CITA actively participated in the joint EReg & EUCARIS Annual Meeting & Conference 2026, held from 1 to 4 June 2026 in Paris, France. The event marked the EReg and EUCARIS communities came together for the annual meeting and conference, creating a unique platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic discussions on the future of vehicle registration, mobility, and digital services across Europe.
The event brought together experts, policymakers, registration authorities, and industry stakeholders from across Europe. The program featured annual meetings, technical discussions, networking opportunities, cultural activities, and a gala dinner, providing participants with numerous opportunities to strengthen cooperation and share best practices.
CITA was represented by its Executive Director, Mr. Eduard Fernández, who contributed to the conference programme on 4 June during Block 2, dedicated to “Vehicles and Data”. His presentation, entitled “Road Safety Ecosystem”, highlighted the growing importance of data-driven approaches to road safety and the essential role of collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the vehicle lifecycle.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity for CITA to engage with key partners and contribute to ongoing discussions on digitalization, vehicle data governance, interoperability, and the future development of mobility services in Europe. These topics are increasingly relevant as vehicles become more connected, automated, and software-driven.
The successful event demonstrated the value of closer cooperation between organizations involved in vehicle registration, information exchange, and road safety. CITA welcomes initiatives that strengthen dialogue across the mobility ecosystem and remains committed to supporting policies and technologies that contribute to safer and more sustainable road transport.
IRIS IDENT s.r.o. is the authorized Technical Service of Originality Check in the Slovak Republic, providing software, hardware, methodology, information systems, training, etc.
Since its establishment in 2002, IRIS IDENT, s.r.o. has been supporting technical, informational, and legislative steps to reduce automotive crime and increase its clarification in the Slovak Republic and EU countries. Within its activities, it focuses mainly on the identification and originality control of vehicles and their documents.
Check of vehicle originality is a verification and conformity of a vehicle carried out by measurement and non-destructive forensic examination aimed at detecting signs of unauthorized external interference with the vehicle identifiers, the vehicle structure or the vehicle documents. The check of vehicle originality investigates vehicle identifiers (VIN and other vehicle designations), components determining the identity of the vehicle along with vehicle documents, their originality and authenticity, as well as the evaluation of data in the relevant information systems and international databases.
Road Safety Prevention and Local Government Sector,
Drivers Sector,
Vehicles Sector.
Within the Vehicles Sector, all types of vehicle inspections and control procedures are performed, including vehicle homologation testing, inspection of imported used vehicles, vehicle modifications, and periodic technical inspections.
The sector also maintains and supports the national technical vehicle database and provides technical support to inspection stations and other authorised stakeholders in the system.
The Vehicles Sector is responsible for the education and training of various professional groups involved in vehicle inspection procedures. In addition, there is a dedicated department within the sector that deals specifically with tachographs. Overall, the focus of the Vehicles Sector is on strengthening road safety through technical control of vehicles, regulatory development, and continuous professional education.
Brussels, 3 June 2026. CITA is pleased to announce the publication of the May 2026 edition of the CITA NewsRelease, highlighting the organisation’s activities, achievements, and international engagement during the first months of the year.
This edition reflects CITA’s continued commitment to promoting safer, cleaner, and more sustainable mobility worldwide through technical expertise, regulatory cooperation, and stakeholder dialogue.
Among the highlights featured in this issue: • A recap of the 25th CITA General Assembly, including key decisions, elections, and strategic priorities. • Coverage of the CITA RAG Europe Conference 2026 and the presentation of the CITA Annual Report 2025. • Insights from CITA’s high-level discussions on the revision of the European Roadworthiness Package, including events held at the European Parliament and under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. • Updates on CITA’s participation in international forums such as the UNECE Inland Transport Committee, the VERT Forum, the ANSV International Vehicle Safety Congress, and DUSRA 2026. • Highlights from recent webinars addressing Artificial Intelligence in vehicle regulation and Ukraine’s roadworthiness testing reform. • Developments related to vehicle inspection systems in Peru, the revision of ISO 17020, and ongoing UNECE activities on vehicle retrofit systems. • News from CITA members, including advances in remote sensing technologies and innovative inspection systems for ADAS-equipped vehicles. • The introduction of several new organizations joining the CITA community.
The publication demonstrates the growing importance of vehicle inspection and compliance systems in supporting road safety, environmental protection, and public trust amid rapid technological transformation in the mobility sector.
We invite all members, partners, and stakeholders to read the full NewsRelease and stay informed about the latest developments shaping the future of vehicle inspection worldwide.
The 25th General Assembly of the CITA was successfully held on 28 May 2026 in Brussels, Belgium, in a hybrid format that enabled members from around the world to participate both in person and remotely. Hosted at Le Bouche à Oreille in Brussels, the Assembly gathered CITA members to discuss the organization's strategic priorities, technical developments and future direction in the field of vehicle compliance and inspection.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from CITA President Gerhard Müller, who highlighted the importance of the 25th General Assembly as a key milestone for the association and underlined the need for continued international cooperation in promoting safe, clean and sustainable mobility. The Assembly also reaffirmed CITA’s commitment to supporting its members through technical expertise, advocacy and global collaboration in an increasingly complex political, technological and societal environment.
The General Assembly was preceded by an informal dinner gathering on 27 May 2026, providing participants attending Brussels with an opportunity to network and exchange experiences ahead of the official program.
During the Assembly, members received reports from the CITA Secretariat, Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs), Topic Areas (TAs) and Task Forces covering a wide range of activities carried out over the past year. Presentations were delivered by representatives including Eduard Fernández, Ferose Oaten, Aitor Retes, Ho Sang Lee, Marcelo Martínez, Charles Ray and Jann Fehlauer, among others.
The Secretariat’s report presented the extensive technical and policy activities undertaken by CITA during the reporting period, including work related to ADAS and automated driving, electric vehicles, emissions, vehicle data access, artificial intelligence, quality assurance, accreditation and the revision of the European Roadworthiness Package. Members were also informed about CITA’s participation in UNECE working groups and European Union regulatory discussions.
Regional reports highlighted the continued growth of CITA’s activities across Africa, Asia-Australasia, Europe, Latin America and North America. Particular attention was given to the increasing engagement of CITA in Africa and Asia, as well as the organisation of regional conferences and technical cooperation initiatives.
The Assembly also reviewed the work carried out within the different Topic Areas, including research and development in vehicle compliance, optimisation of current inspection practices, external affairs, environmental protection systems, and quality, training and confidence.
Several voting procedures took place during the General Assembly. Members approved the provisional agenda, the report of the 24th General Assembly, the 2025 accounts and the 2026–2027 budget. The Assembly also approved modifications to the Articles of Incorporation introducing new procedures for handling ties during elections.
The General Assembly ratified the admission of several new members, reflecting the continued expansion and international reach of CITA. The newly approved members included CENTRALAUTO – TEKNIKA BEREZIAK, DSPACE, FLANDERS MOBILITY AND PUBLIC WORK, IRIS DENT, KEYSIGHT, MASSAR, NANHUA, OPUS INSPECTION Inc., ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY AGENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, TURKA and VSCC.
During the elections, Teemu Toivanen was elected as Public Member of the Bureau Permanent, while Lotte Dijkink was elected as Regular Member. Marcin Barankiewicz was elected as Corporate Members’ Representative.
CITA warmly thanked Mr. Geert Konings, who is retiring, for his longstanding commitment and contributions to the association. Over the years, Mr. Konings has dedicated significant time and energy to supporting the mission and work of CITA, and his efforts have been instrumental in advancing the association’s goals.
The Assembly concluded with closing remarks from President Gerhard Müller and an inspirational speech delivered by Sam Gratton. Participants were also invited to the upcoming CITA Conference and 26th General Assembly, which will take place in Cape Town from 4 to 6 May 2027.
The Colombian National Road Safety Agency (ANSV) organised the first International Vehicle Safety Congress in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, from 28 to 30 April 2026. The event brought together national and international experts, authorities, academia and industry representatives to discuss the future of vehicle safety in Colombia and the measures needed to reduce road traffic fatalities.
The Congress focused on three main topics: vehicle safety technologies, Technical Inspection schemes, and vehicle maintenance and spare parts management. The programme included presentations, panel discussions and practical demonstrations showcasing technologies designed to prevent crashes and mitigate their consequences.
The event took place against the backdrop of Colombia’s continuing road safety challenges, with 8,697 road fatalities recorded in 2025. Throughout the event, the ANSV emphasised the importance of aligning Colombia’s vehicle safety framework with international standards and strengthening a Safe System approach to mobility.
A major part of the programme focused on maintaining the safe condition of vehicles already in operation through effective Technical Inspection systems.
In this context, Marcelo E. MARTÍNEZ, CITA RAG LatAm Chairperson participated as a keynote speaker. During his presentation, he addressed “The role of Technical Inspection in vehicle safety” and “Where Technical Inspection is heading”, underlining the importance of PTI as an essential instrument for risk reduction and safer roads.
Martinez highlighted the growing international trend toward more advanced inspection schemes capable of addressing modern vehicle technologies and ensuring that vehicles remain safe throughout their lifecycle. His intervention formed part of a broader discussion on the role of PTI in preventing crashes and reducing the severity of road incidents.
The Congress strengthened technical dialogue and international cooperation on vehicle safety, reinforcing the shared objective of creating safer roads and protecting lives in Colombia.
On 28 April 2026, CITA participated in the Automotive Technology Societies Standards International Exchange Meeting, hosted by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (CSAE) in Beijing. The event brought together key international organisations, including SAE International, IEEE, DEKRA, TAI, CQC and CAERI, with the aim of strengthening cooperation on automotive standards and regulations.
This first edition marked an important step towards establishing a regular global platform for dialogue. Discussions highlighted a strong convergence of priorities across stakeholders, particularly in areas such as electrification, connected and automated vehicles, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
A key challenge identified was the fragmentation of global standards and certification systems, which increases complexity and costs. Participants emphasised the need for greater harmonisation, mutual recognition of certifications, and more efficient and flexible standard-setting approaches.
CITA was represented by Olivier Pletinckx, Technical Manager, who joined remotely and presented the association’s role and priorities. His presentation focused also on the impact of vehicle digitalisation and the critical importance of access to in-vehicle data for inspection and compliance activities.
As vehicles become increasingly software-driven, CITA stressed that traditional inspection methods are no longer sufficient. Access to vehicle data is essential to ensure effective PTI and maintain safety and environmental performance over time.
CITA reiterated key principles for data access:
Access to safety- and emission-relevant data must be unrestricted
Conditions should be standardised, interoperable and non-discriminatory
Unnecessary authentication barriers should be avoided
Data must remain accessible throughout the vehicle lifecycle
The core message was clear: access to vehicle data is a public-interest necessity for safer and cleaner roads .
The meeting confirmed strong global alignment on future mobility challenges and underlined the importance of continued international cooperation. CITA welcomes this initiative and looks forward to contributing to future exchanges.
A delegation of experts in vehicle inspection and driving licence testing from the regional government of Lower Austria visited TÜV SÜD in Munich on 23–24 May for a two-day exchange of experiences.
The visit aimed to explore differing national approaches within the framework of harmonised European guidelines. In the field of driving licence testing, discussions focused on test procedures, quality assurance, and the supervision of driving schools. Regarding vehicle inspections, the delegation examined practices related to conducting PTI and the assessment of vehicle modifications.
The exchange provided valuable insights into both systems, enabling participants to learn from each other’s approaches while also fostering stronger professional relationships.
The delegation was led by Georg Höning, Head of Technical Vehicle Affairs for Lower Austria, and Linda-Maria Wallner, Head of Driving Licence Tests, Driving Schools and Driving Licence Law. The meeting was hosted by Philip Puls, Head of Regulatory Business at TÜV SÜD Mobility, and Jochen Krebs, Head of Driver Licence Testing at TÜV SÜD Mobility. Gerhard Müller, President of CITA, welcomed the Lower Austrian delegation during their visit.
Yesterday, CITA had the privilege of being in the French Ministry of Ecological Transition in Paris, as Secretariat of the Informal Working Group on Electric Vehicles (EV) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCV) Retrofit Systems under UNECE WP.29 for its 8th session.
The discussions focused on advancing a harmonized regulatory framework for the safe and reliable retrofitting of used vehicles with electric and hydrogen powertrains. This work is essential to support the transition to cleaner mobility while ensuring that safety, inspection, and compliance requirements remain robust throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
CITA is proud to contribute to shaping practical and enforceable solutions that will enable sustainable vehicle conversion approval while maintaining roadworthiness and trust in the fleet.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Peru (MTC)has taken a significant step towards enhancing its vehicle inspection system by engaging in an exchange of international expertise with CITA. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving road safety, environmental performance, and the overall efficiency of transport systems.
On 9 April 2026, the MTC convened a technical working meeting bringing together specialists in road safety, transport policy, and service management. The session included participation from key national bodies such as the Directorate General for Transport Authorisations, the Directorate for Road Transport Policies and Standards, and the Superintendence of Land Transport of People, Cargo and Goods (SUTRAN), highlighting the country’s integrated and multi-institutional approach to transport governance.
The meeting featured an exchange with Marcelo Martínez, CITA’s representative for Latin America, who shared international best practices and insights on vehicle inspection systems. Discussions focused on the current state of Peru’s technical vehicle inspection framework and identified key challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Participants agreed on several priority areas for strengthening the system. These include updating the regulatory framework, enhancing institutional governance, streamlining operational processes, and reinforcing enforcement and oversight mechanisms. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of adopting international standards to mitigate road safety risks, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve traffic efficiency in urban areas.
The dialogue provided valuable technical input and global perspectives that will support the ongoing evaluation and modernization of Peru’s vehicle inspection system. It also opened the door to potential technical cooperation initiatives between the MTC and CITA, aimed at building a more robust, transparent, and effective inspection regime.
This initiative aligns with the MTC’s broader objective of promoting a safer, more orderly, and sustainable transport system for the benefit of all citizens. Through continued international collaboration, Peru reinforces its commitment to aligning national practices with global standards and advancing road safety outcomes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
