Readers of this website will recall my earlier article: Eco-Tyre Regulation, which covered the implementation of European Union’s Regulation (661/2009) requiring all tyres produced after July 2012 and on sale in the EU from 1 November 2012 to be accompanied by label at point of sale providing information on wet grip, fuel efficiency and exterior rolling noise.
Following the implementation of the Regulation, the Environmental Regulator: The National Measurement Office (NMO) enforce the EU tyre labelling legislation in the UK. As part of this work, an assessment was undertaken to evaluate the EU tyre technical information.
This investigation considered:
- assessment of a selection of tyre technical data from manufacturers in the UK
- contact with UK importers and authorised representatives regarding Article 4, raising awareness of supplier responsibilities
The investigation found that 80% of tyre manufacturers contacted provided some kind of technical information. Information demonstrated that the majority were using TUV and RDW for accredited technical assessment, with the larger manufacturers carrying out in-house assessment. Both the test facilities and internal testing appear to follow EC guidelines on tyre testing, however clarification will be needed on signing technical documentation to prove authenticity.
Around 29% of tyre wholesalers and authorised representatives responded to NMO regarding supplier responsibilities. Some did clarify their stance on not importing from outside the EU.
This investigation collated tyre technical information, demonstrating that the testing appears to be in line with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 117 regulations and its corresponding EC guidance.
However, the implementation of the statutory instrument for tyre labelling will allow NMO to conduct more in-depth projects into tyre technical assessment and its integrity, by conducting independent testing of risk-assessed tyres.
A full copy of the Technical Information Assessment can be found at http://bit.ly/1FqQwRX