#TyrePollution - Lowering car emissions with new EU tyre labels

The EU has committed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. Road transport is responsible for about 22% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and transport is the only sector where emissions remain higher than in 1990. In order to reach climate neutrality by 2050, the EU wants to cut emissions from transport 60% by 2050, compared with the 1990 level.

Tyres account for between 20% and 30% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption, which means that choosing more fuel-efficient tyres can help to reduce transport emissions. In order to help consumers make informed decisions, the EU is introducing a new labelling scheme for tyres.

The labels would include information on fuel efficiency and wet grip, on a scale from A to G (similar to the energy labelling used for household appliances), as well as information about their external noise level, expressed in decibels.

Information on snow and ice grip can be added in the future, as well as information on mileage and abrasion (responsible for microplastic pollution) when a testing method becomes available.

Labels must be clearly visible to consumers, be on display in all situations where tyres are sold, including online, and should provide a QR code for easy scan.

Benefits of new EU labelling of tyres

New tyre labels will allow EU consumers to choose more fuel-efficient tyres, which can lead to great savings for them in terms of spending as well as lower emissions. Road safety is improved through better wet grip while information on noise levels help lower noise pollution caused by cars.

Next steps

The European Parliament and the Council of EU reached an informal agreement on the labelling scheme in November 2019. The Council formally endorsed the rules in February 2020 and Parliament's industry, research and energy committee voted in favour of them on 28 April. The Parliament as a whole must still approve the deal.

Read more on reducing emissions

• National emissions reduction targets for 2030
• New CO2 targets for cars
• The European Emissions Trading Scheme
• Offsetting carbon emissions with EU forests
• Cutting emissions from aviation and shipping