Bartlett Automotive Is Now SERMI Compliant

We’re proud to announce that Bartlett Automotive is now officially SERMI compliant – a significant development that ensures we remain at the cutting edge of secure vehicle diagnostics and repair.

What is SERMI – and Why Does It Matter?

SERMI (Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information) is a European initiative designed to standardise and control how independent garages access sensitive vehicle security systems and data. Instead of negotiating access with each individual manufacturer, SERMI offers a central approval system that unlocks access to multiple OEM platforms.

For customers, it means your vehicle’s security-related repairs – such as key programming, immobiliser resets, and anti-theft module replacements – are handled by a garage that’s passed rigorous checks for integrity, competence, and compliance.

For the independent sector, it ensures a level playing field with main dealers when it comes to security diagnostics and repair.

Bartlett Automotive: Meeting the SERMI Standard

To gain approval under the SERMI scheme, Bartlett Automotive has successfully passed a stringent application and audit process overseen in the UK by RMI Standards and Certification (RMISC) – a UK-authorised Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).

This includes:

• Evidence of legal business ownership and legitimacy
• Public liability insurance of at least £1 million
• DBS checks for owners and authorised technicians
• Auditable systems for verifying vehicle and customer identity
• Compliance with emissions and anti-tampering legislation

What Are the Benefits of Using a SERMI-Approved Garage?

By using a SERMI-authorised garage like ours, you benefit from:

✅ Legitimate access to manufacturer security information
✅ Faster, safer, and more cost-effective repairs for security systems
✅ Verified and audited standards for business conduct and staff integrity
✅ Assurance your vehicle’s identity and owner details are properly verified
✅ Repairs and updates aligned with European and UK regulation

Without SERMI approval, many modern vehicles simply cannot be serviced properly due to blocked access to key systems. This means unauthorised workshops may be unable to perform some crucial repairs legally or effectively.

What’s Required to Become SERMI Compliant?

Here’s a simplified overview of what independent operators and their employees must do to qualify:

✅ For the Independent Operator (Garage)

• Submit an application online
• Provide documentation such as:
  • Basic DBS checks for owners and nominated employees
  • Proof of insurance (minimum £1 million public liability), business ownership, and trading history
  • Signed declarations regarding business legitimacy and criminal record
• Pass identity verification and receive approval from RMISC
• Undergo audits to maintain compliance during the approval period

✅ For Authorised Technicians (IO Employees)

• Submit a Basic DBS check and signed employment agreement
• Provide ID (passport or driving licence)
• Complete digital identity verification
• Receive a digital authorisation certificate to access secure RMI platforms

What Can Cause SERMI Access to Be Revoked?

SERMI compliance is ongoing. It can be withdrawn if:

• A technician shares login details or certificates
• Security-related services are misused (e.g. unauthorised programming)
• A business tampers with emission control systems
• DBS or audit results show misconduct or undeclared offences

Important: Accessing security information for personal use or for another garage is strictly prohibited and is considered misuse under the SERMI standard.

Customer Assurance: What We Verify Before Secure Work

To remain compliant, we at Bartlett Automotive are required to verify both vehicle and customer identity before performing any security-related repairs. Here’s what we check and record:

Vehicle Identity:

• Vehicle registration (V5) and visible VIN
• Registration number, model, make, mileage
• Registered keeper’s details
• Additional documents for lease/rental/fleet vehicles

Customer Identity:

• Passport, driver’s licence, or ID card
• Full name, address, ID number
• Company info (for fleet, lease, or rental vehicles)

All this information is securely stored in line with SERMI audit requirements.

Already Garage Safe Accredited? Transition Is Easier

If your business is already Garage Safe accredited, you’ve already met much of the SERMI criteria. You’ll still need to:

• Submit a full SERMI application
• Apply for technician authorisations (IO Employees)
• Provide DBS certificates and key declarations
• Complete identity verification

Let Bartlett Automotive Handle It the Right Way

With our SERMI certification, we can confidently assure you that your vehicle’s security systems will be handled:

✔ Legally
✔ Safely
✔ Competently
✔ In accordance with UK standards

Whether it’s a lost key, immobiliser issue, or a software update, we now have full, legitimate access to OEM systems — backed by regular audits and certification.

Contact us today to experience the peace of mind that comes with SERMI-certified service.

Need a Security-Related Repair? Speak to the SERMI-Approved Experts

Trust the team at Bartlett Automotive to handle your vehicle with the professionalism, care and authorisation it deserves.

Call us or book online to speak to one of our SERMI Approved Team Members.