ECE stands for „Economic Commission for Europe“. This means that light-alloy wheels manufactured in accordance with this standard correspond exactly in their technical dimensions to the standard size of the respective vehicle. If an ECE approval is available, neither an acceptance by a testing institution nor a supplement in the vehicle documents is required in the EU. The ECE approval has to be included in the vehicle documents.

If a general type approval (ABE) has been issued without any restrictions, neither an acceptance test by a testing institution nor a supplement to the vehicle documents is required in Germany. The ABE only has to be included in the vehicle documents. The vehicle must comply with the standard equipment.

If a general type approval (ABE) has been issued with necessary technical requirements, an acceptance test in accordance with Section 19 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) must be carried out immediately by an officially recognized inspection organization after the parts have been assembled. These inspection organizations are for example TÜV, DEKRA, KÜS and GTÜ. If the inspection is positive, the inspectors issue an approval certificate. This must always be carried with the vehicle documents.

If a §19.3 parts certificate is available, a modification approval in accordance with §19 (3) StVZO must be carried out immediately by an officially recognized inspection organization after the parts have been assembled. These inspection organizations are for example TÜV, DEKRA, KÜS and GTÜ. If the modification inspection is positive, the inspectors issue a modification approval certificate. This must always be carried with the vehicle documents and presented to the registration office at the next official matter, such as a change of registration or owner. The registration office then makes the entry of the change in the vehicle documents on such occasions.

If there is only a strength verification (includes mechanical properties and load verification of the wheel), these applications are not approved in the area of the StVZO. After mounting the parts, a single certification in accordance with § 21 StVZO must be carried out immediately by an officially recognized inspection organization. These inspection organizations include TÜV and DEKRA, for example. If the single certification is positive, the inspectors issue a corresponding document, after which an immediate correction in the vehicle documents by the registration office is necessary. We recommend to discuss the modifications with the inspector in advance.

The „Japan Light Alloy Wheel Standard“ (JWL), identifies light alloy wheels that meet the strict safety and quality standards of the Japanese motor vehicle authority VIA. The JWL standard is thus the pendant to the German KBA number.