I have just got half way through my dream of taking my caravan to Spain. I can barely afford the 2500 to register the car and caravan on Spanish plates. Now I am being told if I do not produce a European Conformity certificate I may have to pay 1500 more. This will mean one more year of no use stacking up parking costs.
I have a 2004 Avondale argente 550. Can any one tell me if this has European conformity and how I could obtain the documentation to satisfy the Spanish authorities?
Sorry, Avondale as a company no longer exist so it is impossible to get the certificate of conformity.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
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Avondale are still in business as a park-home operator but the touring side's long gone. This is however academic, European conformity will be through whole vehicle type approval which didn't kick-in until well after the failure of the factory. Thus you'll need to go through the local process. Also I've an inkling the Spanish no longer allow the permanent importation of right-hand drive cars.
Just read this interesting article, and it says you can.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Thank you so much for all the kind advice , my two year project has thus ground to a standstill if anyone has any advice on how perhaps I can get this process done in Spain for less than a thousand please get in touch ! Thanks folks xx
Thanks to all the people who have helped to date. I joyfully discovered I had a National Caravan Council that is from 2004. It does not specify the specific info for Chasis, tow hitch or braking system.
It does say that it is EN 1645 European compliant.
I have read some where that certain organisations can help get modern compliance papers if you have this certificate.
Thanks David, it’s not really a question of that. I had quite a tight budget and I took a new to me but used jeep and caravan to Spain where I live so it can’t really go back. I saved a good deal on the local value it’s just a shock after the 2500 matriculation to face another 1600 for Madrid independent inspection. Even if I have to pay it will still save me but I can’t afford to use this year which will be upsetting to dock for another year while I cobble together the fee for an inspection! Thanks though and have a good weekend
I have found out that even though my caravan has been discontinued the European papers can be obtained by the chasis manufacturer. In my case it was Alko. This whole situation was quite stressful and I hope if any one else finds them self in a similar situation they research the option of looking past who assembled the caravan and more towards who makes the components as the info can be found here. I found the Alko customer service first class. The emails were all returned fast with very positive tones and all the documents sent to me very rapidly allowing me to look forward to enjoying summer and not paying 1600 euros for a pile of papers! best wishes all