Euro 7 - more than the next emissions standard

14 July 2026

For more than 30 years, the Euro emissions standards have driven significant reductions in vehicle emissions. Euro 7 continues that progress, but it also changes the way vehicles are approved and monitored. At RDW, we realise that it also adds complexity to the homologation process and beyond.

Euro 7 groene auto Instead of focusing primarily on type approval before a vehicle enters the market, Euro 7 futher reinforces the established lifecycle approach with greater emphasis on vehicle performance throughout its lifecycle. A strong collaboration between manufacturers and their technical service provider is therefore essential. From a type approval authority perspective we will share as much as we can with our network to smoothen the implementation of this new package.

From laboratory testing to real-world performance

Traditionally, type approval has focused on demonstrating compliance under controlled laboratory conditions before a vehicle enters the market. While in-service conformity and in-service verification are already established parts of the approval framework, Euro 7 significantly expands their scope. It places an even stronger focus on vehicle performance under real-world driving conditions. Extended durability requirements, enhanced in-service conformity and in-service verification ensure that compliance will be assessed throughout a vehicle’s operational life. The introduction of on-board monitoring will also provide valuable performance data, supporting more targeted market surveillance.

Data-driven homologation

Euro 7 also extends vehicle approval beyond exhaust emissions. New requirements cover brake and tyre particle emissions and, for the first time, requirements relating to battery durability and fully electric vehicles,, including low-temperature testing. Certification is becoming more modular as well, with separate approval processes for different vehicle systems instead of a single overall certificate. As a result, data collaboration and the exchange of expertise between manufacturers, technical services and approval authorities are becoming increasingly important for the effective implementation of the new requirements.