The SERMI scheme has launched in the UK today (April 1), following what is described as a 17-year campaign for fair data access for independent garages.
The scheme allows independent garages to access security-related repair and maintenance information through a secure, manufacturer-recognised framework.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) described the scheme’s UK launch as “the delivery of a long-fought industry objective that fundamentally changes how independent garages operate within a modern vehicle parc”.
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It said that SERMI established, for the first time, a trusted and regulated route for accessing critical information needed to repair modern vehicles.
The UK is the only country outside the EU to achieve full approval and implementation of SERMI, which is launching here with manufacturer backing from 22 brands, including Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Peugeot.
With the scheme now live, the IGA said it was encouraging garages to begin the onboarding process, with requirements including DBS checks and application lead times.
The organisation said it had worked in close partnership with government, European bodies and industry stakeholders to bring SERMI into operation in the UK.
SERMI launch sends ‘clear message’ about independent garage standards
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.”
Digital identity company Digidentity is the official Trust Centre for the SERMI scheme, issuing digital certificates – valid for five years – and access tokens. Once verified, individuals can access manufacturer systems in line with SERMI requirements.
Marcel Wendt, CTO and founder of Digidentity, said: “For modern repairs, access to software, diagnostics and security data is now just as important as access to the parts themselves.
“By acting as the Trust Centre for SERMI in the UK, our role is to verify technicians, issue credentials securely, and give manufacturers full visibility into who’s accessing their systems.
“This protects security information for drivers and enhances the safety of modern connected vehicles.”