No, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke. SERMI is pleased to announce that the SERMI scheme will be officially introduced in the United Kingdom from 1 April 2026. This represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to making secure access to anti-theft related repair and maintenance information simpler, safer, and more efficient for independent operators.
Although participation in the SERMI scheme is not mandated by UK law, several leading vehicle manufacturers have chosen to adopt SERMI as their trusted authorisation framework. By doing so, they aim to provide Independent Operators with a single, standardised SERMI certificate that enables access across multiple vehicle brands.
This unified approach significantly reduces administrative burdens while ensuring a consistent, high-security process for accessing security-related vehicle information. The first vehicle manufacturers to transition to the SERMI framework in the UK will include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, and Toyota, with additional brands expected to follow as the scheme becomes established.
SERMI extends its appreciation to industry partners and stakeholders whose collaboration has made this important step possible. We look forward to supporting a smooth and effective rollout of the SERMI scheme in the United Kingdom.
What UK Independent Operators Need to Do
UK Independent Operators are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the SERMI scheme and begin preparing for certification ahead of the April 2026 launch. Early preparation will help ensure uninterrupted access to security-related vehicle information as manufacturers transition to the SERMI framework.
To find out more about what SERMI means for your garage and how to prepare, read this complete guide for independent workshops: What Is SERMI UK? A Complete Guide for Independent Garages a helpful resource explaining the scheme, its impact, and how to apply.