EC publishes proposal for directive on tyre labelling

By David Shaw, ERJ staff

Brussels -- The European Commission has published a draft directive covering the labelling of tyres. The proposals have taken heed of tyre industry concerns and now combine noise, rolling resistance and wet grip in one combined label. The proposals cover new tyres in standard car and truck sizes.

The proposals specifically exclude retreaded tyres, temporary spares, professional off-road tyres or studded tyres, or tyres smaller than 10-inch (254mm) rims or larger than 25 inches (635 mm).

Wet grip and rolling resistance will be given an A-to-G rating similar to domestic appliances, while the labelling must give the noise rating in dB.

This data must be provided on a standard sticker which is attached to the tyre at point of sale. Tyre makers expressed concern over the use of a sticker, suggesting that many customers will not see the sticker, if the tyre is fitted during a standard service of the vehicle, for example.

Following publication of the initial draft in early 2008, the Commission said it received 14 responses to its request for comments on its request for feedback. These can be seen on a public web page (see below).

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press release from EC

Proposal for a Directive on labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other essential parameters from EC website

Impact assessment from EC website

Impact assessment summary EC website

Public consultation from 2008 EC website