You are planning to build a caravan. Before ordering the chassis or committing to the body design, it helps to settle three questions: which approval route applies, what evidence the prototype will need, and how later production vehicles will remain consistent with it.
How do O1 and O2 caravans obtain type approval?
The manufacturer prepares the vehicle specification, technical evidence and required tests; the approval authority assesses the application and makes the approval decision. Anemon supports design review, preparation of the technical file and coordination. The authority issues the type approval, while the manufacturer issues the individual vehicle's certificate of conformity under the applicable rules.
Where do you apply for caravan type approval?
For a Turkish application, check the relevant service and current requirements through TSE’s official application channel. The caravan specification and intended market determine the approval route. Confirm the current service tariff and fee scope separately when preparing the quotation.
The official application channel is the TSE Online Application Portal. Confirm company authorisation and the documents required for the relevant service first. An application through another EU approval authority follows that authority’s application and technical-service arrangements. Anemon helps the manufacturer prepare the technical file and coordinate the work.
What is the difference between O1 and O2?
Under Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, O1 covers trailers with a maximum mass not exceeding 750 kg. O2 covers trailers above 750 kg and not exceeding 3,500 kg. These are maximum mass limits, not the caravan's empty weight. The number of axles does not create a separate O2 category.
Check the design before building the prototype
- Define the intended markets and approval route.
- Plan dimensions, maximum mass, axle loads and usable payload.
- Check chassis, axles, braking equipment, coupling and tyres against the complete vehicle configuration.
- Review lighting, markings and the installation of equipment.
- Keep drawings, component evidence and records of design changes consistent.
An approved component does not automatically establish approval of the complete caravan. Its installation and use on the vehicle also need to meet the applicable requirements.
From technical file to series production
Start with a review of the design, manufacturing arrangements and existing documents. Prepare the technical file against the actual prototype, coordinate the required technical-service inspections and tests, and resolve any findings before submitting the approval application. The manufacturer then needs to maintain conformity of production, vehicle identification and individual CoC records.
ISO 9001 can support the assessment of production arrangements. A certificate alone does not demonstrate compliance with every conformity-of-production requirement. Production controls and changes still need to be managed.
Approval, CoC and registration are separate
Type approval concerns a vehicle type. The CoC identifies an individual vehicle conforming to that type. Registration records the individual vehicle and its keeper. For vehicles used in Türkiye, the registration rules and transitional dates must be checked separately. See our O1 registration guide and document checklist. Driver entitlement is covered in the driving-licence guide for Türkiye.
What determines cost and timing?
The design, existing evidence, required tests, approval route and necessary corrections determine the scope. Engineering work, technical-service testing and authority charges should be identified separately. To start a review, send the proposed category, dimensions and mass, design drawings or product photographs, existing component evidence and intended sales markets.
Review your caravan project with Anemon
We can identify the technical-file gaps and plan the approval work before you commit to production.
Frequently asked questions
Can every existing caravan obtain O1 approval?
The design, maximum mass, vehicle identity and technical evidence must be reviewed first. Approval cannot be promised from a photograph or weight figure.
Does approval settle the registration requirement?
No. Registration in Türkiye follows its own rules and transitional provisions.
Where can I read about CoC models?
Our 2020/683 and CoC guide explains the document framework; it does not replace a vehicle's own CoC.
Official sources and scope
Legislation checked: 25 October 2026. Registration and driving-licence guidance concerns Türkiye.
