FAQ about SERMI certification at DEKRA.
DEKRA Audit Netherlands

Find your answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding SERMI certification here.

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Frequently asked questions SERMI

SERMI, the new anti-theft certification, is a relatively new concept for many individuals working in the automotive industry. We can understand that you may have some questions about this certification. Below, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about SERMI certification. We recommend reviewing this information thoroughly first. If you still require more information, please feel free to contact us via email or phone.
Independent automotive-, collision-, repair-, and camper companies will soon require a SERMI certificate (Security Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information) for key and programming work on parts related to theft prevention. This includes keys, ignition and door locks, and the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). SERMI is the new anti-theft certificate that replaces all individual brand certificates that were previously required.
No, SERMI certification is not legally required. However, starting from April 1, 2024, certification is required if you wish to access security-related maintenance and repair data from the vehicle manufacturer or if you want to order parts related to it. The SERMI certificate replaces all individual anti-theft certificates that were previously required.
No, certification is also required for actions on vehicle components controlled by the same ECU as the immobilizer. In some cases, such as when programming a towbar, a SERMI certificate is necessary due to the control of functions such as turn signals, depending on the brand.
Ideally, you should instruct us once you have decided that SERMI is relevant to you. This way, processing can proceed concurrently with information gathering. So, go ahead and submit the application. You can request a quote by filling in your details on SERMI via this page.
It is understandable that you would like to have an indication of the costs in advance. However, the final investment depends on your business situation and requirements. For a complete overview, we advise you to request our quote without any obligation.
  • For the VOG NP for employees:
    • In section 2.1 (organization details), provide your company's information.
    • In section 2.2 (purpose of application), mention under 'other': 'obtaining SERMI certificate'.
    • In section 2.4b (General screening profile), choose profiles: 11, 12, 13, 41, and 61.
  • For the VOG RP for the company:
    • In section 1.2 (purpose of application), choose 'other', namely: 'obtaining SERMI certificate'.
I'm a freelancer and can't apply for VOG RP, what now?
For freelancers and sole proprietorships, it's not possible to apply for VOG RP. A VOG for Natural Persons (VOG NP) suffices for these types of businesses.
If you are a brand dealer, you should already have access to the necessary documentation from the manufacturer to carry out anti-theft work. However, if you perform security work on vehicles from multiple brands, then SERMI certification is required.
For SERMI certification, two declarations are required:
  • A declaration stating that the IO/RSS (Independent Operator/Repair Service Station) conducts a legitimate business activity as intended in point 6.3. of Annex X to Regulation (EU) 2018/858, signed by the IO/RSS. This declaration must at least state that the IO/RSS does not offer repair and maintenance activities that may have negative effects on the vehicle's emission performance, including:
    • Deactivating or removing pollution or emission control systems, or affecting their performance or hiding faults.
    • Installing manipulation tools or strategies.
    • Deactivating, removing, or manipulating fuel consumption control devices or electrical energy, or manipulating mileage.
    • Manipulating the engine control unit, including nominal engine power.
Note: The declaration(s) must be signed by the legally authorized representative.
If the initial (offsite) SERMI inspection is successfully completed, the company will receive an email with a confirmation report. Employees will also receive a confirmation email, including a link to activate the SERMI app, with the report. Download the Digidentity Wallet app and scan the QR code. The app will then contain your SERMI certificate as proof.
So, the SERMI certificate is on your smartphone/tablet in the Digidentity Wallet app and is accessible with a secure PIN-code. To access the portal with vehicle repair and maintenance information (RMI portal) from a vehicle manufacturer, you need to scan a QR code on the manufacturer's website with the app and enter your PIN.
You can find the activation manual here: sermi-user-manual-v1.pdf
You can also watch the following videos from Digidentity for more information on SERMI and using the app:
Notify DEKRA of changes in:
  • Contact details;
  • Chamber of Commerce registration;
Company termination;
  • Termination of employment of a SERMI-certified employee (Within 3 working days after termination of employment);
  • Documentation of every security-related RMI (Repair and Maintenance Information) transaction;
  • Reporting violations or misuse by authorized employees to DEKRA, if they relate to security-related RMI;
  • Ensuring that SERMI-certified employees only use their personal SERMI certification;
  • Ensuring that employees are trained for repair activities related to car maintenance, reprogramming, and security and safety functions;
  • Requesting an on-site inspection six months prior to the expiration of the certification period for timely renewal of the certificate;
  • Cooperating with interim unannounced on-site inspections of relevant SERMI-certified locations.
  • Registering in the vehicle manufacturer's RMI system and obtaining access to security-related RMI in accordance with EN ISO 18541:2014;
  • Ensuring that all records of security-related RMI downloaded from the vehicle; manufacturer's RMI system are not retained longer than necessary for the performance of the required task;
  • Informing the employer if the digital certificate is no longer required;
  • Not sharing the software token, digital certificate, and PIN. The certificate is personal!;
  • Responsible for the correct use of the personal secure software token and PIN;
  • Informing the employer of loss or misuse within 24 hours;
  • Informing DEKRA if other employees are not conducting legitimate activities; according to the SERMI scheme;
  • Verifying the ID of the customer, vehicle identification, and authority during tasks.
The manner in which transactions falling under SERMI are recorded is flexible. The company is responsible for presenting information in a way that can be properly assessed. The dossier must contain at least the following information:
  • Customer identification:
    • Name and surname or company name and contact person;
    • ID/passport/driver's license number;
    • Address details;
    • Phone number;
  • Vehicle identification;
  • Proof of customer authorization.
  • Document verification of business activities, company ownership, and legal representative;
  • Document verification of the Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) application;
  • Verification of employee records working at the respective location, including a valid and signed employment contract;
  • Compliance with the training or experience requirements as per the scheme's requirements;
  • Verification of the original VOGs used for certification application;
  • If an employee works at multiple locations, a dossier check of this employee will be conducted at each location;
  • Document verification of valid liability insurance in accordance with scheme requirements;
  • Verification of legitimate automotive business activities, which should not conflict with the SERMI scheme regulations;
  • Verification that the principles remain consistent;
  • Inspection of procedures and correct registration of all SERMI activities.
Do you have sufficient information, and would you like to start your SERMI certification? Request a non-binding quote directly here.