New Zealand introduces new emission standards

The proposed standards aim to regulate emissions from various categories of vehicles, including heavy-duty vehicles, light-duty vehicles, and motorcycles.

The standards establish stricter limits for pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are known to contribute to air pollution and climate change.

For heavy-duty vehicles, the proposed emission standards will introduce more stringent limits on NOx and PM emissions. The standards help improve air quality, protect public health, and minimize the environmental impacts of commercial transportation by reducing pollutant emissions. In addition, light-duty vehicles such as cars and vans also play an important role in the nation’s emissions profile. Future standards will mandate lower emission levels for these vehicles and encourage automakers to develop cleaner, more fuel-efficient models. This move will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but will also result in fuel savings for vehicle owners, promoting a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation sector.

The emission standards are to gradually be introduced over a five-year period. In addition, New Zealand currently accepts the use of various regional (European, Japanese, U.S., and Australian) and global standards to demonstrate emission levels.

The text of the Draft Regulation can be consulted HERE.