In the European Union, EURO standards are in force that govern the emission limits of harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) in most new vehicles sold in the EU (cars, trucks, buses, trains, tractors, agricultural machinery, barges).
The EU-imposed requirements must by met, in the light of regulations enacted in 2011, also by tractors and agricultural machines with an engine power of 175-760 KM. For obtain approval, these vehicles are required to comply with the guidelines of the EURO IIIb. They necessitate the reduction of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter respectively by 50% and 80% in comparison to the previous limits on factory-new equipment. Year by year, EU directives enforce more and more restrictive requirements. According to regulations in force from 01.10.2008, diesel engines are covered by the EURO V standard, which has dramatically lowered the emission limits of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 60%.
For comparison: 25 trucks with EURO V emit as much harmful substances as did 1 truck in the 1970s.
From the beginning of the year 2014, the EURO VI standard is in force, established already in 2008 by the European Parliament, which curbs the NOx emissions by a further 80%.
