GOST-R APPROVAL FOR FIRST LINE

Russian Certification Aids European Expansion Plans

First Line, which alongside its many other product groups is the UK’s largest aftermarket supplier of steering & suspension components is raising the bar yet again by adding the Russian GOST-R approval to their matching original equipment products.

GOST-R certification is a pre-requisite for businesses wishing to supply into Russia because the approval is required for each product intended for the market to allow it to be given clearance to cross the Russian border.

The GOST-R certificate indicates that the product complies with Russian standards and is required for each individual part number rather than for a products group such as braking or a specific product range like brake discs.

Commenting on the approval procedure, Dan Joyner, First Line’s managing director said: “Although the process to gain the GOST-R approval can be quite protracted, particularly for a company like First Line as we have such a large portfolio of products and part numbers, it significantly adds to the reputation of the products as they each have to reach the Russian standards on their individual merits.

“Although we had no choice in the decision to apply for GOST-R approval because Russia is one of our key target overseas markets, we will not differentiate between individual countries when it comes to packaging, so we’ll use the GOST-R logo on all of our packaging because of the universal credibility the approval provides. It is also required in markets that are associated with Russia, so although they are yet to fully develop, GOST-R approval automatically provides us access to Kazakhstan, Belarus and Tajikistan as well.

The GOST-R approval forms part of First Line’s ambition to grow its export sales, which also includes its appearance at Automechanika aftermarket trade fairs in Russia in August and Frankfurt in September.

For more information call the First Line sales team on: 01869 248484 or visit: www.firstline.co.uk

ENDS