International Legal Use & Compliance Notice

1 Introduction

Schaknat develops technologies that help enthusiasts and professionals calibrate vehicles with care and precision. Because the legal treatment of vehicle tuning differs widely between countries and regions, it is important to understand how those differences affect lawful use before installing or operating any Schaknat product. This notice explains the regulatory context, the responsibilities of users and installers, and Schaknat’s ongoing commitment to safety, environmental responsibility and transparency.

2 Scope of Application

This notice applies to all Schaknat hardware and software, including the Schaknat Dongle, the Schaknat App, related firmware, calibration files and accessories, as well as products distributed through authorized partners or integrators that incorporate Schaknat technology. It is intended for every market in which Schaknat products are offered or supported.

3 Definitions used in this notice

For clarity, off‑road means operation away from public roads where traffic laws do not apply. Competition means sanctioned racing or motorsport activities under the rules of a relevant governing body. Closed‑course means private tracks, proving grounds or controlled test facilities that are not open to public traffic. Public road means any road, street or highway open to general traffic under the laws of the jurisdiction. Certification or approval means a formal authorization by a competent authority that allows on‑road use under defined conditions in a specific jurisdiction.

4 Regulatory landscape at a glance

Vehicle modification and engine calibration may be subject to laws addressing emissions, type approval, noise, safety systems, registration and insurance. The applicable rules differ by jurisdiction. In the European Union, motor vehicles and many components are regulated under a type‑approval and market‑surveillance framework. In the United Kingdom, a domestic type‑approval scheme applies with the Vehicle Certification Agency as the approval authority. In the United States, emissions tampering prohibitions apply nationwide, and some states require part‑specific exemptions for road use. Other countries apply their own regimes, for example Australia’s Australian Design Rules, Canada’s federal on‑road vehicle and engine emission regulations, Japan’s MLIT vehicle compliance system and New Zealand’s low‑volume vehicle certification for certain modifications. These systems are frequently aligned with, or reference, United Nations vehicle regulations adopted under the WP.29 framework. The practical effect is that the same modification may be lawful in one place and restricted in another, and that lawful on‑road use often requires proof of compliance verified by an authority. UNECE+9EUR-Lex+9Legislation.gov.uk+9

5 Core compliance statement

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in official documentation for a specific market, Schaknat products are not designed, marketed or certified for compliance with any particular national or regional road‑use or emissions regulation. Installation or use may alter a vehicle’s emissions behavior, performance characteristics or type‑approval status and may affect registration, inspection or insurance outcomes under local law.

6 Intended use and temporary restrictions

Until relevant approvals or certifications are formally obtained, Schaknat products are intended only for uses that are permitted under local law outside of general public‑road operation. Typical lawful contexts, where permitted, include off‑road operation, sanctioned competition, closed‑course testing, research and development, educational use and demonstration in controlled environments. On‑road operation may be restricted or prohibited unless and until a competent authority confirms compliance for the specific vehicle configuration.

7 Responsibilities of owners, operators and installers

The owner, operator or installer is solely responsible for determining whether installation and use are lawful in the place of use. Before installation or operation, users should confirm whether local law requires a technical inspection, emissions testing, modification approval or documentation, and should understand any implications for registration, inspection and insurance. By purchasing, installing or using a Schaknat product, the user accepts full responsibility for legal compliance in their jurisdiction.

8 Use of the Schaknat App and digital calibrations

All functions performed through the Schaknat App, including reading, writing or adjusting calibrations, carry the same legal responsibilities as hardware installation. Users must not configure vehicles to defeat, bypass or render inoperative emission‑control devices, onboard diagnostics or readiness systems where such actions are prohibited by law. Users should retain records of installed calibrations and vehicle configurations where local authorities allow or require documentation. If a calibration is labeled as track, off‑road or competition, it must be used only in the contexts permitted by local law.

9 Safety, environmental responsibility and good practice

The Schaknat Dongle and App provide a secure interface for applying calibrations and performing diagnostics. Changes to engine control software can affect emissions, fuel consumption and other regulated parameters, and the direction and magnitude of such effects cannot be guaranteed without appropriate testing. Schaknat does not provide functions intended to bypass, disable, or otherwise defeat legally mandated emission-control, diagnostic, or readiness systems. Users must ensure that any applied calibrations comply with applicable local, regional and national laws and where required obtain emissions testing, inspection, or certification from competent authorities prior to on-road operation. Schaknat will cooperate with authorities and provide technical information on request, but legal responsibility for compliance and for obtaining any necessary approvals rests with the vehicle owner or operator.

10 Third‑party parts, software and integrations

Vehicle compliance is affected by the combination of components and software on the vehicle. If Schaknat products are used together with third‑party parts or calibrations, the user is responsible for verifying the combined configuration. Any compliance claim made by a third party applies only as stated by that third party and only within its stated scope. Schaknat does not make representations regarding the on‑road legality of combined configurations unless expressly documented for a specific market.

11 Representations regarding on‑road use

Schaknat and its authorized partners make no representation that any product or calibration is approved, certified or lawful for public‑road operation in any particular jurisdiction unless this is explicitly stated in official documentation or certification for that jurisdiction. The legal status of vehicle modifications is determined by competent authorities under local law.

12 Country and region specific notes for orientation

These notes are provided only as general orientation to help users understand why local verification is required. They are not exhaustive and do not replace advice from local authorities. In the European Union, modifications that affect emissions, noise or performance can impact the vehicle’s type‑approval status and may require individual inspection or authorization before road use. In the United Kingdom, domestic type‑approval applies and vehicle modifications affecting regulated systems may require inspection or approval to remain road legal. In the United States, federal law prohibits tampering with emission‑control devices and prohibits the manufacture, sale or installation of devices that defeat such controls for vehicles used on public roads, while California and some other states require part‑specific Executive Orders to show that a modification does not increase emissions. In Australia, ADRs set national standards for safety and emissions and on‑road use depends on compliance as supplied to market and, where applicable, state requirements for modifications. In Canada, federal regulations set emission standards for on‑road vehicles and engines and provinces may operate inspection programs that interact with those rules. In Japan, MLIT oversees type approval and in‑use compliance and unapproved modifications can affect lawful road registration. In New Zealand, certain modifications require Low Volume Vehicle certification to obtain or maintain a warrant of fitness. Users should always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before any on‑road operation. NZ Transport Agency+8EUR-Lex+8Legislation.gov.uk+8

13 Cooperation with authorities and certification efforts

Schaknat supports lawful use and cooperates with recognized test laboratories and competent authorities to pursue approvals or certifications that may enable on‑road use in selected markets. As certifications become available, product materials and in‑app notices will indicate the specific jurisdictions and configurations covered.

14 Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Schaknat, its affiliates, employees and distributors shall not be liable for losses, penalties or damages arising from installation or use of the products in a manner inconsistent with this notice or contrary to local law. This includes consequences such as failed inspections, loss of registration, enforcement actions or other outcomes attributable to unauthorized on‑road use.

15 Updates and access to the latest version

Because vehicle and emissions regulations evolve, this notice may be updated periodically. The most recent version is always available on the Schaknat Legal Blog under International Sales and Legal Use Disclaimer. Refer to that page for the current text rather than relying on copies.

16 Language

This page is provided in English for international readability. Translations may be provided for convenience. In case of any discrepancy, the English version should be used to interpret this notice unless local law requires otherwise.

17 Note on legal advice

This notice is for general information about lawful use and compliance responsibilities. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional or for guidance from competent authorities in the place of use.

18 Version control

Updated on 18 October 2025. Reference code ILU‑Schaknat‑Global‑v1‑2025‑10‑18.