Key data
| Regulation | Amendment to UN Regulation No. 107 — Homologation of M2 and M3 vehicles (buses and coaches) [2026/139] |
|---|---|
| Publication in the OJEU | 19 October 2026 |
| Entry into force | 29 January 2026 |
| Type of act | Erratum (correction of errors to the original text) |
| Affected vehicles | Categories M2 and M3 (buses and coaches) |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Official reference | OJ:L_202690883 / 2026/139 |
If your company manufactures, imports or certifies buses or coaches in the European Union, this correction affects you right now. UN Regulation No. 107, incorporated into EU law, establishes the technical requirements for homologation of vehicles in categories M2 and M3. The erratum published on 29 January 2026 — with reference 2026/139 — amends provisions relating to the general construction characteristics of such vehicles.
The fact that it is a "formal erratum" does not make it irrelevant: any homologation file processed with the previous text may become misaligned with the corrected text in force. Technical homologation bodies are already working with the corrected text, and manufacturers and importers must do the same.
What does this regulation establish?
UN Regulation No. 107 sets uniform technical requirements for the homologation of vehicles in categories M2 and M3, that is, buses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver. This regulation, of international origin (United Nations), has been incorporated into European Union law and is mandatory for the marketing of these vehicles in the internal market.
The correction published on 29 January 2026 amends specific provisions relating to the general construction characteristics of M2 and M3 vehicles. Although the text of the erratum does not introduce new requirements from scratch, it does modify the current regulatory text, which has direct consequences for:
- Homologation files in progress being processed under UN Regulation No. 107.
- Future files that must comply with the corrected text from its entry into force.
- The technical documentation of manufacturers, bodybuilders and importers that reference the original text.
Technical homologation bodies are required to verify that their certification processes comply with the corrected text. Similarly, any company that has based its declarations of conformity or technical sheets on the previous text must review whether the correction affects them.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact of this correction is not economic in terms of new explicit fees or sanctions — the available data does not record specific figures for fines or associated regulatory costs. However, the operational impact is real and can translate into significant indirect costs:
- Review of ongoing files: Homologation processes being processed must be verified against the corrected text. A file submitted with the incorrect text may be returned or require correction, which extends timelines and increases costs.
- Update of technical documentation: Technical sheets, construction manuals and declarations of conformity that cite UN Regulation No. 107 must be updated to reflect the corrected text.
- Risk of non-compliance: Vehicles certified or in the process of certification with the previous text may present discrepancies against the requirements of the corrected text, which could affect their marketing in the European market.
- Coordination with homologation bodies: Manufacturers and bodybuilders must align their processes with technical bodies, which have been applying the corrected text since 29 January 2026.
Who does it affect?
- Bus and coach manufacturers (M2 and M3) operating or marketing vehicles in the European market.
- Bodybuilders who design or build bodies for vehicles in these categories.
- Importers of buses and coaches from third countries that must homologate their vehicles in the EU.
- Technical homologation bodies responsible for certifying M2 and M3 vehicles in accordance with UN Regulation No. 107.
- Technical and regulatory compliance departments of companies in the passenger transport sector that manage fleets subject to homologation.
Practical example
A Spanish bodybuilder who is processing the homologation of a new coach model (category M3) before an accredited technical body has an open file based on the original text of UN Regulation No. 107. Following the publication of the erratum on 29 January 2026, the homologation body already applies the corrected text.
If the technical documentation submitted by the bodybuilder references the provisions amended by the correction — specifically those relating to general construction characteristics — the body may require the file to be corrected. This involves reviewing and updating the affected drawings, technical sheets and declarations of conformity, with the resulting delay in obtaining homologation and the additional cost of documentary update work.
The practical solution is simple: compare the original text with the corrected text published in the Official Journal of the EU, identify the amended provisions and incorporate them into all active technical documentation before submitting or continuing any homologation file.
What should companies do now?
- Download and review the corrected text: Access the official publication in the Official Journal of the EU (reference 2026/139, published on 29 January 2026) and identify exactly which provisions of UN Regulation No. 107 have been amended.
- Audit ongoing homologation files: Verify whether any active file references the corrected provisions. If so, update the documentation before continuing processing.
- Update internal technical documentation: Technical sheets, construction manuals, declarations of conformity and any document citing UN Regulation No. 107 must reflect the corrected text.
- Coordinate with the technical homologation body: Confirm with the accredited body that files being processed are being evaluated in accordance with the corrected text and align correction timelines if necessary.
- Establish a regulatory change control procedure: Implement an alert system for future errata or amendments to UN Regulation No. 107 and other applicable homologation regulations, thus avoiding delays in future files.
Frequently asked questions
What is UN Regulation No. 107 and why does it affect my company in Spain?
UN Regulation No. 107 establishes uniform technical requirements for the homologation of vehicles in categories M2 and M3 (buses and coaches). It has been incorporated into the legal system of the European Union, so it is mandatory for manufacturers, bodybuilders and importers marketing these vehicles in the European market, including Spain. The correction published on 29 January 2026 amends provisions relating to general construction characteristics and is immediately binding.
When does the amendment to UN Regulation 107 enter into force?
The correction entered into force on 29 January 2026, the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (reference 2026/139). Technical homologation bodies have been applying the corrected text since that date. The publication in the OJEU with reference OJ:L_202690883 was made on 19 October 2026.
What happens if I submit a homologation file with the text prior to the correction?
If the technical documentation submitted references the provisions amended by the erratum, the homologation body may require its correction, which extends timelines and generates additional costs. It is essential to review all ongoing files and update the documentation before continuing their processing.
Does this correction affect only new vehicles or also those already homologated?
The correction mainly affects homologation files in progress and future. Vehicles already homologated under the previous text are not automatically invalidated, but any new certification process — including extensions or modifications of existing homologations — must comply with the corrected text of UN Regulation No. 107.
Where can I consult the corrected text of UN Regulation 107?
The corrected text is available in the Official Journal of the European Union, with reference OJ:L_202690883 / 2026/139. You can access it directly through EUR-Lex at the official URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202690883.
Official source
Consult full regulation at 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_202690883
