Safety First: We’re Nearly There!
At Jerba Campervans, safety has always been our top priority – and today we’re excited to share a major update. After more than 12 months of work and a significant investment, we are just weeks away from achieving Full M1 Vehicle Type Approval for our most popular campervan conversions on both the Ford Transit Custom and the VW Transporter T7.
This puts Jerba Campervans in a very small group of UK campervan converters who have gone through this rigorous process – an achievement we’re proud of and one that directly benefits every Jerba Campervan owner.
Jerba Campervans is already a proud Volkswagen Motorhome Qualified Converter, but gaining M1 Vehicle Type Approval will also make us part of the Ford Pro Converter Program. This means Jerba Campervans will become the only company in Scotland to hold both of these prestigious accreditations – and one of just five companies UK-wide to achieve this level of safety and manufacturer recognition.
What is M1 Vehicle Type Approval?
M1 Vehicle Type Approval is the highest level of safety certification for passenger vehicles in the UK. Overseen by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), it involves:
Crash simulation testing of all belted travel seats and mounts
Detailed inspection of payload and weight distribution
Checks on exterior projections, heating system installations, electronic control systems, and more
Annual reassessment to maintain compliance
In short, M1 Vehicle Type Approval is the gold standard for ensuring your converted campervan is every bit as safe to drive as the day it rolled off the production line. Our team has worked tirelessly alongside Ford’s in-house engineers, going through every last detail, and we’re incredibly proud to have reached this milestone.
M1 Type Approval vs IVA: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | M1 Vehicle Type Approval (SSTA) | IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) |
|---|---|---|
| Crash Testing | Physical crash simulation tests on seat mounts and travel seats | No crash testing – visual inspection only |
| Inspection Thoroughness | Full review of weight distribution, electric control systems, projections, heating installations | Visual inspection of fittings – no destructive tests |
| Company Quality Systems Required | ISO 9001 or equivalent mandatory | No requirement |
| Reassessment of manufacturer | Annual inspection to maintain compliance | One-off inspection per van |
| Safety Standard | Highest available in UK & Europe | Minimum legal standard |
Why It Matters for You
Our investment in Full Type Approval means:
Independent crash-tested safety – every travel seat is as safe as the front seats installed in the Ford and Volkswagen factory
Peace of mind – your van is tested to the highest standards
The approval process includes “Conformity of Production (CoP),“ which ensures that all subsequent vehicles produced follow the same approved design, ensuring consistency and quality.
This upcoming M1 Vehicle Type Approval isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s about giving every Jerba Campervans owner total confidence that their campervan is built to the highest safety standards.
Becoming part of the Ford Pro Converter Program and already holding the title of Volkswagen Motorhome Qualified Converter makes Jerba Campervans the only company in Scotland with these accolades – and one of just five companies across the entire UK.
It’s a rare combination of manufacturer trust and engineering integrity, and it means you can explore the world knowing your campervan meets the strictest safety standards in the industry.
What’s Next?
We expect to receive Full M1 Vehicle Type Approval within the next few weeks, just in time to showcase our Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter T7 conversions at the NEC 2025 Motorhome & Caravan Show 2025 on 14th October.
Come and see them in person in Hall 11 stand 55 and talk to our team about why safety is so central to what we do.
Watch How It Works
Curious about what goes into this process? Check out our video on Type Approval testing we recorded 4 years ago here:
Have a more detailed look at our crash testing and pull testings process in our blog from achieving Full type approval on the VW T6
Explore the Range
Take a look at our latest Ford Transit Custom and VW Transporter T7 campervan layouts – and see for yourself why Jerba Camper vans is leading the way in campervan safety.
🔗 Explore Ford Transit Custom & VW Transporter T7 Conversions
