Key data
| Regulation | Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1216 of 9 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Amends | Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Euro 7 Regulation) |
| Publication | 13 August 2026 |
| Entry into force | 2 September 2026 |
| Affected parties | Heavy vehicle manufacturers of categories M3, N2 and N3 in the EU |
| Multiplier set | 1.2 for gaseous pollutants during the additional life period |
| Additional life period | 25% beyond the main useful life of the vehicle |
| Technical basis | Data from Euro VI stage D and E diesel engines |
| Category | European Regulation |
Truck and bus manufacturers now have the missing data to close their type-approval processes under Euro 7. The Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1216, published on 13 August 2026, establishes the durability multiplier of 1.2 for gaseous pollutants in vehicles of categories M3, N2 and N3. With this value, the European Commission completes the regulatory framework of the Euro 7 Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 and unifies the multipliers for all vehicle categories.
What does this regulation establish?
The Euro 7 Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 introduced more stringent emission requirements for motor vehicles, but left pending the setting of durability multipliers for heavy vehicles. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1216 fills that gap for categories M3, N2 and N3.
The durability multiplier is a factor applied to the emission limits of gaseous pollutants to account for the deterioration of the emission control system over time. Specifically, it applies during the so-called additional life period, which represents 25% of mileage or time beyond the main useful life of the vehicle.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Multiplier value | 1.2 |
| Affected pollutants | Gaseous pollutants |
| Vehicle categories | M3 (heavy buses), N2 (medium trucks), N3 (heavy trucks) |
| Application period | Additional life: 25% beyond the main useful life |
| Technical basis used | Data from Euro VI stage D and E diesel engines (considered technologically comparable to Euro 7) |
| Regulatory unification | The same value 1.2 already applies to light vehicles M1, N1 and M2; now extended to heavy vehicles |
The Commission has justified the value 1.2 based on real technical data from Euro VI stage D and E diesel engines, which it considers technologically comparable to future Euro 7 engines. This methodological decision provides legal certainty to manufacturers: it is not a provisional or estimated value, but one based on empirical evidence.
Economic and operational impact
For heavy vehicle manufacturers, this regulation has an impact mainly in two areas:
- Type-approval: The 1.2 multiplier must be integrated into the emission compliance calculations presented to the type-approval authorities. Without this value, Euro 7 type-approval files for M3, N2 and N3 were incomplete.
- Design of emission control systems: Product engineers must ensure that aftertreatment systems (SCR, EGR, particulate filters, etc.) maintain their effectiveness not only during the main useful life, but also during that additional 25%, with the margin implied by the 1.2 factor.
From a planning perspective, the publication of this regulation before the Euro 7 application date is good news: manufacturers have regulatory clarity with sufficient time to adjust their validation programmes and type-approval files. The uncertainty about this parameter was one of the elements that could generate delays or additional costs in certification processes.
Who does it affect?
- Heavy bus manufacturers (category M3) based in or carrying out type-approval activities in the EU.
- Medium truck manufacturers (category N2) that must obtain type-approval under Euro 7.
- Heavy truck manufacturers (category N3), including tractor units for semi-trailers and high-tonnage vehicles.
- Engineering and type-approval teams of manufacturers, responsible for technical files.
- Emission control system suppliers (Tier 1) that supply aftertreatment components to heavy vehicle manufacturers.
- National type-approval authorities of Member States, which must apply the regulation directly from 2 September 2026.
Practical example
A European heavy truck manufacturer (category N3) is preparing the type-approval file for a new diesel engine platform under Euro 7. During the durability validation phase, it must demonstrate that gaseous pollutant emissions do not exceed the established limits either during the main useful life or during the additional life period.
With Regulation (EU) 2026/1216, the type-approval team now knows that the factor to apply in that additional period (equivalent to 25% beyond the main useful life) is 1.2. This means that if the emission limit for a specific gaseous pollutant is, for example, 100 units during the main useful life, the emission control system must ensure that in the additional life period emissions do not exceed 120 units (100 × 1.2). Without this data, the manufacturer could not close the calculations or submit the complete file to the type-approval authority.
What should companies do now?
- Review ongoing Euro 7 type-approval files for M3, N2 and N3 vehicles and incorporate the 1.2 multiplier in all gaseous pollutant calculations for the additional life period.
- Update durability validation programmes to ensure that tests cover the additional life period (25% beyond the main useful life) with the margin imposed by the 1.2 factor.
- Communicate the data to aftertreatment system suppliers (Tier 1) so they can adjust their design specifications and long-term performance guarantees.
- Verify consistency with multipliers already set for light vehicles (M1, N1 and M2), which are also 1.2, to unify criteria in multi-product platforms.
- Mark 2 September 2026 as the deadline for direct application: from that date, the regulation is binding in all Member States without the need for national transposition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1.2 durability multiplier in Euro 7 for trucks?
It is the numerical factor set by Regulation (EU) 2026/1216 that applies to the emission limits of gaseous pollutants in heavy vehicles M3, N2 and N3 during the additional life period, i.e. 25% of use beyond the main useful life. A multiplier of 1.2 means that the emission control system must maintain its effectiveness with a 20% margin over the base limit during that final phase of the vehicle's life.
When is it mandatory to apply the durability multiplier in Euro 7 type-approval of heavy vehicles?
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1216 is directly applicable in all EU Member States from 2 September 2026, without the need for national transposition. From that date, type-approval files for M3, N2 and N3 vehicles under Euro 7 must include this value.
What technical data is the 1.2 value for heavy vehicles based on?
The European Commission has based the 1.2 value on real technical data from Euro VI stage D and E diesel engines, considered technologically comparable to Euro 7 engines. It is not a provisional value: it is based on empirical evidence from engines already in circulation.
Is the 1.2 multiplier the same for light and heavy vehicles under Euro 7?
Yes. With this regulation, the durability multiplier is unified for all vehicle categories under Euro 7. The value 1.2 already applied to light vehicles (M1, N1 and M2) and is now extended to heavy vehicles (M3, N2 and N3), closing the complete regulatory framework.
Which categories of heavy vehicles are affected by Regulation (EU) 2026/1216?
The regulation affects three categories: M3 (heavy buses and coaches), N2 (trucks with maximum mass between 3.5 and 12 tonnes) and N3 (trucks with maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes, including tractor units for semi-trailers). Light vehicles are excluded, as they already had their multiplier set previously.
Official source
Consult the complete regulation in 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=CELEX:32026R1216