UN R83 — 08 series of amendments

The scope now covers idling emissions (Type 2 test), crankcase emissions (Type 3 test) and exhaust emissions at low ambient temperature (Type 6 test). These requirements are for emissions of gaseous compounds, and the Regulation also has rules for in-service conformity. Before, paragraph 1. also named rules for the durability of pollution control devices and On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) systems. The definitions in UN Regulation No. 154 now apply, unless paragraph 2. specifies otherwise. New definitions include “Real driving emissions (RDE)”, “Base Emission Strategy (BES)”, “Auxiliary Emission Strategy (AES)” and “Third party”. Definitions such as “Reference mass”, “Defeat device”, “Mono-fuel vehicle” and “Bi-fuel vehicle” are deleted.

Applications now need a demonstration of compliance with UN Regulation No. 85 and Level 1a or Level 2 of UN Regulation No. 154. If applicable, they also need a demonstration of compliance with Part III of UN Regulation No. 24 and the UN Regulation on RDE. Under new paragraph 3.4.1., the manufacturer must also give an extended documentation package, as Appendix 3a to Annex 1 describes. Its purpose is that approval authorities can assess the proper use of AES, taking into account the prohibition of defeat devices in paragraph 5.1.7. Vehicles approved under characters EB and EC need an indicator (AES Flag or Timer) that shows when the vehicle runs in AES mode. New Appendices 3a and 3b to Annex 1 give the documentation packages and the methodology for the assessment of AES.

The type approval number now has four sections, separated by the '*' character, for example E11*83R08/01/EA*0123*01. Section 2 gives the series of amendments, the supplement and two characters for the emission standard, for example EA, EB or EC. In Table A3/1, characters EA, EB and EC stand for Euro 6e, Euro 6e-bis and Euro 6e-bis-FCM, for categories M1, M2, N1 and N2. The additional character in the approval mark now shows the emission standard, not the vehicle category and class. The OBD requirements of paragraph 4.10. and the additional requirements of paragraphs 4.8. and 4.9. for LPG, NG/biomethane and flex fuel vehicles are deleted. The communication in Annex 2 now refers to the 08 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 83.

Table A now lists Type 2, Type 3 and Type 6 tests and in-service conformity, but no longer Type I, IV and V tests. The Type II, Type III and Type VI tests are now called the Type 2, Type 3 and Type 6 tests. Paragraph 5.1.7. now prohibits defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems, except in three listed cases. Before, paragraph 5.1.2.1. prohibited the use of a defeat device. One exception now refers to the test procedures for verifying evaporative emissions and average tailpipe emissions, not the Type I or Type VI test procedures. Paragraph 5.3.5.1.2. and Annex 8 now refer to Annex 4a to the 07 series of amendments for the Type 6 test cycle and equipment.

The Type I test (verifying exhaust emissions after a cold start) in Annex 4a is deleted. Annexes 7 and 9 with the Type IV and Type V tests are now “Reserved”. Annex 12 (LPG or NG/biomethane vehicles), Annex 13 (periodically regenerating systems) and Annex 14 (hybrid electric vehicles) are deleted. Annex 11 now has the title “On-board diagnostics (OBD) – in-use performance requirements”. Its in-use performance requirements (IUPR) apply in addition to the requirements of Annex C5 of UN Regulation No. 154. Paragraph 14. on alternative procedures is deleted.

Paragraph 7. now gives extensions for the Type 2 test (paragraph 7.1.) and the low temperature Type 6 test (paragraph 7.2.). The extensions for evaporative emissions (Type IV test), durability (Type V test) and on-board diagnostics are deleted. Paragraph 8.1.1. now asks for the Type 2 and 3 tests where applicable, instead of the tests of Types I, II, III, IV and OBD. Paragraph 9.1. now says that in-service conformity (ISC) measures follow Annex 4. Annex 4 sets out the ISC methodology for tailpipe (including low temperature) and evaporative emissions throughout the normal life of the vehicle. The manufacturer must perform ISC testing for tailpipe emissions with at least the Type 1 test for all ISC families.

From the entry into force of the 08 series, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation must not refuse to grant approvals under the 08 series. Approvals to new vehicle types need the EA requirements from 1 September 2023, EB from 1 January 2025 and EC from 1 January 2027. Each step also requires UN Regulation No. 85, the UN Regulation on RDE and, if applicable, Part III of UN Regulation No. 24. For UN Regulation No. 154, the steps require Level 1A of the 02 series or the 03 series (Supplement 1 or later from 2025). Old paragraph 12.3.1. is deleted. It allowed approvals of vehicles that comply with any previous series or level, if intended for sale or export to countries that apply those requirements.