Here’s what you need to know about it.

With the environment increasingly on the minds of consumers, organisations and governments, there are various steps have been taken to reduce pollution.

One of these is ‘Euro’ emission standards. You might have seen this mentioned in regard to low-emission zones and in your car’s paperwork. It applies to petrol and diesel cars (rather than EVs), and works to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

What is a Euro emissions standard?

Euro emissions standards were first introduced in 1992 with Euro 1, with the most recent measures being introduced in 2014 with Euro 6.

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What these standards relate to is the maximum level of various exhaust emissions a car can put out and is part of ‘Type Approval’ – a series of practices required for passenger cars before they can go on sale.

Each ‘Euro’ standard sees tougher measures introduced to reduce pollution and emissions, with different standards for different types of vehicles.

What is the new Euro 7 emissions standard?

Euro 7 is the new emissions standard that is being introduced on July 1, 2025 and applies to all mass-produced cars. For smaller volume manufacturers (those producing no more than 10,000 cars a year), they will need to adhere to it by 2030.

Changes for Euro 7 include reducing the maximum nitrous oxide (NOx) that a car can emit to 60 milligrams per kilometre for both petrol and diesel vehicles, while testing procedures will be carried out to a tougher level than before. There will be new set limits for brake dust and tyre particles being produced by new cars too, while the Euro 7 will also involve checking the emissions of vehicles as they get older – reflecting their usage.

Electric and plug-in hybrids will also be covered under Euro 7, with these models having their battery longevity assessed, checking how much battery capacity they retain as time and mileage increase.

Why does Euro 7 matter to car manufacturers?

Euro 7 matters to manufacturers simply because of the extra expense and time needing to be invested in order to meet these requirements. The European Commission estimates that Euro 7 regulations will add €304 (£261) to the cost of each individual new car being made – a cost that will need to be absorbed or added to the asking price.

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Some manufacturers have already come forward to say about the hardship that these regulations are adding, with some firms saying it will mean cutting back their model ranges. Volkswagen's boss, for example, recently said it might mean that a new generation of Polo might not be able to be produced because of the complexity.

Why does it matter to me?

Euro regulations matter because they help to cut down on the number of exhaust pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, and anything that can be done to try and slow down global warming should be encouraged.

However, some have argued that customers either don’t understand or care much for the regulations, as it only adds to the cost that they’ll have to pay for a new car, and it will hit smaller and more affordable cars the hardest.

In future years, Euro 7 will also likely play an important role in allowing cars to enter low-emission zones in future years, including the ULEZ in London, which currently requires cars and vans to meet Euro 6 regulations or pay an additional charge. Nothing has yet been announced in relation to Euro 7 here, however.

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