1、 Fundamentals of International General Technical Regulations (UN ECE Regulations)

The UN Regulations (formerly known as ECE regulations) developed by UN WP.29 are the blueprint for technical regulations in countries such as the European Union, Japan, India, Russia, and Australia, and China also extensively references them. Each regulation targets a system or component (such as braking, lighting, emissions).

In addition, there is a global technical regulation (GTR) system, such as GTR No.15 (Global Light Vehicle Emission Test Procedure WLTP).

2、 Chinese market: Announcement of CCC Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (GB standard)

China implements a dual system of mandatory product certification (CCC) for automobiles under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's "Road Motor Vehicle Production Enterprises and Product Access" (commonly known as the "Announcement"). The announcement focuses on safety and environmental performance, while CCC emphasizes batch consistency and electrical safety (for some components).

1. Core regulations and standard system

• The Management Measures for the Access of Road Motor Vehicle Production Enterprises and Products (Order No. 50 of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology): defines the process of vehicle access.

• Mandatory National Standards (GB): All cars sold in China must meet GB standards and undergo type testing by testing institutions authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (such as Tianjin Center and Chongqing Center).

List of Important GB Standards (Mainstream Requirements by 2025):

National VI emissions: divided into phases 6a and 6b, with National 6b for light-duty vehicles being implemented nationwide in July 2023 (earlier in some regions). The national 6b heavy-duty diesel vehicle has also been implemented.

2. Certification Process (CCC Announcement)

1. Enterprise admission: Obtain the qualification of a production enterprise from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

2. Product finalization: Prepare sample vehicles and apply for type inspection from testing institutions such as China Automotive Technology Research Center and Shanghai Motor Vehicle Testing Center.

3. Type inspection: Conduct testing based on all applicable GB standards (approximately 200 items).

4. Announcement declaration: After approval, report to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which will review and issue the "Announcement on Road Motor Vehicle Production Enterprises and Products".

5. CCC certification (mainly for safety critical components and vehicle consistency): After obtaining the announcement, apply for CCC from CQC and other institutions, and obtain the certificate after passing the factory inspection.

6. Listing: affixing CCC mark on vehicles VIN、 Environmental information labels, etc.

Additional requirements for new energy vehicles: In addition to the aforementioned GB standards, they must also comply with recommended standards such as GB/T 31467 (Battery Pack Performance), GB/T 20234 (Charging Interface), GB/T 18386 (Range), etc. However, safety assessments will be mandatory during the announcement testing.

3、 EU market: EU vehicle type approval (EU WVTA)

The European Union has implemented Regulation (EU) 2018/858 since 2018, establishing a unified framework for EU vehicle type approval (EU WVTA). The vehicle must be audited by the Type Approval Authority (TAA) and tested by the Technical Service (TS) before obtaining a certificate and selling it throughout the European Union.

1. Applicable regulations

• Technical foundation: Mainly referencing UN ECE regulations and some EU specific directives (such as emissions durability and OBD).

• Emission standards: Currently Euro 6 (light vehicles) and Euro VI (heavy vehicles), Euro 7 is expected to be implemented from 2025 to 2026 (stricter particulate matter, brake wear particles, etc.).

• Safety configuration: Mandatory requirement for advanced driving assistance systems (such as automatic emergency braking AEB, lane keeping LKA, intelligent speed assistance ISA, event data recorder EDR) - this is gradually mandatory from 2022-2024 according to the General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144.

2. List of Key EU/UN Regulations (Example of Light Vehicles)

3. Certification process

• Choose certification bodies such as T Ü V Rheinland, DEKRA, UTAC.

• Testing: Complete all projects in an accredited laboratory.

• Submit technical documents: including vehicle description, test report, risk analysis, COP plan, etc.

• Certification: TAA issues an EU vehicle type approval certificate, which is valid throughout the entire EU.

• Production consistency: reviewed annually.

4、 US market: DOT EPA (self certified)

The United States does not have federal vehicle type certification, but instead implements manufacturer self certification and accepts NHTSA (safety) and EPA (emissions) supervision. Manufacturers must ensure that vehicles meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and emission regulations, and submit proof to the government. If the spot check fails, there will be huge fines and recalls.

1. Safety Standards (FMVSS)

Under 49 CFR Part 571, automobiles are required to meet approximately 70 FMVSS, covering collision, lighting, braking, tires, child restraint, and more. The following are some core standards:

Manufacturers are required to verify compliance on their own and submit a certificate of conformity (GCC for light vehicles, or 2010 form for importers) to NHTSA. Each vehicle must be labeled to declare compliance with all FMVSS.

2. Emission Standards (EPA CARB)

• EPA: According to 40 CFR Part 86 (light vehicles) and Part 86 (heavy vehicles), Tier 3 standards (2017-2025) are currently mandatory. Limit value:

  • Light vehicles: NMOG NOx 30 mg/mile (average), CO 2.1 g/mile， Particles 1-3 mg/mile.

  • Greenhouse gases (CO ₂): gradually tightening by model year.

• California (CARB): Implement stricter LEV III standards (NMOG NOx 20 mg/mile, with mandatory ZEV integration).

  • In most cases, car companies need to obtain both EPA and CARB certifications in order to sell in California and some states that adopt California standards.

• Certification process: Manufacturers conduct emission testing and submit data to EPA to obtain an emission compliance certificate.

3. Special requirements for electric and autonomous driving

• Electric safety: FMVSS 305 (electrolyte overflow/electric shock protection), and SAE J1766 (post collision electrical safety).

• Autonomous driving/ADAS: NHTSA has released guidance documents, but there are no federal mandatory standards and there are significant differences in state laws. However, FMVSS 126 (ESC), 108 (lighting), and others are indirectly applicable.

5、 Key points for additional testing and certification of new energy vehicles (NEVs)

In addition to meeting basic safety and emission (non exhaust) standards, new energy vehicles also need to pay special attention to the following tests:

For electric vehicles exported to Europe and America, they must pass corresponding certifications such as UN R100 (EU) or FMVSS 305 UL 2580 (usually an additional requirement in the United States).

6、 Summary of key testing items

Regardless of the market, automotive type certification typically includes the following categories:

7、 Comparison of certification processes in the three major markets