Understanding Euro 7 and implications for tyres

Euro 7 is a new EU regulation introducing stricter standards that cover not only exhaust emissions but also brake and tyre particle emissions.

Why it matters?

Particles from brakes and tyres are one of the largest sources of microplastics and toxic dust in the air, water, and soil. Euro 7 aims to reduce these pollutants and make vehicles cleaner.

All new models of passenger cars and vans (M1/N1) within the EU must comply with Euro 7. From 29 November 2026, the regulation will apply to all new type approvals of M1/N1 vehicles.

From 29 November 2027, it will cover every new M1/N1 vehicle placed on the EU market. Key Dates:

Vehicle Emissions (Type Approval & Market Introduction):

From 29 November 2026: All new type approvals for M1/N1 vehicles must comply with Euro 7 — including measurement of tire abrasion (limits not yet enforced).
From 29 November 2027: Compliance becomes mandatory for all new M1/N1 vehicles placed on the EU market.

Tire Abrasion Limits Enforcement:

From 1 July 2028: Type-approval requirement for C1 (passenger car) tires; from 1 July 2030, non-compliant C1 tires banned from the market (sales allowed until 30 June 2032).
From 1 April 2030: Type-approval requirement for C2 (light commercial vehicle) tires; full ban from 1 April 2032 (sales allowed until 31 March 2034).
From 1 April 2032: Type-approval requirement for C3 (heavy commercial vehicle) tires; full ban from 1 April 2034 (sales allowed until 31 March 2036).

Delegation to UN WP.29
Euro 7 mandates that the UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) define tire abrasion measurement methods and limits by:

July 2028 for C1 tires
April 2030 for C2 tires
April 2032 for C3 tires

If WP.29 does not deliver on time, the European Commission will adopt these standards via delegated acts by slightly later deadlines.

Tyre wear is now a formal compliance requirement. Research by JRC indicates that tire wear particles contribute 5% to 30% of particulate emissions from road transport, with a significant portion of this material being transformed into environmental microplastics.

Under Euro 7, these emissions will be controlled through official type-approval testing methods, specific emission thresholds, and stricter rules on material composition and wear resistance.