After 17 years of sustained lobbying and industry effort, the Security-related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) scheme has officially launched in the UK today (April 1,2026).
Described by the Independent Garage Association (IGA) as a “defining moment” for the aftermarket, the launch means that independent garages can finally access critical, security-related repair data through a secure, manufacturer-recognised framework.
For a sector that has increasingly found itself locked out of modern, heavily governed vehicle systems, today marks a fundamental shift in how independent workshops will operate moving forward.
Related: Garage Hive helps independents prepare for SERMI with new compliance tools
As modern vehicles become more complex and reliant on security-controlled systems, gaining legitimate access to this data has been the single biggest hurdle for independents trying to carry out complete, professional repairs.
SERMI establishes a trusted and regulated route to that access, ensuring the independent sector can continue to offer genuine consumer choice against the main dealer networks.
Crucially, the UK stands alone as the only country outside the European Union to achieve full approval and implementation of the SERMI framework, following intense coordination between the IGA, government bodies, and the European Trust Centre.
Manufacturer backing
The scheme isn’t just launching in theory; it is going live with significant, practical backing from vehicle manufacturers.
A total of 22 brands are currently committed to the UK rollout, including major players like Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, and Peugeot.
Stuart James, Chief Executive of the IGA, emphasised the magnitude of the launch: “Today matters. This is the point where years of work, challenge and persistence deliver something tangible for independent garages across the UK.
“SERMI changes the position of the independent sector. It gives professional, compliant businesses access to the information they need to repair modern vehicles properly, safely, and legitimately.”
Stuart added that achieving SERMI approval also serves as a powerful marketing tool for garages, demonstrating to customers that they meet a trusted, manufacturer-supported benchmark understood across Europe.
What next?
With the framework now operational, the focus shifts entirely to workshop adoption.
The IGA is actively encouraging independent garages to begin the onboarding process immediately. Workshop owners should be prepared to navigate specific requirements, including mandatory DBS checks and standard application lead times, as part of the formal approval process.
The IGA has confirmed it will continue to support the sector as the scheme beds in, ensuring businesses are informed, prepared, and ready to take full advantage of the data access they have fought 17 years to secure.
