The Euro standards, first introduced in 1992, have been continuously strengthened over the years to reduce harmful emissions from both passenger and commercial vehicles. These regulations have significantly contributed to lowering pollutant levels, particularly from diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks, and have influenced global emissions policies, vehicle development, and international logistics operations.
Until Euro 6, emissions standards were separately defined for different vehicle categories. Euro 7 introduces a unified regulatory framework that applies to all vehicle types, including electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant shift toward comprehensive emissions control.
Key updates under Euro 7 include:
Expanded testing conditions: Compliance testing will include a wider range of real-world scenarios, such as driving at high ambient temperatures (up to 45°C), short trips, and various load conditions.
Regulation of additional pollutants: Substances previously unregulated, such as nitrous oxide (N₂O), are now included.
Euro 7 will also apply to electric vehicles, addressing brake dust, tire wear particles, and battery durability. This expansion will require both technological innovation from manufacturers and strategic planning by fleet operators to ensure future compliance.
While Euro 7 was originally scheduled for implementation starting in 2025, its rollout has been postponed following industry and government consultations. Passenger cars and vans are now expected to comply from 2027 onward, while buses and trucks will follow starting in 2029.
Regional truck emissions regulations: global developments and examples
In addition to the Euro standards, various countries have introduced their own emissions regulations, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and China's National VI-b standards. Although regulatory frameworks differ from country to country, the global trend is clear: emissions standards are being strengthened across regions. The following sections summarize the current regulatory status and recent developments in key markets:
South America
Many South American nations have aligned their emissions policies with the Euro standards, particularly Euro 6 or equivalent levels. In Colombia, all newly manufactured or imported vehicles have been required to comply with Euro 6 standards since 2023, and from 2035 onward, all vehicles in circulation, including existing ones, must also meet Euro 6 requirements. In addition, Colombia plans to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel to 10 ppm or less by 2025. In Brazil, the PROCONVE P8 standard, which is equivalent to Euro 6, took effect in January 2023 for heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and buses, mandating significant reductions in NOx and PM emissions. In some other South American countries, Euro 4 or Euro 5 standards remain in place; however, a gradual transition toward stricter regulations is expected.
Japan
Japan maintains its own independent but equally stringent emissions standards, comparable to Euro 6. The Post New Long-Term Regulations introduced in 2009 and the 2016 updates reflect these strict requirements.
In parallel, Japan has introduced progressively tighter fuel economy standards. For fiscal year 2025, new targets will require fuel efficiency improvements of approximately 13.4% for trucks and 14.3% for buses compared to 2015 levels.
China
China has taken aggressive steps to combat air pollution while promoting industrial transformation through its National VI regulations. In July 2023, the National VI-b standard was fully implemented nationwide, incorporating Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing and, in some areas, surpassing Euro 6 stringency.
Vehicles failing to meet National VI-b standards may not be produced, imported, or sold domestically.
China is also promoting New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) as part of a national strategy, supported by approximately $173 billion in subsidies, tax incentives, and policy measures between 2009 and 2022. In major cities, strict registration limits and operating restrictions for conventional vehicles are driving further NEV adoption.
India
In response to serious air quality issues, India introduced Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) standards, equivalent to Euro 6, nationwide in April 2020. These regulations sharply lower permissible NOx and particulate emissions.
The Indian government is preparing to implement Bharat Stage 7 (BS7) standards and plans to mandate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle adoption continues to expand, especially in urban areas, though fuel supply infrastructure remains limited in rural regions.
Thailand
Thailand enacted Euro 5 standards for new vehicles beginning in January 2024 as part of its efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution. These regulations apply to both gasoline and diesel vehicles, including pickup trucks that are particularly popular in the Thai market.
The new requirements are expected to raise vehicle prices by approximately 15,000 to 20,000 baht per unit, underscoring both the economic and environmental significance of the transition.
United States
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced updated NOx emission regulations in December 2022, followed by Phase 3 of its greenhouse gas (GHG) standards in March 2024. These regulations will apply to new vehicles manufactured from 2027 onward.
The updated standards call for substantial reductions in both NOx and GHG emissions, with projected cumulative GHG reductions reaching approximately 1 billion metric tons by 2055.
Middle East
Since the mid-2010s, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—have adopted emissions regulations equivalent to Euro 4.
As modern after-treatment technologies require ultra-low sulfur fuels, GCC nations have increased domestic production of compliant fuels to support regulatory compliance.
Africa
In February 2020, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted region-wide fuel and vehicle standards aimed at reducing air pollution, addressing the growing environmental impact of used vehicle imports, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Technologies and industry measures supporting emissions compliance
As emissions regulations continue to strengthen worldwide — particularly with Euro 7 on the horizon — manufacturers, logistics operators, and fleet managers are under growing pressure to adopt advanced technologies and long-term strategies that balance compliance with operational efficiency and uptime.
Advanced vehicle technologies for emissions reduction
To meet increasingly strict regulatory targets, commercial vehicle manufacturers are incorporating multiple advanced technologies, especially for heavy-duty trucks that must achieve both regulatory compliance and reliable performance.
These technologies include Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), which capture fine particulate matter from exhaust gases; Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which reduces NOx emissions; and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), which lowers NOx formation by recirculating a portion of exhaust gases back into the engine.
These systems have become standard to meet Euro 6 regulations and are continuously being refined and integrated to comply with the more demanding Euro 7 standards.
Infrastructure and policy support
In parallel with technological advancements, many governments are implementing broader infrastructure and policy frameworks to ensure the effective enforcement of emissions regulations. These measures include expanding ultra-low sulfur fuel supply chains, strengthening vehicle inspection and certification systems, offering purchase subsidies and financial incentives for compliant and zero-emission vehicles, establishing zero-emission zones (ZEZ) in urban areas, and coordinating internationally to regulate the cross-border flow of used vehicles. These comprehensive approaches are essential for achieving both environmental targets and sustainable logistics operations.
The global impact of emissions regulations on the trucking industry
Emissions regulations for trucks are no longer limited to advanced economies but have become a global standard. As more countries adopt stricter regulations, businesses are required to balance compliance with stable operations and long-term business planning.
For logistics companies and fleet operators, it is increasingly important not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to select vehicles and develop fleet strategies that support decarbonization and sustainability goals. Environmental measures are now positioned as part of long-term business competitiveness rather than simply additional costs.
As regulations evolve alongside technological innovation and policy developments, the trucking industry is entering a period of significant transformation that will shape the future of logistics and transportation.
