VDA Small Load Carrier System (KLT)

according to VDA 4500 / 4504

The share of logistics processes in the creation of value in the automotive industry has been increasing for years. Global markets, long supply chains, best country sourcing are just a few of the factors that pose a challenge for logistics in the automotive industry. In the logistics department, car manufacturers, suppliers and service providers work together on concepts to make these processes transparent, efficient and cost-effective.

Modern logistics networks must bring together local supplies and global supply in an optimal way. They must be able to respond flexibly to fluctuations in demand and to geographic and political risks. At the same time, the costs must always be under control. Therefore, the permanent improvement of the logistics processes is of great importance. Most importantly, the flow of information between manufacturers, suppliers and logistics service providers must be optimized. In order to put this into practice, the VDA strives to further harmonize interfaces over which data is transmitted. Another focus of the VDA logistics are systems that can be used to digitally monitor supply chains. In addition, global recommendations were developed in collaboration with international partner organizations.

The quality assurance system with its approval and monitoring procedures forms the basis for the identification and labeling of the KLT systems. The procedure for approving and monitoring the manufacturers as well as the entire procedure all the way to the granting of approval are specified and described in document VDA Recommendation 4500 / 4504.

DIN CERTCO is the certification body authorized through contract by the VDA Verband der Automobilindustrie (German Association of the Automotive Industry). DIN CERTCO is therefore authorized to perform the certification and external monitoring in accordance with VDA Recommendation 4500 / 4504.

To participate in the VDA quality assurance system, the steps below must be followed:

• Registration: Written application for the approval process for the production and distribution of VDA KLT system elements and retrieval of the current drawings. This application must list the company's own tool numbers.
• Tool production: The necessary tools are the property of the KLT manufacturers.
• Production of the VDA KLT system elements (initial samples): The VDA KLT system elements must be manufactured in accordance with the VDA Recommendation. Changes to drawings and tolerances may only be made with the written content of VDA CoC Packaging . Every certified manufacturer is under obligation to deliver VDA KLT system elements only with the specified dimensions and tolerances.
• Submission to an approved testing institute: The KLT manufacturer provides an approved testing institute with a sufficient number of VDA KLT system elements for testing, places an order for testing and bears the costs of the tests. A list of approved testing institutes can be found in the appendix to VDA Recommendation 4500 / 4504 .
• Preparation of the test report: The selected testing institute prepares the test report in accordance with the test regulations specified in the VDA-Recommendation. The test report documents all measured values. It will be sent to the KLT manufacturer.
• Issue of approval number by DIN CERTCO: After receipt of the test reports confirming the successful completion of the tests in accordance with VDA 4500 / 4504 at DIN CERTCO, DIN CERTCO awards an approval number for each tool, usually within 4 weeks. For each follow-on tool, the approval process must be completed again and a new approval number must be requested. The KLT manufacturer lists the VDA approval number in his tool. To ensure the quality and functionality of the system, system users may only use products labeled "VDA approval number" and "VDA".
• Annual statement on production figures: By January 31 of the following year, the VDA KLT system element manufacturers must inform the VDA GS Logistics department unsolicited about the production figures of the VDA KLT system elements according to VDA Recommendation 4500 / 4504 with the VDA approval number of the past year, and about the current world-wide production locations.

The VDA KLT systems will be certified once they have been found to comply with VDA Recommendation 4500 / 4504 and after a successful on-site audit. The company applying for a certification will be informed by DIN CERTCO in writing about its approval as a VDA KLT system element manufacturer or about the expansion of the approved products, if applicable. Upon a positive evaluation result, DIN CERTCO issues a certificate, which is valid for 6 years. The certificate authorizes the certificate holder to label the VDA KLT systems with the official "VDA approval number" and "VDA".

All certificate holders are listed in a public list, which is available free of charge at any time on our homepage under "Certificate Holder".

The certification is conducted in accordance with the VDA KLT system certification program and is based on the requirements specified in VDA Recommendation 4500 / 4504. The Recommendation includes specifications i.a. for the following requirements:

• System design and abbreviations
• Materials
• Colour
• Nominal dimensions
• Capacity
• Weight
• Filling weight
• Top load
• Marking and identification
• Modular design
• Handling and securing of loading units
• Use and maintenance
• Fire safety
• Transmission of information to the VDA with regard to the annual statement on production figures
• In-process quality assurance
• Technical tests

Upon a positive evaluation result, DIN CERTCO issues a certificate, which is valid for 6 years. The certificate authorizes the certificate holder to label the VDA KLT systems with the official "VDA approval number" and "VDA". External monitoring ensures that also after the initial certification the strict quality requirements are being met.

All certificate holders are listed in a public list, which is available free of charge at any time on our homepage under "Certificate Holder".

• VDA drawings
• VDA-Recommendation KLT Systems 4500
• VDA-Recommendation KLT Systems 4504