Currently reading: Block exemption changes a worry for independent vehicle repairers

Amid the fallout from Brexit and Covid-19, independent garages face another threat to their very existence

In May 2023, the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) will expire. 

Among other things, this regulation allows independent garages to service new cars without voiding their manufacturer warranties and forbids restrictions on the availability of original-equipment parts, tools and technical information.

It's part of the European Union's Block Exemption rules, which are designed to enable competition, and without it, independent garages could find life much tougher and car owners could find their repair and servicing bills more expensive.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is assessing the current regulation with a view to recommending the government replace it with a new one.

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