TYRE LABEL ACCORDING TO REGULATION 2020/740

The new tyre energy label, active from May 1st, 2021, provides a common classification of tyres’ performance on rolling resistance, braking on wet surfaces and external noise. Additionally, it provides indicators for its performance on severe snow and ice. The label helps consumers to make informed decisions when buying tyres as they can easily compare and set their priority choice based on these given parameters.

Why do we have (tyre) energy labels?

The EU has committed that by 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation will be at least 60% lower than in 1990. As road transport is responsible for about 22% of THE EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, reducing CO2 emissions from road transport plays a major part in fulfilling these goals. At the same time, the label will drive manufacturers to innovate to make their tyres appear in the top class of the industry by being more fuel efficient, safer, and quieter.­

What’s new / what has changed?

• For each tyre, a QR code is included linking to the European Product Registry for Energy Labeling (EPREL) validating the data shown on the label.
• Under the new regulation (download button, see PDF enclosed), label stickers for truck and bus tyres are also included (tyre class: C1, C2 and C3)
• Tyre type / model identifier is included (= article number / EAN code)
• Additional options for including icons relating to severe snow conditions (3PMSF) and/or grip in icy conditions (for C1 tyres only).
• Classification of rolling resistance and wet grip has changed: from 7 to 5 classes.
  • Class D is no longer empty (C1 and C2 tyres only)
  • D is the new E
  • F and G merge into E
• Sound wave symbol replaced by A, B, C classification

The five components of the new EU tyre label

1. Rolling Resistance / fuel efficiency
   Lower Rolling Resistance saves fuel. The values A to E indicate the effect on fuel consumption from low to high respectively.
2. Grip on wet roads / braking performance
   In the category 'Grip on a wet road surface', the classification A to E indicates the relative braking distance respectively from short to long on a wet road surface.
3. Exterior noise level
   The exterior Noise level is measured in dB, divided into three classes, ranging from A to C, whereas A stands for low-Noise and C for high Noise pollution for the environment. NB: External Noise does not fully correlate with the interior noise of the vehicle.
4. Snow Grip
   If applicable, the ‘Three Peak Mountain Snowflake’ symbol (also referred to as 3PMSF) indicates that the product has been classified as a tyre for the use in severe snow conditions in accordance with strict European legislations (R117). All Vredestein winter- and all-season tyres show the 3PMSF marking.
5. Ice Grip*
   The tyre label of a tyre which satisfies the minimum Ice Grip performance standards shall show the Ice Grip pictogram.

* Tyres with Ice Grip classification are specifically designed for driving on roads with ice and packed snow and may only be used in extreme weather circumstances. The usage of tyres with Ice Grip classification on less severe weather circumstances (for example at rain or higher temperatures) may lead to decreased performance, especially on grip on wet surfaces, handling and wear. 

Product Information Sheet

The new Product Information Sheet (PIS) is generated in the EPREL database, based on the information provided by the tyre manufacturer. It includes:

• Information on the EU tyre label
• Date of start of production of the product (phase in)
• When known, the phase out date of the product

EPREL Database

The European Product Registry for Energy Labelling, in short EPREL, enables consumers to search for and validate energy labels and product information sheets in the verified product database. Via the QR code on the new EU tyre label, consumers will be able to access the corresponding tyre information and download all relevant information.

All tyres and available sizes must be registered by suppliers (manufacturers, importers, or authorized representatives) before placing them on the European market.

Legal notice

Note that your own driving behavior has a major impact on fuel consumption and road safety. Apart from choosing your tyres based on quality, performance, and tyre energy labels, drive ecologically aware, be responsible and check your tyre pressure regularly. 

More information

Additional information on the new European Tyre Energy Label can be found on the official European Commision website.

Frequently Asked Questions, answered by the European Commision.