- MEPs and EU governments struck a provisional deal on new
labelling rules for tyres
- Labels will show fuel efficiency, wet grip, external rolling
noise, snow and ice grip
- Estimated to save 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and
create €9 billion turnover
The new labelling scheme for car and truck tyres aims to increase
consumer awareness and fuel savings, improve safety and decrease
noise pollution.
The legislation was informally agreed by MEPs from the Industry
and Research Committee and the Finnish Presidency of the Council,
on Wednesday evening.
Under the new rules, the labelling will have to indicate the
tyre’s fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise.
Information on snow and ice performance may also be included on
the label with pictograms.
The label can be added to in the future, by means of so-called
delegated acts, to include information on mileage, abrasion,
retreated tyres and for snow and ice grip. Mileage and abrasion
performance data would be added 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.
The aim of the new bill, still to be formally adopted, is to
increase consumer awareness and improve market surveillance
across the EU, to reap the potential benefits for the
environment, health and safety. The abrasion of tyres during use
is a significant source of micro-plastics, which are harmful to
the environment.
Heavy-duty vehicles
The new labelling scheme would also apply to heavy-duty vehicles
(so-called C3 tyres), which are currently not covered by EU
labelling requirements. Freight accounts for a large percentage
of GHG emissions coming from transport. Since C3 tyres consume
more fuel and cover more kilometres per year than C1 (passenger
cars) and C2 (light commercial vehicles), they have greater
potential in terms of reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Quote
Rapporteur Henna Virkkunen (EPP, FI) said: “Everybody knows the
energy label, it is a trade mark. In the same way, the new tyre
label allows consumers to make informed choices. For example,
information on a tyre's fuel efficiency helps consumers to cut
emissions and save money, as tyres contribute to as much as
20-30% of the vehicle’s fuel consumption. The problem of
microplastics released from the tyres is another important
concern. I am happy that all the institutions have agreed to
include microplastics on the label as soon as possible, once
reliable testing methods and standards become available.”
Next steps
The informal agreement will now have to be endorsed by the
European Parliament’s Industry committee and the Council’s
Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). If then
approved by both Parliament and Council, it would be applicable
from 1 May 2021.
Background
The new labelling scheme could lead to a reduction of 10 million
tonnes of CO2 emissions and to an increased turnover of €9
billion. The new regulation on the labelling of tyres will repeal
and replace the 2009 Tyre Labelling Regulation once it enters
into force.
