Tyres & the Law

Tyre Labelling

The Tyre Label is a mark for motor vehicle tyres. Manufacturers of tyres for cars, light and heavy trucks must specify fuel consumption, wet grip and noise classification of every tyre sold in EU market starting in November 2012. For passenger car, light truck and truck tyres the information must be available in technical promotional literature (leaflets, brochures, etc.), including the manufacturer website For passenger and light truck tyres, the manufacturers or importers have the choice of either putting a sticker on the tyre tread or a label accompanying each delivery of batch of tyres to the dealer and to the end consumer The tyre label will use a classification from the best (green category “A”) to the worst performance (red category “G”).

The EU has committed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Reducing CO2 emissions from road transport is a significant part of the strategy and helping consumers choose more fuel-efficient tyres will reduce transport emissions. The new, updated tyre labels are designed to help drivers make informed choices about tyres’ fuel efficiency.

S-Marking / E-Marking / REACH Compliance

Emarking

E-marking on Tyres

An E-mark confirms that a tyre meets minimum EU or International (UNECE) standards in relation to its dimensions, load and speed rating. E-mark tyres have been tested to ensure adequate tread depth and performance ability.
All motor vehicles tyres in the EU must be E-marked, whether new or retreaded.
The check on E-marking of tyres is one of a number of new NCT test items introduced in 2009. Only tyres with the required E mark are sold by Ulster Tyres.

Smarking

S-marking on Tyres

EU motor vehicle tyres must bear an S-mark “sound marking” that certifies that the amount of road noise produced by the tyre complies with EU or International (UNECE) standards.
Retailers can no longer sell tyres with a width of 215mm or lower unless they have an S-marking on the sidewall. From 1st October 2011, all tyres, regardless of width, will have to bear an S-mark to be sold.

reach

REACH Compliance

REACH is the European Parliament’s and Commission’s regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals that came into effect in 2007. The aim of the REACH regulation is to restrict the use of chemical substances that adversely impact human health and environment in different areas of manufacture. The REACH implication for the EU tyre industry enforced in Oct 2010 restricts the concentration of PAH (Poly-cyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) oils to 10 mg/kg

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