In many countries the model of Diploma Supplement developed at European level has been slightly adapted for better use in the national contexts.

It should also apply to agreements for the licensing of non-patented technical information such as descriptions of manufacturing processes, recipes, formulae, designs or drawings, commonly termed 'know-how` ('pure` know-how licensing agreements), and to combined patent and know-how licensing agreements ('mixed` agreements), which are playing an increasingly important role in the transfer of technology.

A type of device is defined by the model and descriptive documents lodged at the time of application for EEC component type-approval.

The competent authorities of the Member State to which the application for type approval has been submitted shall, in respect of each type of recording equipment or model record sheet which they approve or refuse to approve, either send within one month to the authorities of the other Member States a copy of the approval certificate accompanied by copies of the relevant specifications, or, if such is the case, notify those authorities that approval has been refused; in cases of refusal they shall communicate the reasons for their decision.