IVA Emission test dates

[peterux]

Hi all,
I have a question about the IVA emission tests.
In the testing flow charts in section Metered Emmisions 02B it talks about the "Vehicle effective date".
Does anyone know if this is the date of manufacture or the date of first registration?
I'm looking at buying a donor that was first registered on the 23rd August 1995 so it must surely have been manufactured before 31 July 1995 but which date do VOSA use?
If I can get a birth certificate from BMW for the engine from the engine number would it be reasonable to assume it will be prior to the 31 July 1995 cut off date for a CAT test??

Your thoughts and experience is appreciated

thanks.......peter