All new cars and vans in UK must comply with rule from November 2026
From November 29, 2026, all newly registered cars and vans in the UK must meet stricter emissions standards under a new rule. Euro 7 is a new emissions rule designed to cut down harmful pollutants and pollution from sources other than exhaust, such as tyre particles and brake dust, for new vehicles, including electric ones.
This rule requires cars to produce less nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ensures they remain within the limits for a longer period (10 years or 200,000 km). This will impact UK manufacturers and the prices of new cars.
The European Union is preparing to implement the Euro 7 standard, its most rigorous vehicle emissions regulation to date, marking a significant step toward limiting CO2 and other pollutants emitted by vehicles. The regulations define acceptable limits for exhaust emissions in new light-duty vehicles sold in EU and EEA member states, aiming to reduce the impact of transport, which accounts for up to 28% of total CO2 emissions in the UK.
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Emissions standards date back to 1970, with the first EU-wide standard, Euro 1, introduced in 1992, which mandated catalytic converters on new cars. This was followed by a series of standards leading to the current Euro 6, which was rolled out by September 2015.
Vehicle emissions are major contributors to both local air pollution and global greenhouse gases. At the local level, pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter are claimed to contribute to the deaths of around seven million people worldwide via poor air quality, according to the World Health Organization.
Globally, the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates that transport accounts for approximately 25% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Up to 75% of that figure comes from road transport.
The Euro 7 standard is the seventh evolution of emissions standards, becoming increasingly stringent to balance environmental protection with carmakers' ability to meet the rules. Euro 7 is the strictest standard yet, and the first to include non-exhaust emissions, applying to all petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric cars, as well as vans, lorries, and buses.
When will Euro 7 roll out?Although originally expected in mid-2025, the official timeframe was pushed back due to debates over the strictness of the regulations. According to Regulation (EU) 2024/1257, the Euro 7 standard will come into effect in two main stages for light vehicles:
- November 29, 2026: This deadline specifically applies to new type approvals for passenger cars (M1) and vans (N1), meaning brand new models cannot be launched without meeting Euro 7 standards.
- November 29, 2027: This is the deadline for all cars and vans on sale—including those put on sale before Euro 7 came into force—to meet the new emissions standards.
Other vehicle types, such as buses, trucks, and trailers, will have separate implementation dates further into the future. In terms of how long Euro 7 will last, the RAC says: "It’s difficult to predict exactly when the next stage of emissions standards will be put in place. Proposals must be drawn up and consultations must be made before the European Parliament can vote on the standards, which takes time. The last few emissions standards have been in place for between four and six years. Expect a similar timeframe for Euro 7."
Environmental vehicle passport: Every new vehicle will receive a digital passport upon registration. It will detail its environmental performance.
Extended compliance lifetime: New vehicles will be required to comply with the standards for a much longer period. Cars and vans must now maintain emissions below the limits for 10 years or 200,000 kilometres (124,000 miles), doubling the durability requirement of Euro 6.
EV battery testing: Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will undergo testing for battery degradation over time, with minimum service-life requirements. Batteries must retain 80% of their original capacity after five years or 60,000 miles, and 72% after eight years or 100,000 miles.