independent garages are proving their commitment to professional integrity. We are not just facilitating access to data; we are building a foundation of trust that protects technicians, manufacturers, and, most importantly, the motorists who rely on them.” The IGA and Digidentity are committed to continuing to support garages through the application and onboarding process, with the aim of ensuring that security, transparency, and consumer confidence remain central to the UK’s new operating landscape. Rigorous security standards underpin SERMI rollout Spotlight
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=