Key data
| Regulation | Correction of UN Regulation No. 41 — Type-approval of motorcycles for noise [2025/2412] |
|---|---|
| Publication in OJEU | 19 June 2026 |
| Entry into force | 12 December 2025 |
| Affected parties | Motorcycle manufacturers, importers and national vehicle type-approval authorities |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Application framework | EU type-approval system for two-wheeled vehicles |
| Official reference | OJ:L_202690483 — OJEU L, 2025/2412, 12.12.2025 |
Motorcycle manufacturers and importers operating in the EU have an immediate task: to review their type-approval files in light of the correction published in the Official Journal of the EU on 19 June 2026. The correction rectifies errors in UN Regulation No. 41, which establishes uniform conditions for the type-approval of motorcycles with respect to their noise level, and has retroactive effects from 12 December 2025.
Although this is a technical correction—not a new substantive regulation—its operational impact may be relevant: if the rectified errors affect sound emission limit values or test procedures, type-approvals processed under the previous version may require review or updating.
What does this regulation establish?
UN Regulation No. 41 sets uniform conditions under which two-wheeled vehicles—motorcycles—can obtain type-approval in the European Union with respect to their noise emissions. This regulation is integrated into the EU type-approval system and is mandatory for access to the European market.
The correction published under reference [2025/2412] rectifies errors detected in the current text of that regulation. According to available data, the corrections may affect:
- The sound emission limit values applicable to motorcycles in the type-approval process.
- The test procedures used to measure and verify the noise level of vehicles.
The correction does not introduce new substantive obligations, but by rectifying the reference regulatory text, it makes the corrected version binding for all ongoing and future administrative procedures. National type-approval authorities must apply exclusively this corrected version in their procedures.
Economic and operational impact
The direct economic impact of a technical correction depends on the specific scope of the rectified errors. In this case, available data do not specify concrete amounts or sanctions, but do allow identification of relevant operational risks:
- Already granted type-approvals: If the correction affects limit values or test procedures, type-approvals processed under the previous version could be left in a situation of legal uncertainty. National authorities will have to determine whether their review is warranted.
- Type-approvals in progress: Files currently in process must be adjusted to the corrected version of the regulation, which may involve repeating tests or updating technical documentation.
- Cost of inaction: Marketing motorcycles with type-approvals that do not comply with the corrected version may result in withdrawal of affected models from the market or inability to obtain new type-approvals.
- Administrative cost: Verification of files, communication with type-approval authorities and possible repetition of tests generate direct costs for manufacturers and importers.
Who does it affect?
- Motorcycle manufacturers that market models in the EU and have type-approvals based on UN Regulation No. 41.
- Motorcycle importers that introduce two-wheeled vehicles into the European market under the type-approval system.
- National vehicle type-approval authorities of the Member States, which must incorporate the corrected version into their administrative procedures.
- Technical suppliers and test laboratories that conduct noise tests for type-approval processes, as test procedures may have been modified.
- Technical advisors and type-approval consultants that manage type-approval files for manufacturers or importers.
Practical example
A European motorcycle manufacturer currently has three models with type-approval granted under UN Regulation No. 41 and two more files in progress before the national type-approval authority.
Following publication of correction [2025/2412], the type-approval department must:
- Download and compare the corrected version of UN Regulation No. 41 with the version under which the five files were processed.
- Identify whether the rectified errors affect the noise limit values or test procedures used in its models.
- For the two files in progress: inform the type-approval authority that they will be adjusted to the corrected version and, if necessary, update technical documentation or repeat tests.
- For the three already type-approved models: consult with the national authority whether the correction requires any action on the already granted type-approvals.
If the correction affects test procedures and tests already performed are not compliant with the corrected version, the manufacturer will have to bear the cost of repeating them before the authority can close the files in progress.
What should companies do now?
- Download the corrected version: Access the full text of correction [2025/2412] published in the OJEU (reference OJ:L_202690483) and compare it with the previous version of UN Regulation No. 41.
- Identify the specific changes: Determine whether the corrections affect sound emission limit values, test procedures or other technical aspects relevant to your models.
- Review the status of current type-approvals: Check whether already granted type-approvals were processed under the previous version and whether the changes introduced by the correction may affect their validity.
- Update files in progress: For any type-approval in process, ensure that technical documentation and tests comply with the corrected version of the regulation.
- Consult with the national type-approval authority: Contact the competent body in the corresponding Member State to confirm the applicable criteria for already granted type-approvals and those in progress.
- Inform laboratories and technical suppliers: Communicate to test laboratories and technical advisors the existence of the correction so they can adapt their measurement procedures if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
What is UN Regulation No. 41 and why does it affect my company?
UN Regulation No. 41 establishes uniform conditions for the type-approval of motorcycles with respect to their noise level in the European Union. If you manufacture or import motorcycles for the European market, your models must be type-approved in accordance with this regulation. The correction published on 19 June 2026 (with effects from 12 December 2025) rectifies errors in the current text, which may affect the noise limit values or test procedures applicable.
Are my already granted type-approvals still valid after this correction?
It depends on the specific scope of the rectified errors. If the correction affects sound emission limit values or test procedures, national type-approval authorities will have to determine whether type-approvals processed under the previous version require review. The recommendation is to contact directly the competent national authority to obtain an official criterion on each specific file.
When did this correction enter into force?
The correction of UN Regulation No. 41 [2025/2412] has an entry into force date of 12 December 2025, although it was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 19 June 2026. This means its effects are retroactive to December 2025, and type-approval procedures processed between both dates must be reviewed in light of the corrected version.
What should I do if I have a type-approval file in progress?
You must verify whether the changes introduced by the correction affect the technical documentation or tests already performed in your file. If test procedures have been modified and tests already performed are not compliant with the corrected version, you may need to repeat them. Communicate the situation to the national type-approval authority to obtain specific instructions on your file.
Which authority should I contact to resolve doubts about my type-approvals?
You should contact the national vehicle type-approval authority of the Member State where you have processed or will process the type-approval. In Spain, the competent body is the Directorate General for Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, through its vehicle type-approval services. National authorities are obliged to apply the corrected version of UN Regulation No. 41 in all their administrative procedures.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in 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_202690483