European emission standardFlanders

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74. European emission standard

A European emission standard, commonly called a Euro standard, is a European vehicle classification based on limits for pollutants emitted by vehicles and their engines. Successive standards, such as Euro 4, Euro 5 and Euro 6, introduced progressively stricter requirements for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

A vehicle's Euro standard is determined as part of its type approval and depends on factors including the vehicle category, fuel type and applicable emissions legislation when it was approved. Euro standards may also be used by authorities to determine access to low-emission zones, but local access rules vary between countries and cities.

Chart comparing European exhaust-emission standards for diesel cars.
Wikimedia.org • Rfeba • CC0

What is a Euro emission standard in Belgium?

The Euro emission standard, often called the euronorm in Belgium, indicates the European emissions requirements that a vehicle satisfies. It is used as an official vehicle characteristic and can influence access to low-emission zones.

Where can you find the Euro standard of a Belgian vehicle?

The Euro standard is normally indicated in field V.9 of the registration certificate.

What if the Euro standard is not shown on the Belgian registration certificate?

It may be determined using information such as the date of first registration, homologation code or European Certificate of Conformity. The Euro standard may also appear on the vehicle's Car-Pass.

Does a higher Euro number mean a cleaner vehicle?

In general, a higher Euro standard represents stricter pollutant-emission requirements. However, the exact limits depend on the vehicle category, fuel type and applicable version of the standard.

Does the Euro standard determine whether a vehicle may enter a Belgian low-emission zone?

It is one of the main factors. Belgian low-emission zones can use the vehicle category, fuel type and Euro standard to determine access. The exact requirements depend on the particular low-emission zone.

Are low-emission-zone requirements the same everywhere in Belgium?

No. Low-emission zones are governed by regional and local rules, so the required Euro standard, exemptions, registration procedures and temporary access arrangements can differ between locations.

What Euro standard is currently required in the Brussels Low Emission Zone?

As of 2026, most diesel cars, vans, buses and lorries must meet at least Euro 6 to enter the Brussels LEZ normally, while petrol, CNG and LPG vehicles concerned by the rules generally need at least Euro 3. Exemptions and day-pass arrangements exist for certain vehicles.

Does a particulate-filter retrofit change a vehicle's Euro standard in Belgium?

No. Installing a particulate filter does not change the vehicle's official Euro standard for Belgian low-emission-zone purposes.

Can engine modifications change the Euro standard for Brussels LEZ purposes?

No. The Brussels LEZ rules state that modifications to the vehicle's engine do not change its official Euro standard.

Do hybrid vehicles also have a Euro standard?

Yes. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles with a combustion engine can have a Euro standard. For Brussels LEZ purposes, petrol hybrids follow the petrol criteria and diesel hybrids follow the diesel criteria.

Do fully electric vehicles have the same Euro-standard restrictions?

Fully electric vehicles do not produce combustion-engine exhaust emissions. In the Brussels LEZ they are currently automatically authorised, as are hydrogen-powered vehicles under the applicable rules.

What should you do if the Euro standard recorded for your vehicle is incorrect?

You should request a correction of the vehicle data through the competent authority and provide supporting evidence, such as the European Certificate of Conformity, where required.

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