The identification number of the base vehicle (VIN) prescribed by Directive 76/114/EEC shall be retained during all the subsequent stages of the type-approval process to ensure the ‘traceability’ of the process.
However, at the final stage of completion, the manufacturer concerned by this stage may replace, in agreement with the approval authority, the first and second sections of the vehicle identification number by his own vehicle manufacturer code and the vehicle identification code if, and only if, the vehicle has to be registered under his own trade name. In such a case, the complete vehicle identification number of the base vehicle shall not be deleted.