Opening of an annual car technical inspection point in Bulgaria

Elan Consulting company is here to help you with all the questions and steps related to opening and licensing an annual technical inspection point (AGT) of cars in Bulgaria. Although the process may seem complicated, we are here to make it clear and easy to understand.

We often get questions from customers like: “How much does it cost to build a GTP post?” and “What is the profit from a GTP point?”. These questions are justified, since investments in the construction and equipment of such a checkpoint can vary significantly depending on the location and size of the checkpoint, as well as the necessary equipment and technologies. Also, the profit depends on the number of cars serviced and the correct management of the business.

Other frequently asked questions include “Selling a GTP Point” and “What are the new GTP requirements under Ordinance 32 for 2024?”. Customers want to know how to sell an already existing point or what changes in legislation may affect their business. Ordinance 32 is a key document that regulates the requirements for GTP points and should be monitored for updates.

We are also often asked about “GTP Training” and “What equipment is needed for GTP?”. Staff training is mandatory to ensure that all inspections are carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements. Equipment, such as brake benches, diagnostic instruments and other specialized tools, is also important for the successful operation of the checkpoint.

Other important topics include “Requirements for work at a GTP checkpoint”, “Chairman of an annual technical inspection committee under Ordinance 32" and “List of GTP checkpoints”. Our consultants can help you understand all regulatory requirements and guide you through the necessary steps to appoint qualified staff and a committee chair.

The procedure for obtaining a license for a GTP checkpoint includes the preparation and submission of various documents, as well as compliance with the requirements of Ordinance 32. The time to obtain a license may vary, but we will inform you of all deadlines and try to expedite the process.

Our services cover the whole of Bulgaria, including Sofia, Burgas, Pomorie, Karnobat, Sunny Beach, Aytos, Nessebar, Sozopol and Primorsko. No matter where you are, Elan Consulting is available to provide you with expert assistance and advice.

With this article you will learn everything you need to open a GTP point, including the procedures for obtaining a license, the necessary documents, the deadlines and the process of the complete implementation of this project. Looking at these topics will give you a clear idea of the steps you need to take and how Elan Consulting can support you every step of the way.

How is a license issued to carry out annual technical inspections of cars in Bulgaria?

The issuance of a license to carry out annual technical inspections (AGT) of cars in Bulgaria requires compliance with a number of legal requirements and procedures, which are detailed in various regulatory acts. The main regulated steps for issuing such a license include several important aspects.

First of all, the conditions laid down in Ordinance No H-32 of 16.12.2011 on the periodic inspections for checking the technical condition of road vehicles (PPS) must be met. Pursuant to Article 1, paragraph 2 of this Ordinance, the conditions and procedure for issuing a permit for periodic inspections of PPS shall be determined. The necessary documents include an application for issuing a license, which must be submitted to the relevant regional directorate of the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration”.

According to Art. 4, para. 1 of Ordinance No. H-32, inspections are carried out at control and technical points that meet the requirements of the Regulation. These points are divided into five categories, depending on the type of vehicles to be inspected. For each type of station, certain equipment is required, including brake stands, gas analyzers and other means of measurement, which must be approved and verified in accordance with the procedure of the Law on Measurements (Art. 9, para. 3).

In order to obtain a license, the applicant must provide a room for conducting the examinations, which will meet certain requirements for dimensions and equipment specified in Art. 6 and Art. 7 of the Ordinance. For example, screening lines should be passable, with free and safe passage of PPE, and screening channels for PPE should be illuminated and secured.

In addition to the physical conditions, the requirements for the personnel are also essential. According to Art. 12, reviews are carried out by a commission consisting of a chairman and at least one technical specialist. Art. 13, para. 1 specifies that the technical specialist must have completed secondary or higher education in the relevant specialty, be a competent driver of a vehicle and have a certificate of additional training for conducting periodic examinations.

According to Art. 16, para. 1, in order to issue a permit, it is necessary for the applicant to be a legal entity or sole trader registered under the Commercial Act and to have its own or hired technical checkpoint that meets the requirements of the Ordinance. In addition, the person must not have been convicted of crimes of a general nature.

The procedure also includes an on-site inspection by representatives of the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” to establish whether all requirements are met. If all conditions are met, a permit is issued for periodic inspections of PPS, which is valid for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal subject to the conditions under Art. 17.

The person who receives the permit is obliged to comply with all requirements for the roadworthiness and safety of vehicles, as well as to maintain equipment and personnel in accordance with regulatory requirements. Any violation may result in the withdrawal of the permit in accordance with Art. 22.

What are the requirements for the education and experience of the staff at the technical inspection post, as well as its manager?

First, the technical specialists who carry out the examinations must meet specific education and qualification requirements. According to Art. 13, para. 1 of Ordinance No. H-32 of 16.12.2011, the technical specialist must have completed secondary or higher education with a specialty related to automotive engineering or mechanics. In particular, specialties can be, for example, “Automotive engineering”, “Internal combustion engines” and the like. In addition to education, a specialist must have a certificate of additional training for conducting examinations, which is issued after successful completion of a specialized course.

According to the same article, the technical specialist must also have the legal capacity to drive a motor vehicle of category “B”. This requirement is important, since the specialist must have practical experience and understanding of the management of the cars that he will examine.

In addition to education, a specialist must have at least three years of professional experience in the specialty related to automotive engineering or mechanics (Art. 13, para. 1, item 2). 6). This experience is necessary to provide the practical knowledge and skills that are critical to the quality performance of the examinations.

Another important aspect is the certificate of health of specialists. They must be physically and mentally fit to perform the examinations, which is certified by a document issued by licensed medical institutions.

The GTP station manager must also meet specific requirements. According to Art. 13, para. 4, the manager must be a technical specialist who meets all the specified requirements for education and internship. This means that the manager must have completed relevant education, a certificate of additional training and at least three years of professional experience in the field.

In addition to these requirements, the manager must have a good reputation and not be convicted of crimes of a general nature. This is certified by a document issued by the relevant authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Art. 13, para. 1, item. 3).

The manager must also be entered in the register of the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” as meeting the requirements for the management of a checkpoint. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and the proper functioning of the checkpoint, as well as maintaining high standards of service and safety.

To ensure continuous high quality of services, the manager and staff must undergo regular trainings and updates of their knowledge, especially with changes in the regulatory base and technical standards.

The Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” carries out periodic checks on the qualifications and skills of the staff and managers of the GTP points to ensure that they meet all legal requirements and are able to carry out the examinations competently and responsibly.

What are the requirements for the room in which the technical inspections will be carried out, as well as to the equipment?

The requirements for the room in which the annual technical inspections (GTP) of cars will be carried out, as well as for the necessary equipment, are regulated in detail in Ordinance No H-32 of 16.12.2011. These requirements are essential to ensure the accuracy, safety and effectiveness of the examinations.

First of all, the room for carrying out technical inspections must be closed and passable, ensuring the free and safe passage of road vehicles (TSOs). According to Art. 6, para. 1, the room must have a separate line or lines for carrying out the periodic inspections of the PPS. It is also important to ensure the necessary approach to and exit from the line.

The dimensions of the lines for carrying out the periodic inspections are regulated in Art. 7. For example, for inspections of vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1 and O2, the line must have a length of not less than 10 meters, a width of not less than 4 meters and a height above the line in the room not less than 2.8 meters for lines with a channel, or not less than 4 meters for lines with a stationary lift.

The PPS inspection channel shall be illuminated and secured with safety flanges. According to Art. 8, para. 3, for inspection of vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1 and O2, the channel must have a length of not less than 5 meters, a width of not less than 0.85 meters and a depth of not less than 1.6 meters. These dimensions may vary for other categories of vehicles, but it is important to comply with the minimum requirements.

In addition to the physical requirements for the room, there are also requirements for the equipment that must be available at the checkpoint. According to Art. 9, para. 1, the line for checking the technical condition of the PPS must be equipped with various technical means. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Bench for measuring the braking forces of the PPS.
• Gas analyzer for measuring exhaust emissions.
• Apparatus for checking headlight adjustment.
• A set of universal assembly tools.
• Apparatus for checking the depth of the tread pattern on the tires.
• Removable lamp or flashlight.
• Utensil for illuminating the factory number of the frame and engine in hard-to-reach places.
• Smoke meter for measuring the smoke of exhaust gases.
• Device for connecting to the vehicle's electronic interface for reading the OBD system.

In Article 11, paragraph 1, it is required at the checkpoint to have a computerized system for managing the operation of measuring devices and an information system for electronic registration of the carried out periodic inspections of PPS. This system must ensure a secure connection to the measuring equipment and be protected from unauthorised interference by providing the possibility of transmitting the measurement results electronically to the information system.

In addition, Article 6 (2) requires that the premises for carrying out the periodic inspections of PPAs and ADR examinations and inspections shall be closed and passable, with separate lines for examinations and inspections. The lines must be numbered in ascending order, placing a sign with the corresponding number in a prominent place.

For checkpoints where inspections of larger vehicles such as buses and trucks (categories M2, M3, N2 and N3) are carried out, additional equipment is required, including wheel free travel detectors and calipers for checking wear in the locking device of the saddle device of saddle tractors (Art. 9, and. 3).

In order for the station to be fully equipped and ready for technical inspections, all technical devices must be of an approved type according to the procedure of the Law on Measurements and have passed the necessary initial or subsequent checks (Art. 9, para. 7).

Also, the point must have a system for storing documents and computer equipment for the work of the commission (Art. 5, para. 2). This includes premises for storing documents, measuring instruments and computer equipment necessary for recording and managing examinations.

“Elan Consulting” can provide you with assistance in fulfilling all these requirements, including advice on the selection of suitable premises, equipment and preparation of the necessary documentation for obtaining a license to perform GTP.

Which persons can carry out technical inspections and what are the requirements for them?

Technical inspections of road vehicles in Bulgaria may be carried out only by persons who meet strictly defined requirements regulated in Ordinance No. H-32 of 16.12.2011. These requirements have been put in place to ensure that inspections are carried out by competent and qualified professionals who can ensure the safety and technical condition of the vehicles.

First, technical inspections are carried out by a commission, which consists of a chairman and at least one technical specialist. According to Art. 12, para. 1 of Ordinance No. H-32, the chairman of the commission may be any technical specialist who meets the requirements of Art. 13, para. 3. This means that the chairman must have the appropriate educational qualifications, work experience and legal capacity.

The technical specialists who carry out the examinations must meet the following requirements:

1. Education:
   • Secondary education with a specialty related to automotive engineering or mechanics, or higher education with the corresponding specialty (art. 13, para. 1, item 1). Specialties may include “Automotive Engineering”, “Internal Combustion Engines” and the like.
2. Additional training:
   • Specialists must have a certificate of additional training to carry out periodic examinations and inspections of PPE. This certificate is issued upon completion of a specialized training course (Art. 13, para. 1, item 2). 5).
3. Professional experience:
   • At least three years of professional experience in the specialty of the completed secondary or higher education (Art. 13, para. 1, item. 6). This experience is necessary to provide practical knowledge and skills to carry out the examinations.
4. Legal capacity:
   • Technical specialists must be competent drivers of a motor vehicle of category “B” (art. 13, para. 1, item 2). 2).
5. Lack of criminal record:
   • They should not have been convicted of crimes of a general nature, which is certified by a document from the relevant authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Art. 13, para. 1, para. 3).
6. State of health:
   • Specialists must be physically and mentally fit to carry out the examinations, which is certified by a medical certificate (Art. 13, para. 1, item 2). 4).

In addition to technical specialists, persons wishing to carry out ADR inspections (examinations and checks to establish the suitability of vehicles with which dangerous goods are carried out) must meet additional requirements described in Art. 13 para. 2. These include the possession of a certificate of completed training for working with dangerous goods and relevant professional experience.

The GTP station manager must also meet specific requirements. He must be a technical specialist who meets all the stated requirements for education and internship. This means that the manager must have completed relevant education, a certificate of additional training and at least three years of professional experience in the field (Art. 13, para. 4).

The manager must also be entered in the register of the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” as meeting the requirements for the management of a checkpoint. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and the proper functioning of the checkpoint, as well as maintaining high standards of service and safety.

The commission carrying out the checks must be identified in the information system of the checkpoint (Art. 11, para. 3). This system provides transparency and the ability to track all examinations carried out, including data on the specialists who performed them.

Also, technical specialists may not participate in inspections of vehicles that are their property or the property of related persons, as well as vehicles, in the maintenance and repair of which they participated (Art. 12, para. 6).

To ensure continuous high quality of services, technical specialists must regularly undergo training and updates of their knowledge, especially with changes in the regulatory base and technical standards.

What are the necessary documents for issuing a license?

First of all, the issuance of a license for carrying out annual technical inspections (AGRs) of cars in Bulgaria requires the submission of an application for the issuance of a permit for periodic roadworthiness tests, which must be submitted by a legal entity or sole trader registered under the Commercial Law. This application must contain information about the applicant and the specific point that will conduct the examinations.

A copy of the company registration document under the Commercial Law must be attached to the application. This is necessary to certify the legal status of the applicant.

Also, a document certifying the ownership or rental right to the room in which the examinations will be carried out must be attached. This may be a notarial deed of ownership or a lease agreement. It is important that the room meets the requirements of Ordinance No H-32 of 16.12.2011, such as enclosure, dimensions and equipment.

A technical design of the room should be provided, which includes the location of equipment, technical lines and measuring facilities. This project must be prepared by a qualified specialist and meet the requirements specified in Art. 6 and Art. 7 of Ordinance No H-32.

A document on a paid state fee is also required, the amount varies depending on the type and category of the examination point. This document certifies that the applicant has paid the relevant fee for examining the application and issuing the permit.

It is also necessary to present a list of the equipment that will be used at the checkpoint. This includes technical devices such as brake stands, gas analyzers and other measuring instruments, which must be approved and verified in accordance with the procedure of the Law on Measurements (Art. 9, para. 3).

The list of personnel who will carry out the examinations is also important. Technical specialists must meet the requirements for education and qualification specified in Art. 13, para. 1 of Ordinance No H-32. Copies of the documents on education and qualifications of each specialist should be attached to the list.

Technical specialists must have a certificate of additional training to carry out periodic inspections and inspections of PPE. This certificate is issued after passing a specialized training course.

It is also necessary to present certificates of conformity of equipment, which certify that all technical devices comply with regulatory requirements and have passed the necessary checks and approvals.

To prove the professional reputation of the applicant, a certificate is required that the person has not been convicted of crimes of a general nature. This is confirmed by a document from the relevant bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

A document on the state of health of the technical specialists is also required, certifying that they are physically and mentally fit to carry out the examinations. This document is issued by licensed medical institutions.

After the submission of all these documents, the Executive Agency “Automobile Administration” conducts an on-site inspection to make sure that all conditions are met and that the point meets the requirements. If everything is in order, a permit is issued to carry out periodic examinations of PPE, which is valid for a period of five years.

Opening of a point for annual technical inspections and accounting services by Elan Consulting

“Elan Consulting” offers comprehensive support and consulting for licensing and management of the accounting at an annual technical inspection point (AGM) in Bulgaria. Our services cover all stages of the process, from preparing documents to maintaining financial reporting, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met and your business functions efficiently and legally.

The first stage of our assistance includes consultation and assistance in the preparation of the necessary documents for issuing a license. This includes an application for a permit, documents for registration of the company, a technical design of the premises, a list of equipment and certificates of qualification of personnel. Our experts will guide you to all the necessary documents and ensure their correctness and completeness to ensure the successful submission of the application.

In addition, “Elan Consulting” offers assistance in the implementation of technical requirements for the premises and equipment of the GTP point. We will advise you on the necessary technical means, such as brake stands, gas analyzers and other measuring instruments, which must be approved and verified in accordance with the Law on Measurements. Our specialists will help you choose the most suitable equipment and ensure its compliance with regulatory requirements.

We will also assist you in hiring and training qualified personnel for your GTP station. This includes assistance in the selection of technical specialists with the necessary education and professional experience, as well as the organization of additional trainings to carry out inspections and inspections of PPE. We will ensure that your staff meets all legal requirements and is well prepared to carry out the technical inspections.

In addition to issuing a license, Elan Consulting also offers full accounting support for your GTP point. We will ensure the maintenance of accurate and timely financial reporting, which includes the processing of invoices, payments and tax liabilities. Our accountants will help you optimize financial processes and reduce costs, while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

We also offer tax consulting and tax optimization to help you minimize your tax liabilities and increase your profits. Our experts will keep you informed of all current tax laws and guide you to the most effective tax management strategies.

Elan Consulting also provides legal support, including the preparation of contracts and documents related to the management of the GTP point. We will help you understand and comply with all legal requirements related to the operation of your business and provide you with the necessary legal protection.

We also offer continuous monitoring and updating of the regulatory framework related to technical inspections to ensure that your GTP point always meets the latest requirements. Our experts will inform you of any changes in the legislation and help you adapt your processes and procedures accordingly.