Engine Emissions Certification

CJEU Preliminary Reference on Diesel Defeat Devices and Burden of Proof (Case C-8/26, Bager)

An Austrian court has asked the EU Court of Justice to clarify how Euro 5/6 vehicle-emissions rules on defeat devices apply to EGR “temperature windows” and similar strategies in diesel vehicles, and how burdens of proof should be shared between buyers and manufacturers. The ruling could reshape litigation risk and compliance expectations across the EU for diesel vehicle emissions controls and real-driving performance, even though the underlying regulations remain unchanged.

7 May 2026, 05:58eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionAustria

UNECE WP.29 Proposes Supplement 1 to 01 Series of Amendments to UN Regulation No. 177 (System Power)

UNECE’s vehicle regulations forum has issued working document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2026/155 proposing Supplement 1 to the 01 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 177 on system power for electrified vehicles. If adopted, this will fine-tune how manufacturers and type-approval authorities determine and demonstrate electrified vehicle system power, with potential implications for testing procedures, vehicle classification, and future performance and CO2-related requirements.

EU Council Presidency Compromise on ICAO Annex 16 Environmental Protection Amendments

In February 2026 the EU Council Presidency tabled a compromise decision text confirming the Union’s position to support new ICAO Annex 16 environmental standards on aircraft noise, engine emissions and aeroplane CO₂ at the 237th ICAO Council session. These tighter global standards, applying from 2027 with stricter CO₂ limits from 2031 and 2035, will later need to be built into EU aviation safety rules, shaping long-term design, certification and compliance obligations for aircraft and engine manufacturers and operators.

22 Apr 2026, 19:57data.consilium.europa.euEuropean UnionGlobal

US FAA Seeks Comment on Boeing Petition To Exempt 777F From Aircraft CO2 Standards

The FAA has opened a short public comment period on Boeing’s request for an exemption from US aircraft CO2 and fuel‑efficiency standards so it can continue certifying 35 non‑compliant 777F freighters beyond January 2028. If granted, the exemption would temporarily weaken the new aircraft emissions regime for long‑haul freighters, so airlines and climate‑focused stakeholders may wish to assess whether to submit comments on competitive and decarbonisation impacts.

22 Apr 2026, 18:12federalregister.govUnited States

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

A coalition of US states and cities has legally challenged the EPA's recent rescission of the greenhouse gas endangerment finding and the repeal of federal vehicle emission standards. This litigation creates significant regulatory uncertainty for the automotive sector as the court decides whether to permanently remove federal emissions 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 aircraft, with global application beginning in early 2027. Manufacturers must accelerate investment in fuel-efficiency and noise-reduction technologies to meet more stringent certification requirements for new aircraft designs.

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 during ongoing federal litigation over stricter standards. This provides manufacturers with a predictable regulatory baseline for market access while allowing voluntary alignment with future zero-emission 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 advancing a compromise proposal to simplify technical requirements and testing procedures across vehicle type-approval, safety, and emissions frameworks. Manufacturers should prepare for streamlined compliance pathways and consolidated testing protocols as the EU seeks to reduce administrative burdens for automotive 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 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 has confirmed that vehicle manufacturers face liability for financial damages based on negligence alone when using unlawful diesel defeat devices. This ruling significantly lowers the evidentiary threshold for consumer compensation claims, increasing litigation and financial risks for automotive companies regarding emissions compliance.

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

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

A new US House bill proposes directing the EPA to expand national security exemptions for engine and equipment emission standards. This move signals a potential broadening of regulatory relief for defense-related manufacturing that could alter long-term compliance strategies 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 formally adopted its position to support more stringent international standards for aircraft noise, engine emissions, and CO2 limits under ICAO Annex 16. Manufacturers must prepare for tighter certification requirements and long-term CO2 reduction targets that will be integrated into EU airworthiness and environmental regulations.

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

US FAA Issues Final Special Conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 Electric Engines

The FAA has finalized special airworthiness conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 electric engines, effective March 18, 2026, to address safety gaps in traditional combustion engine standards. This action establishes a critical regulatory framework for high-voltage aviation propulsion, mandating specific safety assessments for electrical faults, fire protection, and component durability that will influence future electric aircraft certification.

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, establishing a new data baseline for recreational marine vessel emissions. This updated modeling framework will likely serve as the technical justification for future stringent exhaust standards and 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 rules for 90 days while finalizing broader heavy-duty engine and Low Carbon Fuel Standard amendments. Manufacturers and fuel producers should maintain current compliance while preparing for a permanent shift toward more stringent emission and carbon intensity 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 diesel exhaust reagents with lower freezing points are permitted and is exploring simplified approval paths for their market entry. Automotive and chemical stakeholders should anticipate 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 to ensure compliance over extended vehicle lifetimes under the Euro 7 framework. Manufacturers should anticipate more stringent long-term performance requirements as these technical standards are formalized into binding type-approval regulations for trucks and buses.

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 expanded manufacturer liability for illegal diesel defeat devices in a March 2026 ruling confirming consumer rights to financial compensation for negligent non-compliance. This decision lowers the evidentiary bar for consumer claims and increases the systemic litigation and financial 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

New IMO Emission Control Areas in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea take effect in March 2026, imposing stringent sulphur and nitrogen oxide caps. Companies must ensure fleet readiness through fuel supply adjustments and Tier III engine compliance to avoid operational disruptions in these expanding regulated zones.

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 proposed draft durability multipliers for Euro 7 heavy-duty vehicle emissions, with adoption scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This measure increases the technical burden on manufacturers to guarantee long-term emission performance throughout the extended operational life of lorries and buses.

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