Key takeaway
What This Development Means
EU heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data rules create a staged roadworthiness reporting system from 2028. Testing bodies should procure compatible readers, secure VIN transfers and automate retention controls, while manufacturers and fleets test data quality and owner communications.
Which Vehicles Enter The Heavy-Duty Vehicle CO2 Data System?
Collection applies during roadworthiness tests to new heavy-duty vehicles registered from 1 July 2027 that carry compliant on-board fuel and electric-energy consumption monitoring devices. Mandatory collection starts on 1 July 2028, although Member States may operate voluntary collection from January 2028.
How Long Can VIN-Linked Information Be Retained?
Roadworthiness bodies may retain the information until six months after transmitting it to the EEA or national authority. National authorities have the same six-month limit after onward transmission. The EEA may retain heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data for 20 years from its report date.
Source basis: Official Journal of the European Union, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1787, 24 July 2026
Heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data will be collected during roadworthiness testing under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1787, published on 24 July 2026. The binding regulation enters into force on 13 August and creates a common EU process for measuring real-world fuel and electric-energy performance.
The new system supports scrutiny of whether certified CO2 and energy-consumption values reflect vehicle operation. It directly affects Member States and authorised testing bodies, while manufacturers, fleet operators, software providers and equipment suppliers will need compatible data and processes.
Roadworthiness Testing Gains New Data Fields
From 1 July 2028, testing bodies must collect heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data from equipped vehicles first registered from 1 July 2027. Required fields include lifetime fuel or energy values, vehicle identification number, odometer reading and test date.
Member States may begin voluntary collection from 1 January 2028 and may report early data by 30 November 2028. Mandatory annual reporting to the Commission through the European Environment Agency begins in 2029, with submissions due by 30 November for the preceding reporting period.
VIN Privacy And Retention Require Controls
Because a VIN can be personal data when linked to an owner or lawful user, testing bodies and national authorities must provide GDPR information and use secure communications. Heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data may be retained by test bodies and national authorities only until six months after transmission. The EEA may retain it for 20 years from first reporting.
Roadworthiness networks should confirm that diagnostic tools can read on-board fuel and electric-energy monitoring devices. They also need secure transfer routes, retention deletion controls, privacy notices and staff training.
Vehicle manufacturers and telematics suppliers should test interoperability and investigate data-quality exceptions. Fleet operators should prepare drivers and owners for VIN-linked collection, while advisers should distinguish these monitoring duties from separate fleet-emissions targets or reporting schemes.
Summary
EU heavy-duty vehicle CO2 data rules create a staged roadworthiness reporting system from 2028. Testing bodies should procure compatible readers, secure VIN transfers and automate retention controls. Manufacturers and fleets should test data quality and owner communications before collection starts, helping prevent failed inspections, privacy gaps and unreliable emissions evidence.
Related Articles
China Proposes Risk-Based Emissions Compliance Checks For Machinery
China's draft notice would use risk signals to target emissions compliance checks across vehicle and machinery production, with comments due by 5 August 2026.
EU State Aid Guidelines Consultation Opens New Options For Manufacturers
Draft EU State aid guidelines could widen restructuring options for steelmakers, innovative start-ups and businesses using hybrid finance, but the current framework still applies.
EU Vehicle Circularity Regulation Sets Recycled Plastic And Passport Deadlines
The EU vehicle circularity regulation turns circular design into binding compliance, with staged duties covering recycled-plastic evidence, producer registration, take-back systems and vehicle-passport data.
