New RDE 2026 regulations: what changes in homologation for vehicle manufacturers

Key data

Vehicle manufacturers operating in the European market face a mandatory technical update: amendments to the UN Regulation No. 168, published on 15 June 2026 with reference [2026/1900], modify the technical provisions for the homologation of cars and light commercial vehicles regarding emissions under real driving conditions (RDE).

This is not a minor procedural change. RDE homologation is the gateway to the market: without it, a model cannot be legally marketed in any of the signatory countries of the 1958 UNECE Agreement, which includes the entire European Union.

What does this regulation establish?

RDE tests (Real Driving Emissions) measure the pollutants emitted by a vehicle on real road routes, not in the laboratory. This fundamentally differentiates them from WLTP tests, which are conducted under controlled conditions. RDE tests complement WLTP and together form the emissions homologation system in force in Europe.

The two main pollutants regulated by these tests are:

• NOx (nitrogen oxides): gases responsible for urban pollution and respiratory problems.
• Particles: solid microparticles emitted by combustion, especially in diesel engines.

The amendments update the technical parameters that manufacturers must comply with during the certification and validation process. This means that type-approval files — both current and future — must be reviewed to verify their compliance with the new requirements.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this regulation is not only technical: it has direct consequences on the automotive sector's value chain.

• Recertification costs: Manufacturers with models already homologated under the previous parameters will need to assess whether their current files remain compliant. If not, they will need to initiate update or new homologation processes, with the associated testing and processing costs.
• Launch delays: Models in the development phase that have not yet completed their homologation process will need to adapt to the new parameters before obtaining certification. This may affect planned launch schedules.
• Impact on suppliers: Suppliers of exhaust systems and emissions management are directly affected, as their components must comply with the new parameters for the final vehicle to pass RDE tests.
• Risk of commercial blockade: Non-compliance with the new parameters prevents the commercialization of models in all signatory countries of the 1958 UNECE Agreement, which includes the entire European Union market.

Who does it affect?

• Car manufacturers (OEM): Must review and, if necessary, update the type-approval files of all their current and future models.
• Light commercial vehicle manufacturers: Vans and light commercial derivatives are expressly included in the scope of Regulation No. 168.
• Suppliers of exhaust and emissions systems: Their components must comply with the new technical parameters to avoid blocking the final vehicle's homologation.
• Technical homologation laboratories: Must update their testing and validation protocols to apply the new RDE parameters.
• Technical homologation authorities: Responsible for verifying the compliance of files submitted under the new regulatory framework.

Practical example

A European light commercial vehicle manufacturer currently has three van models with type-approval in force under the previous parameters of Regulation No. 168. Following the publication of these amendments, the homologation department must:

1. Review the three type-approval files to check whether the NOx and particle values measured in the original RDE tests remain compliant with the new required parameters.
2. If any of the models does not meet the new thresholds, initiate the file update process with the competent technical authority, including new real-world route tests.
3. Coordinate with exhaust system suppliers to verify that the installed components allow compliance with the new requirements without design modifications.

If the manufacturer does not act and one of its models becomes non-compliant, that model will not be able to continue being marketed in the European market until it obtains updated homologation.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit current homologation files: Review all active type-approval files for cars and light commercial vehicles and verify their compliance with the new RDE parameters of the amended Regulation No. 168.
2. Identify models at risk: Prioritize models with NOx or particle values close to the previous limits, as these are most likely to become non-compliant.
3. Coordinate with emissions systems suppliers: Verify that the exhaust and emissions management components installed in current and development models are compatible with the new technical parameters.
4. Update the homologation schedule for new models: Incorporate the new RDE requirements into the development and certification plans for models that have not yet completed their homologation process.
5. Contact the technical homologation authority: Request guidance on the procedure for updating current files and applicable deadlines, given that the entry into force date has not been specified in the published regulation.
6. Update internal testing protocols: Laboratories and technical departments must adapt their validation procedures to reflect the new parameters required in real-world RDE tests.

Official source

Consult the complete regulation on the official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601900