UNECE progresses tire particle emissions project with measurement methodology

Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has adopted a proposal to introduce two methods to measure tire abrasion as part of the UN regulation 117 concerning vehicle parts.

The methods, introduced by UNECE working party on noise and tires, envisage measurement of tires in “open roads in vehicle convoys driving 8,000 km” and in “laboratories on an abrasing rolling drum over 5,000 km”.

Based on the adopted methodology, tire weight loss due to abrasion will be expressed in milligrams per kilometre per tonne of load on the tire, UNECE announced 8 Feb.

The measurement methods are expected to be applied in “a market assessment exercise”, aimed at collecting abrasion data from “diverse tire sizes, patterns and brands.”

The data will then be used to determine tire abrasion limits to be incorporated in UN Regulation No. 117 by September 2025 for tires fitted to passenger cars (C1).

Once the abrasion limits are in force, tire manufacturers will need to ensure that all the tires sold on the market are below the set limits, UNECE added.

For the tires exceeding the limits, manufacturers will need to adjust their material composition or manufacturing process, it added.

France and the European Commission led the preparation of the proposal, which will also become the reference methodology of the Euro 7 emissions regulation across the EU.

The measuring method is expected to be expanded to heavier vehicles with C2 and C3 type of tires during 2026 and 2027 to cover most road vehicle categories.

Once in force, these regulations are expected to contribute to “significantly reducing microplastic pollution”.