Euro emissions standards: Discover your vehicle’s EURO standard

The EURO standard is an environmental standard designed to limit polluting gas emissions from vehicles on the road in Europe. Since its introduction in 1992, 7 regulations have been introduced (Euro 1 to Euro 7). Even though the UK is no longer in the EU, EURO emissions standards remain significant to ensure continuity and facilitate trade. Manufacturers also produce vehicles to meet the highest standards in major markets such as the EU, so UK vehicles will often align with major market standards.

Whether you’re driving a personal car or a business vehicle, exhaust emissions from combustion vehicles (petrol and diesel engines) have an impact on air quality and generate atmospheric pollution. The EURO standard is a legislative measure introduced by the European Union to limit these emissions.

Definition: What is the Euro standard?

EU emission standards have been set to reduce the negative impact of pollutants emitted by internal combustion engine vehicles on the environment. They are an environmental standard set by the European Union (EU) defining a limit on harmful emissions in exhaust gases for new vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. These limits vary according to the type of vehicle, with other emission standards applying to passenger cars, lorries and coaches.

How can you find out your vehicle’s Euro standard?

The Euro standard is in section V9 of the vehicle registration certificate (carte grise). If the vehicle registration document does not specify the Euro standard, refer to the date of the vehicle’s initial registration (section B of the registration document). Refer to the 2 tables below for petrol and diesel vehicles.

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Table of EURO emission standards – Petrol cars

Exhaust emission values for passenger cars with petrol engines.

Table of EURO emission standards – Diesel car

Exhaust emission values for diesel-powered passenger cars.

From EURO 1 to EURO 7

Euro 1 emission standard

The EURO 1 emissions standard, implemented in 1992, applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs). It set emission limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Car manufacturers were required to equip new vehicles with catalytic converters to reduce emissions. Subsequently, more stringent standards were introduced.

Euro 2 emission standard

In 1997, the EURO 2 standard came into force. This standard followed on from EURO 1 and introduced stricter regulations on exhaust emissions. For the first time, EURO 2 introduces requirements for particulate matter (PM) emissions. The regulation also imposes tighter restrictions on diesel engines, to reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 65% compared with EURO 1 for this type of engine.

Euro 3 emission standard

The EURO 3 standard has been in force since 2001. It is the first text to define a different emission limit per fuel for petrol and diesel engines. The introduction of EURO 3 was another important step in reducing emissions and has influenced the development of engine technology and exhaust gas purification systems.

Euro 4 emission standard

EURO 4 came into force in 2006. This standard introduced even stricter carbon monoxide emission requirements than previous standards. However, it exempts vehicles with ignition engines (petrol) from particulate emission standards.

Euro 5 emission standard

The EURO 5 standard was introduced in 2009 but came into force in 2011. For diesel engines, permissible particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of five. Thanks to this standard, all new diesel cars have been fitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF).

Euro 6 emission standard

This is the current emissions standard, which was introduced in 2014. The EURO 6 standard underwent further changes in 2018 (Euro 6c), 2019 (Euro 6d Temp), and 2021 (Euro 6d). The Euro 6d Temp (interim standard) mainly concerns the change in the way tests are carried out – the preparation of cars by manufacturers for the new exhaust emissions measurement. In 2022, the ISC-FCM 6d standard comes into force.

Euro 7 emission standard

The introduction of the EURO 7 standard is currently scheduled for 2025 but could change depending on the progress of the European Commission’s work. In particular, it aims to reduce emissions from passenger cars by 37% and from trucks and buses by an average of 56% compared with the previous standard.

With each new emissions standard, emission limits are reduced, placing ever greater demands on car manufacturers and forcing them to constantly improve the technologies used in their vehicles.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with EU emission standards?

In the UK, vehicle emission standards and penalties are closely aligned with EU regulations, particularly in the context of CO2 emissions from new vehicles. Here is a detailed breakdown of the current standards and penalties:

• Cars: The emission limit for new cars is set at 95 g CO2/km
• Vans: The emission limit for new vans is set at 147 g CO2/km until 2024

At present, the manufacturer of a given model must pay a fine of €95 (£80) for each gram of CO2 above the standard on all cars sold. On the scale of a single group and all its sales, the fine can run into millions or even billions of euros.

Future proposed emissions targets

The European Commission is set to provide stricter emissions targets based on the is based on WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure):

• 2025-2029: The targets become stricter, with cars required to achieve 93.6 g CO2/km and vans 153.9 g CO2/km
• 2030-2034: Further reductions are mandated, with targets set at 49.5 g CO2/km for cars and 90.6 g CO2/km for vans
• 2035 onwards: Aiming for zero emissions, both cars and vans must achieve 0 g CO2/km

Emissions standards and fleet management

EU regulations on EURO emission standards mainly concern car manufacturers. However, fleet managers and owners need to keep the forthcoming changes in mind when planning investments in transport businesses.

With the Webfleet telematics solution, they can monitor the emissions of each vehicle (car, light commercial vehicle, lorry) in their fleet and reduce fuel consumption. Thanks to the OptiDrive reports, they can learn more about each driver’s driving style and guide them towards more economical driving or driving that is more fuel-efficient. Finally, the Webfleet telematics suite offers all the tools you need to electrify your fleet and replace combustion engines with electric vehicles.

How EURO Emission Standards affect the UK

The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is a crucial regulation driving the shift to zero-emission cars and vans, supporting the UK’s Net-Zero 2050 strategy. The UK ZEV mandate aligns with the Euro emissions standards by setting ambitious targets for the reduction of CO2 emissions from new vehicles. From January 2024, UK vehicle manufacturers must meet specific ZEV sales targets, starting at 22% for cars and 10% for vans. By 2035, these targets will increase to 100%, similar to the EU’s phased targets for reducing emissions. The UK also factors in alternative fuels, if they meet the 0 g CO2/km standard, aligning with the EU’s allowances for carbon-neutral fuels.

Additionally, certain Euro emissions standards are required to access Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in the UK. For ULEZ, petrol cars must meet Euro 4, and diesel cars must meet Euro 6 standards, with a daily charge of £12.50 for non-compliant vehicles. LEZ targets larger vehicles like HGVs and buses, requiring Euro VI standards for diesel engines, with daily charges of up to £300 for non-compliance. Penalties for not meeting these standards can be substantial, but discounts are available if paid within 14 days. 

By taking steps now to reduce CO2 emissions, companies with vehicle fleets can help reduce air pollution and contribute to more sustainable practices for the environment.