VCA take over Pira role

From 1st April 2007 the role of Pira, in the Dangerous Goods Design Type Certification on behalf of the Department for Transport, transfers to the DfT's Vehicle Certification Authority (VCA).

The unit providing this service will be known as the `VCA Dangerous Goods Office'.

This unit will certify packaging for all modes of transport on behalf of the Department, the Marine and Coastguard Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority.

The certification function will continue to be carried out at the same premises as at present:  Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey. KT22 7RU.  However -please note that all correspondence should be addressed to; VCA Dangerous Goods Office (ie; not Pira International).

It is expected the staff from Pira International Dangerous Goods Office will transfer to the VCA along with the work.

For existing certificate holders there will be no immediate effect - however new applicants should receive their certificates bearing the new VCA logo.

Fees for the 2007 calendar year will not be affected.

There will be no effect on UKAS accredited Dangerous Goods Testing centres who will continue to test design types on the current basis - with their reports now being submitted to the VCA Dangerous Goods Office.

At the time of writing there remained some details of the transfer work to be completed - but it is expeted there should be a seamless transfer of the certification function from Pira International to VCA.

Anyone with concerns or questions should contact either:

Phil Pease at the IPA, who also acts as Chairman of the UK Packaging Scheme Review Committee or, Rodney Timms at the Dangerous Goods Division of the Department for Transport, Zone 2/26, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR. Telephone; 020 7944 2768  or e-mail; Rodney.Timms@dft.gsi.gov.uk

 

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