KEY NEWS 1/4 — EU
New UN Regulation - Approval of vehicles and components fuelled with liquefied hydrogen
The Working Party on Passive Safety (GRSP) is working on a proposal for a new Regulation UN R.XXX - Approval of vehicles and components fuelled with liquefied hydrogen. This new Regulation aims to introduce procedures for the type-approval of motor vehicles and their components with regard to safety-related performance of vehicles and systems fuelled with liquefied hydrogen.
The Regulation will apply to vehicles of M2, M3, N2 and N3 categories.
The Regulation is divided in 3 main sections:
- Part I: Liquefied Hydrogen Storage Systems (LHSS).
- Part II: Specific components for LHSS.
- Part III: Complete vehicles incorporating LHSS.
This future Regulation is based on the GTR 13 on Hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) and omits for now the post-crash hydrogen leakage requirements.
In addition, the following Annexes are included to clarify the requirements:
- Annex I: Information documents and communication forms.
- Annex II: Approval marks arrangements.
- Annex III: Detailed test procedures for LHSS design qualification.
- Annex IV: Test procedures for specific componets.
- Annex V: Test procedures for complete vehicle fuel systems.
- Annex VI: Label provisions for liquefied hydrogen vehicles.
The proposal was adopted at the 78th session of the GRSP and it would be considered and voted by WP.29 at their 199th session which will be held on June 2026.
It is expected that the proposal will be approved during the session and that it will come into force in early 2027.
You can follow the progress of this Regulation proposal through IRIS Working Groups Observatory (WGO), the new IRIS application designed to provide a comprehensive and structured view of all regulatory proposals being discussed in international working groups.
With IRIS WGO, you gain access to an entirely new way of understanding the regulatory process.
The platform allows you to track each proposal from its earliest technical discussions through to its final adoption, visualize its evolution through dynamic timelines, and access agendas, reports, and working documents in one centralized and continuously updated space.
IRIS WGO gives you clarity, control, and perspective. Because those who understand regulatory changes first are better prepared to anticipate them.
Discover what happens behind every proposal, follow its progress in real time, and gain a complete view of the regulatory landscape to anticipate changes and make informed decisions before they happen.
· For more information about IRIS Working Groups Observatory (WGO), please contact iris@idiada.com
KEY NEWS 2/4 — USA
EPA repeals all greenhouse gas emission standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rescinded the administrator's 2009 findings of contribution and endangerment. As a consequence, all greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards are repealed. This measure affects model years 2012 through 2027 and beyond.
The EPA determined it lacks statutory authority to regulate GHG emissions from motor vehicles. The agency concluded that this provision authorizes regulations only of air pollutants that can affect public health, not global climate change.
The recission removed all regulatory requirements for manufacturers to measure, report or comply with GHG standards while preserving criteria pollutant standards and NHTSA's fuel economy programs. The action provides manufacturers increased flexibility and relieves compliance burdens while eliminating a regulatory program that EPA concludes exceeds its constitutional and statutory authority.
This final actions will enter into force on 20 April 2026.
KEY NEWS 3/4 — KOREA
New exhaust emission test methods for motor vehicles
A new regulatory amendment notice has been issued by the Climate, Energy, and Environment Ministry of South Korea regarding the "Regulations on Testing and Procedures for Manufactured Vehicles."
The document is an official regulatory amendment establishing new emission testing standards for gasoline and gas vehicles, scheduled for implementation from 2026 onwards.
The regulation aims to align with the Air Quality Conservation Act and its enforcement rules.
Main Changes Summary:
- Introduction of 8-second Quick Drive-Away: a new emission testing method with shortened idle time before vehicle acceleration.
- Introduction of Partial Soak: a new testing procedure for emissions after preliminary driving with various parking time intervals.
- Introduction of Cold Start Mode for PHEVs: a high-power cold start test mode specifically for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
- New On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Malfunction Criteria: Establishment of self-diagnostic device malfunction standards for gasoline and gas vehicles.
- Technical Specification Updates: various amendments to filter specifications, test procedures, and calculation formulas.
You can follow this notice and everything related to global regulations in our Regulatory Monitoring Report, contact us at: iris@idiada.com.
KEY NEWS 4/4 — IRIS
Applus+ IDIADA Presented Key Tyre Regulatory Updates at Tire Technology Expo 2026
On March 3, 4 and 5, Applus+ IDIADA participated in Tire Technology Expo 2026 in Hannover, Germany one of the world's premier events connecting tire manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and technology innovators to discuss advances in tire design, testing, and performance.
Applus+ IDIADA showcased IRIS - IDIADA's Automotive Regulatory Knowledge Tool - with representation by Ricard Anadón, Senior Product Manager for Tire Homologation, who served as the technical expert during the event.
Technical Sessions on Regulatory Compliance
Ricard Anadón delivered specialized technical sessions at Stand C443 titled "Navigating the Next Regulatory Milestones in Tire Compliance: UN R.117 & Tire Abrasion." The presentations were scheduled for:
- Tuesday, March 3rd: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Wednesday, March 4th: 14:30 PM - 15:00 PM
The sessions covered three key areas:
• A detailed explanation of the latest updates introduced by the 04 series of UN Regulation No. 117
• An overview of the proposed new UN Regulation on tyre abrasion
• A live demonstration showing how to monitor regulatory evolution and requirements through IRIS and the Working Groups Observatory.
The event represented a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to gain direct access to expert regulatory knowledge and explore how IRIS could support compliance monitoring in the sector.