Euro IV, Euro V and VI Emissions Regulations for Heavy Duty Vehicle
Information Note
Introduction
As a member of the European Union, Ireland is obliged to introduce Directive 2005/55/EC (and
its amendments1) and EC Regulation 595/2009 (as amended2) referred to as the heavy duty
Euro emissions regulations. The heavy duty emission regulations apply to new passenger and
goods vehicles of categories of M and N with a reference mass3 in excess of 2,610kg. These
regulations lay down limit values for emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants and for the
opacity of exhaust fumes from diesel, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines.
Euro IV heavy duty emissions regulations have applied to new vehicles registered in the State
since 1/10/2006 and were replaced by Euro V regulations which have applied to new vehicles
registered since 1/10/2009. The major difference between the Euro IV and Euro V is the
reduction in the emission limits for nitrogen oxides from 3.5 to 2.0 g/kWh.
The Euro VI heavy duty emission Regulation sets tougher emission limits than Euro V and
lowers limits of several pollutants (CO, THC, NMHC, CH4, NOX, NH3), adopts the worldwide
harmonised drive cycles, revises the durability requirements to cover greater distances and
include measures relating to access to vehicle repair and maintenance information.
1
implementing Directive 2005/78/EC as amended by 2006/51/EC and 2008/74/EC
2
by EC Regulation 582/2011
3
Reference mass means the mass of the vehicle in running order less the uniform mass of the driver of 75kg and
increased by a uniform mass of 100kg (refer to Certificate of Conformity point 12.1)
1
September 2016
Vehicles equipped with Euro V engines must be registered by 30th December 2013 and vehicles
registered after this date must be Euro VI compliant. In certain conditions, an end of series
exemption can be applied for, which if granted, will allow vehicles an extended period of time
for registration. Further information on the criteria for applying for an end of series exemption
and details as to how you should apply, can be found on our end of series webpage. More
detailed implementation dates for each vehicle category are summarised at the end of this
document.
Objectives of the heavy duty Euro Emissions Regulations
Improving the health and welfare of the European population is an important objective for the
EU authorities. Euro IV, V and VI heavy duty vehicle emissions regulations set the emissions
limits for motor vehicles and their specific objectives are as follows;

To set harmonised rules on the construction of motor vehicles. The proper functioning
of the single market in the European Union requires common standards limiting the
emission of atmospheric pollutants from motor vehicles. Action at Community level
prevents varying product standards emerging across Member States which results in
fragmentation of the internal market and imposition of unnecessary barriers to intraCommunity trade. Also through harmonised standards it is possible to reap the
economies of scale as production series can be made for the whole European market.

To improve air quality by reducing pollutants emitted from the road transport sector by
setting the emission limit values for all vehicle categories with a reference mass in
excess of 2,610kg4. Member States and their citizens are concerned about the impacts
of air pollution on human health and the environment. Although air quality has
improved over the past decade, there are still significant air quality problems
throughout the European Union, especially in urban areas and in densely populated
regions.

To introduce measures relating to access to vehicle repair and maintenance
information. Easy and clear access to information on vehicle repair and maintenance is
key to guaranteeing free competition on the vehicle aftermarket. To this end,
manufacturers must ensure that independent operators active on the vehicle
aftermarket have easy, restriction-free and standardised access to information on the
repair and maintenance of vehicles, without discrimination with respect to authorised
dealers and repair workshops.
4
Reference mass means the mass of the vehicle in running order less the uniform mass of the driver of 75kg and
increased by a uniform mass of 100kg (refer to Certificate of Conformity point 12.1)
2
September 2016
Background
The Regulations were originally introduced by the Directive 88/77/EEC and have since been
subjected to a number of amendments. Given developments in automotive technology,
increased demand for road transport and continuing air quality problems, there has been a
need to keep standards under review. In 2005, the Directives were re-cast and consolidated by
the Directive 2005/55/EC. In 2009, in order to simplify legislation, EC Regulation 595/2009 was
introduced repealing and replacing EC Directives 2005/55/EC and 2005/78/EC. The use of an EC
Regulation ensures that the technical provisions are directly applicable to manufacturers,
approval authorities and technical services and they can be updated in a fast and efficient way.
Directive 2005/55/EC introduced durability and On Board Diagnostic (OBD) requirements and
set the emission limits for Euro IV and Euro V. In a “split-level” regulatory approach, the
technical requirements pertaining to durability and OBD, including provisions for emission
systems that use consumable reagents, have been prescribed in Directive 2005/78/EC.
Regulation 595/2009 as amended by Regulation 582/2011 introduced the new Euro VI heavy
duty emission limits, the measuring of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the establishment of
numerical limits on particulate emissions, worldwide harmonised drive cycles, revised the
durability requirements, access to vehicle repair and maintenance information and
incorporates all of the requirements on engine power from EC Directive 80/1269/EEC as
amended by 1999/99/EC.
The technical requirements of these regulatory acts took effect in three stages, Euro IV
emission limits came into effect for new type approvals from 1st October 2005 (and new
registrations from 1st October 2006), Euro V emission limits applied from 1st October 2008 for
new type approvals (and new registrations from 1st October 2009) and Euro VI emissions for
new type approvals will apply from 31st December 2012 (and new registrations from 31st
December 2013).
3
September 2016
Implications for Irish stakeholders
Although there is no indigenous engine manufacturing industry in Ireland, the introduction of
the tighter Euro IV, V and VI emission limits will have implications at vehicle registration for a
number of sectors such as importers, distributors and converters of commercial vehicles. From
the mandatory dates of registration, new vehicles are required to be accompanied by type
approval certification to the appropriate levels of Euro emissions standards.
There are obligations on vehicle operators and owners to maintain the parts and equipment of
their vehicles in good and efficient working order and this includes the emissions control
devices and after-treatment systems. Tampering with systems which control the level of
emissions, or driving a vehicle without consumable reagent (vehicles fitted with an aftertreatment system) is prohibited.
The introduction of the Directives and Regulations will help to ensure the proper functioning of
the internal EU market and will guarantee a common level of emissions amongst all vehicles
within Europe. They will also facilitate an improvement in air quality, which in turn will improve
public health, thus enabling the Government to generate savings in the longer term.
Requirements of Regulation 595/2009 as amended by 582/2011 – Euro VI
Emissions Limits
The Euro VI regulations introduce a reduction of 77% in the limit for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
50% for particulate matter (PM) emissions compared to the Euro V stage limits which entered
into force in October 2008. (Further information on the limits can be accessed in Annex 1 of
Regulation 595/2009).
Consumable Reagent (AdBlue)
The heavy duty emissions regulations set requirements with regard to the fitment of an aftertreatment system in order to establish standards for pollutant emissions. The current
Regulations place an obligation on member states to ensure that manufactures, repairers and
operators do not tamper with the after-treatment system. Operators of the vehicles are
obliged to ensure that the vehicle must not be driven without a consumable reagent. Penalties
for breach of these requirements are set out in the paragraph on penalties that follows.
4
September 2016
CO2 Emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) must be calculated during the emissions tests however no limits on CO2
emissions are specified.
Access to Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information
Requirements are introduced to ensure that vehicle manufacturers make information related to
their on-board diagnostic systems readily available to independent vehicle repairers. These
new requirements are based on those already included in the light duty vehicle Euro5/6
emissions Regulation, (EC) 715/2007.
Penalties for breach of these Regulations
Penalties for breach of type approval entry into service requirements
SI 448 of 2007 European Communities (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle Entry Into service)
Regulations 2007 (as last amended by S.I. No. 234 of 2011) requires that new vehicles being
presented for first registration to meet with the construction, technical and performance
requirements specified in EU type approval directives and regulations, and are accompanied by
appropriate certificates of conformity. These regulations mandate that vehicles presented for
registration have certificates of conformity to the heavy duty emission regulations referred to
in this document from the appropriate dates. A person guilty of an offence under these
Regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000.
As the mandatory dates of compliance have been reached for EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval,
the penalties under SI 157 of 2009 European Communities (Road Vehicles Entry into Service)
Regulations 2009 will take effect. SI 157 of 2009 replaces SI 448 of 2007 in respect of vehicles
with four or more wheels on a staggered basis at various dates up until 2014. Under this
regulation a person guilty of an offence is liable;
i.
ii.
On summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or to imprisonment for a term
not exceeding 3 months or both, and
On conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €100,000 or imprisonment for a
term not exceeding 12 months or both.
5
September 2016
Penalties for breach of in-use requirements
Vehicles used on Irish roads are required to meet with the Irelands Construction Equipment and
Use Regulations S.I. No. 190 of 1963. CE&U Regulations, prescribe the requirements for all
vehicles and trailers in use in a public place in Ireland. This includes provisions for but not
limited to; the brake systems, exhaust systems, mirrors, safety belts and side and rear underrun protection. These Regulations prescribe the requirements as to the construction,
equipment and use of vehicles while being used in a public place and the duties of drivers and
passengers are also specified. As well as specific provisions for certain aspects of vehicles, the
CE&U also has general provisions requiring that a vehicle is maintained in good and efficient
working order, that no danger is likely to be caused and that vehicles are maintained such that
their level of noise emitted and their emissions does not increase.
Should a vehicle and all its parts and equipment not be maintained in good and efficient
working order, then the operator or owner could be considered to be in breach of Regulation
34 of SI 190 of 1963. With regard to emissions, the regulation specifies that there is a duty of
care that a vehicle is maintained in such a way that the health of others is not compromised.
Penalties for breach of this regulation is as follows; on summary conviction, first offence – a fine
not exceeding €1,000. Second offence under same section/subsection – a fine not exceeding
€2,000. Third or subsequent offence under same section/subsection within 12 consecutive
months – fine not exceeding €2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 months, or both (ss.11(5)
and 102, Road Traffic Act, 1961).
The correct functioning of the emissions control systems including the after-treatment system
are the basic requirements for fulfilling the established standards for pollutant emissions.
Tampering with systems which control the level of emissions or driving a vehicle without
consumable reagent, could be considered to be in breach of the aforementioned regulations
and subject therefore to the penalties listed.
Type Approval and Registration Dates
The implementation dates of Euro IV, V and VI for new type approvals and new registrations for
vehicle types (with a reference mass exceeding 2,610kg) are summarised below. Reference to
the relevant Directive or Regulation should be made for more details. Since 31st December
2013 heavy duty vehicles with a reference mass in excess of 2,610kg are required to have Euro
VI certification in order to be registered. In certain conditions, an end of series exemption can
be applied for, which if granted, will allow vehicles an extended period of time for registration.
Details of the end of series exemption procedure and application forms can be found on our
end of series web page.
6
September 2016
Categories M and N with a
reference mass in excess of
2,610kg
Date from when
New
Registrations
must meet
approval
requirements
Euro IV
New Types of
vehicles are
required to be
manufactured with
approval
requirements from
date
1/10/2005
Euro V
1/10/2008
1/10/2009
Euro VI
31/12/2012
31/12/2013
1/10/2006
How to establish whether your vehicle has heavy or light duty emissions
certification
The light duty or heavy duty emissions type approval number can be found on the EC CoC of an
M1, N1, M2 or M3 vehicle under entry “Exhaust emissions”. For other vehicle types (such as N2
or N3), the number should be printed on official manufacturer documentation (such as
Certificate of Conformity from SI 448 of 2007). The tables below have been created to help
interrogate emissions type approval numbers in order to establish emissions level compliance.
The emissions type approval number will specify the base directive which the approval has
been issued under, its amendment and a code which signifies the emissions level. These can be
interpreted in order to establish whether the vehicle has heavy or light duty emissions
certification and the level of the certification achieved. Light duty emissions certification are
often given Arabic numerical such as Euro 5 or Euro 6 while the roman numerals are used when
referencing heavy duty emissions.
Heavy duty guidance table
The number will specify the base directive 2005/55/EC, followed by an amending directive
(such as 2005/78/EC or 2006/51 or 2008/74) and will be followed by a character (letter).
Alternatively the approval may be to (UN)ECE Regulation 49. This (UN)ECE number will also be
followed by a character. The character (letter) contained in the emissions approval number for
either EC or (UN)ECE will indicate Euro compliance as set out below:
7
September 2016
The table below shows the heavy duty certification and includes the various mandatory dates of
registration for various vehicle types:
Base Directive /
Regulation
2005/55/EC
Followed by a
Character
Euro Emissions
B
Date from when New
Registrations must
meet approval
requirements
IV
1/10/2006
V
1/10/2009
Euro VI
31/12/2013
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
595/2009 (as amended
by 582/2011)
A
Row A of Appendix 9 of
Table 1 of EU/582/2011
B
Euro VI
1/9/2015
Row B of Appendix 9 of
Table 1 of EU/582/2011
C
Euro VI
31/12/2016
Row C of Appendix 9 of
Table 1 of EU/582/2011
8
September 2016
Examples of emissions type approval numbers their emissions compliance;
Emissions type approval number
Comment
e11*2005/55*2005/78B*0003*00
“B” signifies Euro IV
e1*2005/55*2006/51F*0004*02
“F” signifies Euro V
ECE 49.04 B
“B” signifies Euro IV
ECE49 as last amended by 04 E
“E” signifies Euro V
9
September 2016
Light duty guidance table
The table below shows the light duty certification and includes the various mandatory dates of
registration for various vehicle types:
Base
Directive
(Followed
Euro
by) Character Emissions
70/220/EEC*
B
4
715/2007
A
B
5a
Vehicle Category and
Class
Last date of registration
M1, M2, N1 Class I
31/12/2010
M1 designed to fulfill
31/12/2011
specific social needs
N1 Classes II and III, N2
M, N1 Class I.
31/12/2012
M1 to fulfill specific social
needs (excluding M1G)
M1G to fulfill specific
social needs
31/08/2012
N1 Class II
31/12/2012
N1 Class III, N2
M, N1 Class I
31/12/2013
M1 to fulfill specific social
needs (excluding M1G)
N1 Class II
N1 Class III, N2
M, N1 Class I
31/08/2015
M1 to fulfill specific
social needs
(excluding M1G)
N1 Class II
31/08/2016
N1 Class III, N2
M, N1 Class I
31/12/2012
N1 Class II
N1 Class III, N2
M, N1 Class I
31/12/2013
N1 Class II
N1 Class III, N2
M, N1 Class I
31/08/2015
N1 Class II
31/08/2016
N1 Class III, N2
C
D
E
F
G
5b
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
6a
6b
*Note that approvals to (UN)ECE Regulation 83.05 Row B (or stage 2) are equivalent Euro 4 emissions
levels.
10
September 2016
Interpretation of various light duty emissions numbers;
Example of Emissions type approval number
Interpretation of Euro emissions level
e2*70/220/EEC*2003/76/EC (B)
70/220 followed by letter “B” signifies Euro 4 compliance
70/220*2006/96B
70/220 followed by letter “B” signifies Euro 4 compliance
e4*715/2007*692/2008A*0001*00
715/2007 followed by “A” signifies Euro 5a compliance
e1*715/2007*595/2009C*0004*02
715/2007 followed by “C” signifies Euro 5a compliance
ECE83 as last amended by 05 stage 2
(UN)ECE 83.05 stage 2 signifies Euro 4 compliance
(UN)ECE83.05 B
(UN)ECE 83.05 B approval signifies Euro 4 compliance
11
September 2016