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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about access, responsibilities, and how Biner Data works between the parties.
RMI requirements and access
Find answers about repair and maintenance information, manufacturer obligations and access for independent operators. Biner Data supports RMI today. EU Data Act and Battery Passport support are coming soon.
- What is RMI?
- RMI means repair and maintenance information: the technical information needed to diagnose, service and repair a vehicle. It includes repair instructions, diagnostic information and information needed to use relevant tools and equipment.
- What does Article 61 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 require?
- Article 61 requires manufacturers to give independent operators unrestricted, standardised and non-discriminatory access to vehicle diagnostics, repair and maintenance information, and relevant tools and software. Annex X sets out the technical requirements for that access. Security-related information is subject to specific approval and authorisation procedures.
- What is SERMI?
- SERMI is the European scheme for approving independent operators and authorising their employees to access security-related repair and maintenance information. It covers information used for vehicle security functions, such as keys and immobilisers. It does not replace access to general RMI.
- How can an independent repairer access RMI for several brands?
- Through Biner Data, an independent repairer can register, complete organisation verification and request RMI from participating manufacturers. Organisation verification is completed once, but each manufacturer reviews the request for its data. Pricing is visible only after registration.
- How does a new OEM entering Europe meet RMI requirements?
- A vehicle manufacturer entering Europe must meet the applicable RMI access requirements in Regulation (EU) 2018/858, including Article 61 and Annex X. This includes providing independent operators with the required information and maintaining access as that information changes. Biner Data supports the operational work, while the manufacturer remains responsible for its obligations.
For Data Providers
- Do we lose control of our data if we use Biner Data?
- No. You remain the data provider at all times. Biner Data operates the platform and the administration around your data. We do not own, commercialise, or access your data for our own purposes. You define which datasets are published, who can access them, and on what terms. No data recipient accesses your data until you have explicitly approved them.
- How do you make sure only legitimate companies can access our data?
- Every company requesting access goes through a structured verification before access is granted. Biner Data pre-screens automatically: VAT validation, sanctions checks, and business activity verification. Then you review and approve or reject the data recipient. No access is granted until both steps are complete. You retain full approval rights at all times.
- Can we control which data fields or datasets are shared externally?
- Yes. You have granular control over what is published in the Catalogue. You decide which datasets are available, which fields are included, and which are withheld. This reflects the trade secret protections in the EU Data Act. The platform does not force you to expose any data you consider commercially sensitive.
- How does the platform ensure our pricing is fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory?
- You set the pricing. The platform ensures it is applied consistently: the same data recipient category receives the same terms. Tiered pricing is supported where different data recipient types have different rates, provided those tiers are consistently defined and documented. Both subscription and usage-based pricing options are available.
- If a new brand joins the platform, do data recipients automatically get access to their data?
- No. When a new brand joins, its data is available in the Catalogue, but data recipients must apply specifically for access. Each data provider operates its own approval workflow. Being approved by one OEM does not grant access to another. Existing data recipients are notified of new availability and can apply, but access requires the new provider's explicit approval.
- We already have RMI obligations. Does this replace or sit alongside those?
- Today the platform handles RMI. EU Data Act support is on our roadmap and will run alongside RMI, with its own workflows and access controls. RMI under Regulation 2018/858 covers repair and maintenance information for independent operators. The EU Data Act covers broader access to connected vehicle data. These are separate legal tracks.
- Are you a data processor, a data intermediary, or something else?
- Biner Data operates as the data intermediary providing secure infrastructure that facilitates data sharing between data providers and third parties. We are aligned with the EU Data Governance Act intermediary framework: we do not use data for our own commercial purposes and maintain clear separation between our role and the roles of data providers and data recipients. We do not compete with you.
- What prevents unauthorised access to data?
- Access is only granted after full approval: both automated pre-screening and the data provider's explicit sign-off. The platform then enforces API gateway-level authentication, API key management, and role-based access controls. Data recipients can only access datasets they are explicitly subscribed to. All access events are logged and auditable.
- How do payments and invoicing work?
- Billing runs through Stripe Connect. When a data recipient pays, the payment goes directly into the OEM's own Stripe account. Biner Data supports subscription and usage-based pricing, with billing and invoicing handled through the platform. Stripe also manages automated invoicing and tax reporting. Your revenue lands in your account, not ours.
- If a breach occurs or data is misused, who is liable?
- The contractual framework is clear on role separation. Biner Data is responsible for the security and integrity of the platform infrastructure. You, as data provider, are responsible for the lawfulness of the data you publish and the access terms you set. Data recipients are responsible for their use within agreed terms. In the event of a platform-level incident, Biner Data has incident response procedures and will notify affected parties promptly.
For Data Recipients
- What API documentation is available?
- Full API documentation is provided after registration, including endpoint specifications, authentication guides, request and response formats, rate limits, and code examples. All APIs follow a standardised format regardless of the data provider.
- How do RMI and Data Act access work in parallel?
- Today the platform handles RMI access. EU Data Act access is on our roadmap and will run as a separate track on the same platform. RMI under Regulation 2018/858 covers repair and maintenance information for independent operators. The EU Data Act covers broader access to connected vehicle data.
- What happens if I need data from a brand that is not yet on the platform?
- Which brands are available is shown in the catalogue after registration. If you need data from a specific manufacturer, let us know. Biner Data actively onboards new data providers and can prioritise brands based on data recipient demand. In the meantime, you can access all currently participating brands through your existing registration.
- What accreditations do I need to access the platform?
- It depends on the data type. General RMI access requires standard business verification. Security-related RMI, such as key programming and immobiliser data, requires SERMI accreditation. The registration process guides you through exactly what is needed based on the data types you request. Biner Data handles the verification workflow.
- Can I see the data Catalogue before I register?
- Yes. The Catalogue is visible to all visitors, showing available data types, brands, and delivery methods. Pricing is visible only after registration. You can browse the full Catalogue without committing to a purchase.
- As a data recipient, how is data priced on the platform?
- Each data provider sets its own pricing. The platform enforces FRAND principles, meaning fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms, so the same data recipient category receives the same terms. Pricing is visible only after registration. Both subscription and usage-based options are available depending on the data type and provider.
- Do I need to integrate separately with each brand?
- No. The platform provides one standardised API format across all participating manufacturers. You integrate once and gain access to every brand you are approved for. Contracts, billing, and technical access all run through one relationship. When a new brand joins the platform, you can apply for its data without any additional integration work. Approval is still required per data provider.
- If a new brand joins the platform, do I automatically get access to its data?
- No. When a new brand joins, its data appears in the Catalogue and you will be notified if relevant to your subscription. You can apply for access, but each data provider operates its own approval workflow. Being approved by one manufacturer does not grant access to another. This protects both you and the data holders.
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