Engine Emissions Certification

US States and Cities Challenge EPA Rescission of Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding in D.C. Circuit

US states and cities have launched a legal challenge against the EPA’s rescission of the GHG Endangerment Finding and the repeal of federal vehicle emission standards. This litigation introduces critical regulatory volatility for the automotive industry, as the court will decide whether to uphold the removal of federal GHG limits or mandate their reinstatement.

1 Apr 2026, 14:33static01.nyt.comUnited States

ICAO Council Adopts Stricter Global CO2 and Noise Standards for New Aircraft

ICAO has adopted significantly tighter global CO2 and noise standards for new aircraft, with global application beginning January 2027. Aerospace manufacturers must align long-term R&D and product roadmaps with phased-in certification requirements for new type designs starting in 2029.

29 Mar 2026, 17:35icao.intGlobal

California Air Resources Board Permanently Adopts Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations

California has permanently adopted emergency emissions rules to stabilize vehicle certification requirements while federal litigation over newer, stricter standards continues. This provides manufacturers with a clear regulatory baseline for market access, allowing continued use of existing standards or voluntary alignment with future targets.

28 Mar 2026, 20:29ww2.arb.ca.govUnited States

EU Council Presidency Compromise Proposal To Simplify Motor Vehicle Type-Approval And Testing Rules

The EU Council is negotiating a compromise text to simplify technical requirements and testing procedures across the automotive type-approval, safety, and Euro 7 frameworks. Manufacturers should anticipate streamlined compliance pathways and consolidated testing protocols as the EU moves to reduce administrative complexity in vehicle market access.

27 Mar 2026, 07:47eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany BGH Confirms EG-FGV Protective Function And Remands Diesel Defeat Device Claim

The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has reaffirmed that vehicle type-approval regulations protect buyers, enabling "differential damage" claims for diesel vehicles with unlawful defeat devices. This decision lowers the burden of proof for claimants by allowing liability based on negligence rather than intent, significantly increasing long-term litigation risk for automotive manufacturers.

25 Mar 2026, 21:36rechtsprechung-im-internet.deGermany

Germany BGH Remits Fiat Ducato Diesel Defeat-Device Case (VIa ZR 1439/22) For Differential Damage Assessment

The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has remitted a diesel defeat-device case, confirming that vehicle manufacturers can be liable for "differential damage" based on negligence alone. This ruling lowers the evidentiary bar for consumer compensation claims, significantly increasing litigation and financial risk for automotive companies regarding non-compliance with EU emission type-approval standards.

25 Mar 2026, 21:35rechtsprechung-im-internet.deGermany

US House Introduces H.R. 8001 Directing EPA To Amend Engine Exemption Regulations

US House bill H.R. 8001 proposes directing the EPA to revise national security exemptions for engine and equipment emission regulations. This development signals a potential expansion of regulatory carve-outs for defense-related manufacturers, impacting long-term compliance planning for specialized machinery.

24 Mar 2026, 13:20congress.govUnited States

EU Council Decision on ICAO Annex 16 Environmental Protection Amendments (237th ICAO Council Session)

The EU has established its position to support significant ICAO Annex 16 amendments introducing stricter international standards for aircraft noise, engine emissions, and aeroplane CO2 emissions. Aerospace manufacturers and operators must prepare for tighter certification requirements and more stringent CO2 limits for new and in-production aircraft types starting in 2027 and 2031.

22 Mar 2026, 17:05data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

US FAA Issues Final Special Conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 Electric Engines

The FAA issued final special conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 electric engines, effective March 18, 2026, to bridge gaps in existing airworthiness standards for electric propulsion. This establishes a regulatory precedent for high-voltage aviation systems, mandating rigorous safety assessments for electrical faults, fire protection, and critical component durability.

18 Mar 2026, 16:43public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

California CARB Workshop and Release of Updated Recreational Marine Vessel Emissions Inventory Model (RMV2026)

CARB will release the RMV2026 emissions inventory model on April 1, 2026, replacing the 2014 baseline for recreational marine vessels. This updated data foundation signals a shift toward more stringent exhaust standards and potential zero-emission mandates for marine engines.

14 Mar 2026, 15:01content.govdelivery.comUnited States

California (CARB) Readoption of Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations Linked to Heavy-Duty Engine and LCFS Rulemaking

California is extending emergency vehicle emissions regulations for 90 days while finalizing broader heavy-duty engine and Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) amendments. Businesses should maintain current compliance protocols while preparing for the strategic shift toward permanent, more stringent heavy-duty emission and fuel standards.

14 Mar 2026, 08:21ww2.arb.ca.govUnited States

European Commission Clarifies AdBlue Freezing-Point Rules and Considers Simplified Approval for Alternative Reagents

The European Commission has confirmed that alternative reagents with lower freezing points are permitted under current emission rules and is exploring simplified approval paths for their market entry. Automotive and chemical stakeholders should prepare for potential shifts in certification requirements and heightened market surveillance on reagent functionality in cold-climate regions.

13 Mar 2026, 13:22europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Commission Communication On Durability Performance Of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Regarding Emissions

The European Commission has proposed a 1.2 durability multiplier for heavy-duty vehicle emissions over their extended lifetime, aligning standards for trucks and buses with those of light-duty vehicles. Manufacturers should prepare for tighter long-term emission compliance requirements as these multipliers are formalized into binding Euro 7 technical regulations.

12 Mar 2026, 12:31ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany BGH Remands Audi Diesel Defeat-Device Case For EG-FGV Difference-Damage Assessment (VIa ZR 471/22)

The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled in March 2026 that manufacturers can be liable for "difference damage" resulting from negligent use of illegal diesel defeat devices. This decision lowers the bar for consumer compensation claims, significantly expanding the scope of financial liability and litigation risk for automotive companies regarding vehicle emissions conformity.

12 Mar 2026, 11:25rechtsprechung-im-internet.deGermany

IMO Implements New Sulphur And Nitrogen Emission Limits In Canadian Arctic And Norwegian Sea ECAs

The IMO has officially designated the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECAs) effective March 1, 2026, mandating stricter sulphur and nitrogen oxide limits. Operators must adjust fuel procurement strategies and ensure newbuild engine compliance to meet the 0.10% sulphur cap and Tier III NOx standards for these critical shipping routes.

9 Mar 2026, 14:20wwwcdn.imo.orgCanadaNorway

European Commission Consults on Delegated Regulation on Durability Multipliers for Euro 7 Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The European Commission has launched a consultation on draft durability multipliers for Euro 7 heavy-duty vehicle exhaust emissions, with adoption planned for Q1 2026. This initiative defines the performance standards for lorries and buses during their extended service life, requiring manufacturers to ensure long-term emission compliance and technical durability.

28 Feb 2026, 14:01ec.europa.euEuropean Union

California CARB Schedules Workshop and Seeks Feedback on Draft Tier 5 Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Standards

California has released draft Tier 5 emission standards for off-road engines, proposing drastic NOx and PM reductions with feedback due by May 2026. The inclusion of first-time on-board diagnostics and stringent in-use testing will require significant hardware and software redesigns for equipment manufacturers.

25 Feb 2026, 13:59ww2.arb.ca.govUnited States

EU Adopts Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/361 Amending Regulation (EU) No 582/2011 on Emissions Type-Approval of Heavy-Duty Vehicles With On-Board Fuel and Energy Consumption Monitoring Devices

The EU has integrated on-board fuel and energy consumption monitoring (OBFCM) into the heavy-duty vehicle emissions type-approval framework, effective March 2026. Manufacturers must align technical specifications with new monitoring standards to secure type-approvals and prevent the phased invalidation of vehicle certificates starting in 2027.

23 Feb 2026, 20:18eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Proposes Council Decision on ICAO Annex 16 Amendments 3, 12 and 15 (COM(2026)66)

The EU Commission proposed a unified position to support stricter international ICAO standards for aircraft noise, engine emissions, and CO2 limits starting in 2027. This signals a clear trajectory toward more rigorous global certification requirements, with significant CO2 reduction targets for new and in-production aircraft phased in through 2035.

16 Feb 2026, 16:34ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany BGH Clarifies Difference-Damage Claims for Unlawful Diesel Defeat Devices (VIa ZR 908/22)

Germany’s Federal Court of Justice has upheld the right of consumers to claim damages for vehicles equipped with unlawful diesel defeat devices. By confirming that type-approval breaches constitute a violation of protective laws, the court expands manufacturer liability for negligence and reinforces ongoing litigation risks.

12 Feb 2026, 15:09rechtsprechung-im-internet.deGermany