The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has confirmed the SERMI scheme is now officially live in the UK, marking a defining moment for the independent garage sector.
After 17 years of sustained effort to secure fair access to essential vehicle data, independent garages meeting the required standards, can access security-related repair and maintenance information through a secure, manufacturer-recognised framework.
As vehicles have become more complex and increasingly governed by security-controlled systems, access to critical information has become essential for carrying out complete and professional repairs. SERMI establishes, for the first time, a trusted and regulated route to access this, supporting both consumer choice and the independent sector.
The UK stands alone as the only country outside the European Union to achieve full approval and implementation of SERMI.
The scheme goes live with manufacturer backing, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford and Peugeot, contributing to a total of 22 brands now committed in the UK. This level of support ensures SERMI is not only operational from day one, but meaningful in practice.
Stuart James, Chief Executive of the IGA, said: “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.
“It also sends a clear message about the capability and standards within our sector. Garages that achieve SERMI approval are demonstrating that they meet a recognised, trusted benchmark, one that is supported by manufacturers and understood across Europe.
“We are proud to have led this work in the UK and to have reached this stage. Our focus is now on supporting garages that wish to engage with the scheme and helping the benefits reach the wider sector.”
The IGA has worked in close partnership with government, European bodies and industry stakeholders to bring SERMI into operation in the UK, including securing access to the European Trust Centre and establishing the framework required for UK businesses.
With the scheme now live, attention turns to adoption. Garages are encouraged to begin the onboarding process, with requirements including DBS checks and application lead times forming part of the approval process.
The IGA will continue to support the sector as SERMI becomes embedded, ensuring garages are informed, prepared, and able to take full advantage of what is now in place.
