Bharat Stage emission standards
Encyclopedia
Bharat stage emission standards are emission standards instituted by Government of India to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipments, including motor vehicles. The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment & Forests.

The standards, based on European regulations were first introduced in 2000. Progressively stringent norms have been rolled out since then .All new vehicles manufactured after the implementation of the norms have to be compliant with the regulations. . Since October 2010, Bharat stage III norms have been enforced across the country. In 13 major cities, Bharat stage IV emission norms are in place since April 2010. .

The phasing out of 2 stroke engine for two wheelers, the stoppage of production of Maruti 800 & introduction of electronic controls have been due to the regulations related to vehicular emissions. .

While the norms help in bringing down pollution levels, it invariably results in increased vehicle cost due to the improved technology & higher fuel prices.

Motor vehicles

History

The first emission norms were introduced in India in 1991 for petrol and 1992 for diesel vehicles. These were followed by making the Catalytic converter
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a device used to convert toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances. Inside a catalytic converter, a catalyst stimulates a chemical reaction in which noxious byproducts of combustion are converted to less toxic substances by dint...

 mandatory for petrol vehicles and the introduction of unleaded petrol in the market.

On April 29th 1999 the Supreme Court of India
Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial forum and final court of appeal as established by Part V, Chapter IV of the Constitution of India...

 ruled that all vehicles in India have to meet Euro I or India 2000 norms by June 1st 1999 and Euro II will be mandatory in the NCR
National Capital Region (India)
The National Capital Region in India is a name for the conurbation or metropolitan area which encompasses the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi as well as urban areas ringing it in neighbouring states of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan...

 by April 2000. Car makers were not prepared for this transition and in a subsequent judgment the implementation date for Euro II was not enforced. . .

In 2002, the Indian government accepted the report submitted by the Mashelkar
Raghunath Anant Mashelkar
Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is also known as Ramesh Mashelkar. He is the former Director General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research , a chain of 38 publicly funded industrial research and development institutions in India....

 committee. The committee proposed a road map for the roll out of Euro based emission norms
European emission standards
European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards.Currently, emissions of...

 for India. It also recommended a phased implementation of future norms with the regulations being implemented in major cities first and extended to the rest of the country after a few years. .

Based on the recommendations of the committee, the National Auto Fuel policy was announced officially in 2003. The roadmap for implementation of the Bharat Stage norms were laid out till 2010. The policy also created guidelines for auto fuels, reduction of pollution from older vehicles and R&D for air quality data creation and health administration.

Background

Table 1: Indian Emission Standards (4-Wheel Vehicles)
Standard Reference Date Region
India 2000 Euro 1 2000 Nationwide
Bharat Stage II Euro 2 2001 NCR*, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai
2003.04 NCR*, 13 Cities†
2005.04 Nationwide
Bharat Stage III Euro 3 2005.04 NCR*, 13 Cities†
2010.04 Nationwide
Bharat Stage IV Euro 4 2010.04 NCR*, 13 Cities†
* National Capital Region (Delhi)
† Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur, Lucknow, Sholapur, Jamshedpur and Agra


The above standards apply to all new 4-wheel vehicles sold and registered in the respective regions. In addition, the National Auto Fuel Policy introduces certain emission requirements for interstate buses with routes originating or terminating in Delhi or the other 10 cities.

For 2-and 3-wheelers, Bharat Stage II (Euro 2) will be applicable from April 1, 2005 and Stage III (Euro 3) standards would come in force from April 1, 2010.

Trucks and buses

Emission standards for new heavy-duty diesel engines—applicable to vehicles of GVW > 3,500 kg—are listed in Table 2.
Table 2
Emission Standards for Diesel Truck and Bus Engines, g/kWh
Year Reference Test CO HC NOx PM
1992 - ECE R49 17.3-32.6 2.7-3.7 - -
1996 - ECE R49 11.20 2.40 14.4 -
2000 Euro I ECE R49 4.5 1.1 8.0 0.36*
2005† Euro II ECE R49 4.0 1.1 7.0 0.15
2010† Euro III ESC 2.1 0.66 5.0 0.10
ETC 5.45 0.78 5.0 0.16
2010‡ Euro IV ESC 1.5 0.46 3.5 0.02
ETC 4.0 0.55 3.5 0.03
* 0.612 for engines below 85 kW
† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1
‡ only in selected regions, see Table 1


More details on Euro I-III regulations can be found in the EU heavy-duty engine standards page.

Light duty diesel vehicles

Emission standards for light-duty diesel vehicles (GVW ≤ 3,500 kg) are summarized in Table 3. Ranges of emission limits refer to different classes (by reference mass) of light commercial vehicles; compare the EU light-duty vehicle emission standards page for details on the Euro 1 and later standards. The lowest limit in each range applies to passenger cars (GVW ≤ 2,500 kg; up to 6 seats).
Table 3
Emission Standards for Light-Duty Diesel Vehicles, g/km
Year Reference CO HC HC+NOx NOx PM
1992 - 17.3-32.6 2.7-3.7 - - -
1996 - 5.0-9.0 - 2.0-4.0 - -
2000 Euro 1 2.72-6.90 - 0.97-1.70 0.14-0.25 -
2005† Euro 2 1.0-1.5 - 0.7-1.2 0.08-0.17 -
2010† Euro 3 0.64
0.80
0.95
- 0.56
0.72
0.86
0.50
0.65
0.78
0.05
0.07
0.10
2010‡ Euro 4 0.50
0.63
0.74
- 0.30
0.39
0.46
0.25
0.33
0.39
0.025
0.04
0.06
† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1
‡ only in selected regions, see Table 1


The test cycle has been the ECE + EUDC for low power vehicles (with maximum speed limited to 90 km/h). Before 2000, emissions were measured over an Indian test cycle.

Engines for use in light-duty vehicles can be also emission tested using an engine dynamometer. The respective emission standards are listed in Table 4.
Table 4
Emission Standards for Light-Duty Diesel Engines, g/kWh
Year Reference CO HC NOx PM
1992 - 14.0 3.5 18.0 -
1996 - 11.20 2.40 14.4 -
2000 Euro I 4.5 1.1 8.0 0.36*
2005† Euro II 4.0 1.1 7.0 0.15
* 0.612 for engines below 85 kW
† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1

4-wheel vehicles

Emissions standards for gasoline vehicles (GVW ≤ 3,500 kg) are summarized in Table 5. Ranges of emission limits refer to different classes of light commercial vehicles (compare the EU light-duty vehicle emission standards page). The lowest limit in each range applies to passenger cars (GVW ≤ 2,500 kg; up to 6 seats).
Table 5
Emission Standards for Gasoline Vehicles (GVW ≤ 3,500 kg), g/km
Year Reference CO HC HC+NOx NOx
1991 - 14.3-27.1 2.0-2.9 -
1996 - 8.68-12.4 - 3.00-4.36
1998* - 4.34-6.20 - 1.50-2.18
2000 Euro 1 2.72-6.90 - 0.97-1.70
2005† Euro 2 2.2-5.0 - 0.5-0.7
2010† Euro 3 2.3
4.17
5.22
0.20
0.25
0.29
- 0.15
0.18
0.21
2010‡ Euro 4 1.0
1.81
2.27
0.1
0.13
0.16
- 0.08
0.10
0.11
* for catalytic converter fitted vehicles

† earlier introduction in selected regions, see Table 1
‡ only in selected regions, see Table 1


Gasoline vehicles must also meet an evaporative (SHED) limit of 2 g/test (effective 2000).

3- and 2-wheel vehicles

Emission standards for 3- and 2-wheel gasoline vehicles are listed in the following tables.
Table 6
Emission Standards for 3-Wheel Gasoline Vehicles, g/km
Year CO HC HC+NOx
1991 12-30 8-12 -
1996 6.75 - 5.40
2000 4.00 - 2.00
2005 (BS II) 2.25 - 2.00
2010.04 (BS III) 1.25 - 1.25

Table 7
Emission Standards for 2-Wheel Gasoline Vehicles, g/km
Year CO HC HC+NOx
1991 12-30 8-12 -
1996 5.50 - 3.60
2000 2.00 - 2.00
2005 (BS II) 1.5 - 1.5
2010.04 (BS III) 1.0 - 1.0

Table 8
Emission Standards for 2- And 3-Wheel Diesel Vehicles, g/km
Year CO HC+NOx PM
2005.04 1.00 0.85 0.10
2010.04 0.50 0.50 0.05

Overview of the emission norms in India

  • 1991 - Idle CO Limits for Gasoline Vehicles and Free Acceleration Smoke for Diesel Vehicles, Mass Emission Norms for Gasoline Vehicles.
  • 1992 - Mass Emission Norms for Diesel Vehicles.
  • 1996 - Revision of Mass Emission Norms for Gasoline and Diesel Vehicles, mandatory fitment of Catalytic Converter for Cars in Metros on Unleaded Gasoline.
  • 1998 - Cold Start Norms Introduced.
  • 2000 - India 2000 (Equivalent to Euro I) Norms, Modified IDC (Indian Driving Cycle), Bharat Stage II Norms for Delhi.
  • 2001 - Bharat Stage II (Equivalent to Euro II) Norms for All Metros, Emission Norms for CNG & LPG Vehicles.
  • 2003 - Bharat Stage II (Equivalent to Euro II) Norms for 13 major cities.
  • 2005 - From 1 April Bharat Stage III (Equivalent to Euro III) Norms for 13 major cities.
  • 2010 - Bharat Stage III Emission Norms for 4-wheelers for entire country whereas Bharat Stage - IV (Equivalent to Euro IV) for 13 major cities. Bharat Stage IV also has norms on OBD (similar to Euro III but diluted)

CO2 emission

India’s auto sector accounts for about 18 per cent of the total emissions in the country. Relative emissions from transport have risen rapidly in recent years, but like the EU, currently there are no standards for emission limits for pollution from vehicles.

Obligatory labeling

There is also no provision to make the emissions labeling mandatory on cars in the country. A system exists in the EU to ensure that information relating to the fuel economy and emissions of new passenger cars offered for sale or lease in the Community is made available to consumers in order to enable consumers to make an informed choice.

Construction machinery

Emission standards for diesel construction machinery were adopted on 21 September 2006. The standards are structured into two tiers:
  • Bharat (CEV) Stage II—These standards are based on the EU Stage I requirements, but also cover smaller engines that were not regulated under the EU Stage I.
  • Bharat (CEV) Stage III—These standards are based on US Tier 2/3 requirements.


The standards are summarized in the following table:
Table 9
Bharat (CEV) Emission Standards for Diesel Construction Machinery
Engine Power Date CO HC HC+NOx NOx PM
kW g/kWh
Bharat (CEV) Stage II
P < 8 2008.10 8.0 1.3 - 9.2 1.00
8 ≤ P < 19 2008.10 6.6 1.3 - 9.2 0.85
19 ≤ P < 37 2007.10 6.5 1.3 - 9.2 0.85
37 ≤ P < 75 2007.10 6.5 1.3 - 9.2 0.85
75 ≤ P < 130 2007.10 5.0 1.3 - 9.2 0.70
130 ≤ P < 560 2007.10 5.0 1.3 - 9.2 0.54
Bharat (CEV) Stage III
P < 8 2011.04 8.0 - 7.5 - 0.80
8 ≤ P < 19 2011.04 6.6 - 7.5 - 0.80
19 ≤ P < 37 2011.04 5.5 - 7.5 - 0.60
37 ≤ P < 75 2011.04 5.0 - 4.7 - 0.40
75 ≤ P < 130 2011.04 5.0 - 4.0 - 0.30
130 ≤ P < 560 2011.04 3.5 - 4.0 - 0.20


The limit values apply for both type approval (TA) and conformity of production (COP) testing. Testing is performed on an engine dynamometer over the ISO 8178
ISO 8178
ISO 8178 is a collection of steady state test cycles used for defining emission standards for non-road internal combustion engines in the European Union, USA, Japan and other countries. Test cycle ISO 8178 C1 is also referred to as "Non-Road Steady Cycle" and used extensively...

C1 (8-mode) and D2 (5-mode) test cycles.
The Bharat Stage III standards must be met over the useful life periods shown in Table 10. Alternatively, manufacturers may use fixed emission deterioration factors of 1.1 for CO, 1.05 for HC, 1.05 for NOx, and 1.1 for PM.
Table 10
Bharat (CEV) Stage III Useful Life Periods
Power Rating Useful Life Period
hours
< 19 kW 3000
19-37 kW constant speed 3000
variable speed 5000
> 37 kW 8000

Agricultural tractors

Emission standards for diesel agricultural tractors are summarized in Table 11.
Table 11
Indian Emission Standards (4-Wheel Vehicles)
Standard Reference Date Region
India 2000 Euro 1 2000 Nationwide
Bharat Stage II Euro 2 2001 NCR*, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai
2003.04 NCR*, 11 Cities†
2005.04 Nationwide
Bharat Stage III Euro 3 2005.04 NCR*, 11 Cities†
2010.04 Nationwide
Bharat Stage IV Euro 4 2010.04 NCR*, 11 Cities†
* National Capital Region (Delhi)

† Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur and Agra


Emissions are tested over the ISO 8178 C1 (8-mode) cycle. For Bharat (Trem) Stage III A, the useful life periods and deterioration factors are the same as for Bharat (CEV) Stage III, Table 10.

Generator sets

Emissions from new diesel engines used in generator sets have been regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India [G.S.R. 371 (E), 17 May 2002]. The regulations impose type approval certification, production conformity testing and labeling requirements. Certification agencies include the Automotive Research Association of India and the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment. The emission standards are listed below.
Table 12
Emission Standards for Diesel Engines ≤ 800 kW for Generator Sets
Engine Power (P) Date CO HC NOx PM Smoke
g/kWh 1/m
P ≤ 19 kW 2004.01 5.0 1.3 9.2 0.6 0.7
2005.07 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7
19 kW < P ≤ 50 kW 2004.01 5.0 1.3 9.2 0.5 0.7
2004.07 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7
50 kW < P ≤ 176 kW 2004.01 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7
176 kW < P ≤ 800 kW 2004.11 3.5 1.3 9.2 0.3 0.7


Engines are tested over the 5-mode ISO 8178 D2 test cycle. Smoke opacity is measured at full load.
Table 13
Emission Limits for Diesel Engines > 800 kW for Generator Sets
Date CO NMHC NOx PM
mg/Nm3 mg/Nm3 ppm(v) mg/Nm3
Until 2003.06 150 150 1100 75
2003.07 - 2005.06 150 100 970 75
2005.07 150 100 710 75


Concentrations are corrected to dry exhaust conditions with 15% residual O2.

Power plants

The emission standards for thermal power plants in India are being enforced based on Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 of Government of India and it’s amendments from time to time. A summary of emission norms for coal and gas based thermal power plants is given in Tables 14 and 15
Table 14
Environmental standards for coal & gas based power plants

Capacity

Pollutant

Emission limit

Coal based thermal plants

Below 210 MW

Particulate matter (PM)

350 mg/Nm3

210 MW & above

 

150 mg/Nm3

500 MW & above

 

50 mg/Nm3

Gas based thermal plants

400 MW & above

NOX(V/V at 15% excess oxygen)

50 PPM for natural gas; 100 PPM for
naphtha

Below 400 MW & up to 100 MW

 

75 PPM for natural gas; 100 PPM for
naphtha

Below 100 MW

 

100 PPM for naphtha/natural gas

For conventional boilers

 

100 PPM


Table 15
Stack height requirement for SO2 control

Power Generation Capacity

Stock Height (Metre)

Less than 200/210 MWe

H = 14 (Q)0.3 where Q is emission
rate of SO 2 in kg/hr,

H = Stack height in metres

200/210 MWe
or less than 500 MWe 200

200

500 MWe and
above

275 (+ Space provision for FGD
systems in future)



The norm for 500 MW and above coal based power plant being practiced is 40 to 50 mg/Nm and space is provided in the plant layout for super thermal power stations for installation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system. But FGD is not installed, as it is not required for low sulphur Indian coals while considering SO X emission from individual chimney.

In addition to the above emission standards, the selection of a site for a new power plant has to
maintain the local ambient air quality as given in Table 16.
Table 16
Ambient air quality standard
Category Conc. g/m3
SPM SOx CO NOx

Industrial and mixed-use

500

120

5000

120

Residential and rural

200

80

2000

80

Sensitive

100

30

1000

30


Table 17
World Bank norms for new projects

Existing Air Quality Recommendation

SOx > 100 ?
g/m3

No project

SOx = 100 ?
g/m3

Polluted area, max. from a project
100 t/day

SOx < 50 ?
g/m3

Unpolluted area, max. from a project
500 t/day



However the norms for SOx are even stricter for selection of sites for World Bank funded projects (refer Table 2.4). For example, if SOx level is higher than 100 ? g/m 3, no project with further SOx emission can be set up; if SO X level is 100 ? g/m 3, it is called polluted area and maximum emission from a project should not exceed 100 t/day; and if SOx is less than 50 ? g/m 3, it is called unpolluted area, but the SOx emission from a project should not exceed 500 t/day. The stipulation for NOX emission is that its emission should not exceed 260 gram s of NOX per Giga Joule of heat input.

In view of the above, it may be seen that improved environment norms are linked to financing and are being enforced by international financial institutions and not by the policies/laws of land.

Fuels

Fuel quality plays a very important role in meeting the stringent emission regulation.

The fuel specifications of gasoline and diesel have been aligned with the Corresponding European Fuel Specifications for meeting the Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV emission norms.

The use of alternative fuels has been promoted in India both for energy security and emission reduction. Delhi and Mumbai have more than 100,000 commercial vehicles running on CNG fuel. Delhi has the largest number of CNG commercial vehicles running anywhere in the World. India is planning to introduce Biodiesel, ethanol gasoline blends in a phased manner and has drawn up a road map for the same. The Indian auto industry is working with the authorities to facilitate for introduction of the alternative fuels. India has also set up a task force for preparing the Hydrogen road map. The use of LPG has also been introduced as an auto fuel and the oil industry has drawn up plans for setting up of auto LPG dispensing stations in major cities.

Indian gasoline specifications:
Table

Serial No.

Characteristics

Unit

Bharat
Stage II

Bharat
Stage III

Bharat
Stage IV

1

Density 15 0 C

Kg/m3

710-770

720-775

720-775

2

Distillation

       

3

a) Recovery up to 70 0 C(E70)

b) Recovery up to 100 0 C (E100)

c) Recovery up to 180 0 C (E180)

d) Recovery up to 150 0 C (E150)

e) Final Boiling Point (FBP), Max

f) Residue Max

%Volume

%Volume

%Volume

%Volume

0C

%
Volume

10-45

40-70

90

-

210

2

10-45

40-70

-

75min

210

2

10-45

40-70

-

75min

210

2

4

Research Octane Number (RON), Min

 

88

91

91

5

Anti Knock Index (AKI)/ MON, Min

 

84
(AKI)

81
(MON)

81
(MON)

6

Sulphur, Total , Max

%
mass

0.05

150 mg/Kg

50 mg/Kg

7

Lead Content(as Pb), Max

g/l

0.013

0.005

0.005

8

Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP), Max

Kpa

35-60

60

60

9

Benzene, Content, Max

a)     For Metros

b)     For the rest

%
Volume

-

3

5

1

1

10

Olefin content, Max

%
Volume

-

21

21

11

Aromatic Content, Max

%
Volume

-

42

35



Indian diesel specifications:
Table
Density Kg/m3 15 0 C
Sulphur Content mg/kg max

3(a)

3(b)

Cetane Number minimum and / or

Cetane Index

48

or 46

51

and 46

51

and 46

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon

5

(a)

(b)

(c)

Distillation

Reco. Min. At 350 0 C

Reco. Min. At 370 0C

95%Vol Reco at 0o C max


85

95

-


-

-

360


-

-

360


Table
Diesel Fuel Quality in India
Date Particulars
1995 Cetane number: 45; Sulfur: 1%
1996 Sulfur: 0.5% (Delhi + selected cities)
1998 Sulfur: 0.25% (Delhi)
1999 Sulfur: 0.05% (Delhi, limited supply)
2000 Cetane number: 48; Sulfur: 0.25% (Nationwide)
2001 Sulfur: 0.05% (Delhi + selected cities)
2005 Sulfur: 350 ppm (Euro 3; selected areas)
2010 Sulfur: 350 ppm (Euro 3; nationwide)
2010 Sulfur: 50 ppm (Euro 4; selected areas)


Indian bio-diesel specifications:
Table
S. No. Characteristics Requirement Method of Test , ref to
   
Density at 15 °C, kg/m3 860-900
   
   
Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C, cSt 2.5-6.0
Flash point (PMCC) °C, min 120
Sulphur, mg/kg max. 50.0
Carbon residue (Ramsbottom) *,% by mass, max 0.05
Sulfated ash, % by mass, max 0.02
Water content, mg/kg, max 500
   
   
Total contamination, mg/kg, max. 24
Cu corrosion, 3 hrs at 50 °C, max 1
Cetane No., min 51
Acid value, mg KOH/g, max 0.50
Methanol @, % by mass, max 0.20
Ethanol, @@ % by mass, max 0.20
Ester content, % by mass, min 96.5
Free Glycerol, % by mass, max 0.02
Total Glycerol, % by mass, max 0.25
Phosphorus, mg/kg, max 10.0
Sodium & Potassium, mg/kg, max To report
      EN 14109
Calcium and Magnesium, mg/kg, max To report
Iodine value To report
Oxidation stability, at 110 °C hrs, min 6
* Carbon residue shall be run on 100% sample
** European method is under development

@ Applicable for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester

@@ Applicable for Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester

Ineffectiveness of present pollution control system

Presently, all vehicles need to undergo a periodic emission check (3 months/ 6 months) at PUC Centres at Fuel Stations and Private Garages which are authorised to check the vehicles. In addition, transport vehicles need to undergo an annual fitness check carried out by RTOs for emissions, safety and roadworthiness.

The objective of reducing pollution not achieved to a large extent by the present system. Some reasons for this are:
– Independent centres do not follow rigorous procedures due to inadequate training
– Equipment not subjected to periodic calibration by independent authority
– Lack of professionalism has led to malpractice
– Tracking system of vehicles failing to meet norms non-existent

Comparison between Bharat Stage and Euro norms

The Bharat Stage norms have been styled to suit specific needs and demands of Indian conditions. The differences lie essentially in environmental and geographical needs, even though the emission standards are exactly the same.

For instance, Euro-III is tested at sub-zero temperatures in European countries. In India, where the average annual temperature ranges between 24 and 28 degree Celsius, the test is done away with.

Another major distinction is in the maximum speed at which the vehicle is tested. A speed of 90 km/h is stipulated for BS-III, whereas it is 120 km/h for Euro-III, keeping emission limits the same in both cases.

In addition to limits, test procedure has certain finer points too. For instance, the mass emission test measurements done in g/km on a chassis dynamometer requires a loading of 100 kg weight in addition to unloaded car weight in Europe. In India, BS-III norms require an extra loading of 150 kg weight to achieve the desired inertia weight mainly due to road conditions here.

Non-existence of limits

Various groups and agencies have criticized the government and urged the government of India to draft mandatory fuel efficiency standards for cars in the country, or at least to make the emissions labelling mandatory on all new cars in the country. The auto companies should inform the customers about a vehicle’s emissions.

Lag behind Euro standards

There has been criticism of the fact that the Indian norms lag the Euro norms. At present, this lag is around 5 years. Also, there was suggestion from some bodies to implement Euro IV norms after Euro II norms, skipping the Euro III norms totally. This is because the Euro III norms are only a small improvement over Euro II, whereas Euro IV norms mark a big leap over Euro II.

The justification cited for this lag is that enforcing tight norms too soon would drive up automobile prices, thereby stifling growth of the automotive industry in the country.

Cycle beating

For the emission standards to deliver real emission reductions it is crucial that the test cycles under which the emissions have to comply as much as possible reflect normal driving situations. It was discovered that engine manufacturers would engage in what was called 'cycle beating' to optimise emission performance to the test cycle, while emissions from typical driving conditions would be much higher than expected, undermining the standards and public health. In one particular instance, research from two German technology institutes found that for diesel cars no 'real' NOx reductions have been achieved after 13 years of stricter standards.

Regulatory framework

In India the Rules and Regulations related to driving license, registration of motor vehicles, control of traffic, construction & maintenance of motor vehicles etc. are governed by the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 (MVA) and the Central Motor Vehicles rules 1989 (CMVR). The Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways (MoSRT&H) acts as a nodal agency for formulation and implementation of various provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and CMVR.

In order to involve all stake holders in regulation formulation, MoSRT&H has constituted two Committees to deliberate and advise Ministry on issues relating to Safety and Emission Regulations, namely –
  • CMVR- Technical Standing Committee (CMVR-TSC)
  • Standing Committee on Implementation of Emission Legislation (SCOE)

CMVR- Technical Standing Committee (CMVR-TSC)

This Committee advises MoSRT&H on various technical aspects related to CMVR. This Committee has representatives from various organisations namely; Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises (MoHI&PE)), MoSRT&H, Bureau Indian Standards (BIS), Testing Agencies such as Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Vehicle Research Development & Establishment (VRDE), Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), industry representatives from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Tractor Manufacturers Association (TMA) and representatives from State Transport Departments. Major functions the Committee are:
  • To provide technical clarification and interpretation of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules having technical bearing, to MoRT&H, as and when so desired.
  • To recommend to the Government the International/ foreign standards which can be used in lieu of standard notified under the CMVR permit use of components/parts/assemblies complying with such standards.
  • To make recommendations on any other technical issues which have direct relevance in implementation of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
  • To make recommendations on the new safety standards of various components for notification and implementation under Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
  • To make recommendations on lead time for implementation of such safety standards.
  • To recommend amendment of Central Motor Vehicles Rules having technical bearing keeping in view of Changes in automobile technologies.


CMVR-TSC is assisted by another Committee called the Automobile Industry Standards Committee (AISC) having members from various stakeholders in drafting the technical standards related to Safety. The major functions of the committee are as follows:
  • Preparation of new standards for automotive items related to safety.
  • To review and recommend amendments to the existing standards.
  • Recommend adoption of such standards to CMVR Technical Standing Committee
  • Recommend commissioning of testing facilities at appropriate stages.
  • Recommend the necessary funding of such facilities to the CMVR Technical Standing Committee, and
  • Advise CMVR Technical Standing Committee on any other issues referred to it


The National Standards for Automotive Industry are prepared by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The standards formulated by AISC are also converted into Indian Standards by BIS. The standards formulated by both BIS and AISC are considered by CMVR-TSC for implementation.

Standing Committee on Implementation of Emission Legislation (SCOE)

This Committee deliberates the issues related to implementation of emission regulation. Major functions of this Committee are –
  • To discuss the future emission norms
  • To recommend norms for in-use vehicles to MoSRT&H
  • To finalise the test procedures and the implementation strategy for emission norms
  • Advise MoSRT&H on any issue relating to implementation of emission regulations.


Based on the recommendations from CMVR-TSC and SCOE, MoSRT&H issues notification for necessary amendments / modifications in the in Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

In addition, the other Ministries like Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) and Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources are also involved in formulation of regulations relating to Emissions, Noise, Fuels and Alternative Fuel vehicles.
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