Light-Duty Vehicle Emission Standards: Focus on Euro 6c and EPA Tier 3 Bin 70
Chilean Emission Standards for Light-Duty Vehicles
Chile has been progressively tightening its emission standards for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, initially mirroring US regulations and later incorporating European standards. Early emission controls began in 1992 in the Santiago Metropolitan Region (RM) and expanded nationally by 1994, laying the groundwork for more stringent requirements in subsequent years.
Since 2005/2006, vehicle manufacturers have had two primary pathways to demonstrate emission compliance in Chile: adhering to US-based emission standards or meeting European-based emission standards. This dual approach provided flexibility while pushing for cleaner vehicle technologies.
Chile’s emission standards evolution is marked by key phases, reflecting a commitment to reducing vehicle pollution. Notably, unlike some regions, Chile’s standards do not explicitly include on-board diagnostic (OBD) system requirements, focusing primarily on tailpipe emissions. Light-duty vehicles in Chile are categorized as passenger cars and light light-duty trucks, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under 2,700 kg, setting the scope for these regulations.
Emission Standards Timeline
1992-2006: Early Standards Based on US Regulations
The initial emission standards for light-duty passenger cars and trucks in Chile, effective from 1992 to 2006, were modeled on 1984 US regulations. These standards were first implemented in the Santiago Metropolitan Region and parts of Regions V and VI, areas with significant vehicle traffic and air quality concerns. The testing methodology employed was the US FTP 75 cycle, a standard urban driving test.
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | HC (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | PM* (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | |||||
| Passenger Cars | 1992.09 (RM, V & VI), 1994.09 (National) | 2.11 | 0.25 | 0.62 | 0.125 |
| Light-Duty Trucks | 1992.09 (RM, V & VI) | 6.2 | 0.50 | 1.43 | 0.16 |
| 1998.09 (RM), 2006.05 (National) | 6.2 | 0.50 | 0.75 | 0.16 | |
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | |||||
| Type 1, LVW | 1995.09 (RM, V & VI) | 6.2 | 0.50 | 1.43 | 0.16 |
| 1998.09 (RM), 2006.05 (National) | 6.2 | 0.50 | 0.75 | 0.16 | |
| Type 2, LVW ≥ 1700 kg | 1995.09 (RM, V & VI) | 6.2 | 0.50 | 1.43 | 0.31 |
| 1998.09 (RM), 2006.05 (National) | 6.2 | 0.50 | 1.10 | 0.08 | |
| * PM limits applicable to diesel vehicles only |
2005-2022: Transition to Tier 1/Euro 3 and Beyond
From 2005 to September 2022, emission standards in Chile further evolved, incorporating elements of US Tier 1 and Euro 3 standards starting in 2005 for the Santiago Metropolitan Region and 2006 nationally. Diesel vehicles in RM faced even stricter standards, aligning with California Tier 1 and Euro 4 in 2006/2007, and then reaching EPA Tier 2 Bin 5/Euro 5 levels by 2011. For gasoline vehicles in RM, EPA Tier 2 Bin 8/Euro 4 standards were implemented in 2011. Medium-duty vehicles also saw upgrades to EPA Tier 1 Bin 8 and Euro 4 in 2011, with diesel medium-duty vehicles moving to EPA Tier 2 Bin 5/Euro 5 in 2012.
It’s important to note that US standards adopted before 2013 were equivalent to the EPA or California intermediate life (5 year/50,000 mile) limits. This alignment likely aimed to match the 80,000 km durability of earlier Euro standards. However, US standards from 2013 onward are based on the full useful life limits of 120,000 miles, reflecting a longer-term emissions control approach.
Diesel Vehicle Emission Standards (2005-2022)
Alternative 1: US Based Standards
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | HCHO* (mg/km) | NMHC† (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | PM (g/km) | Durability | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | ||||||||
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 2.11 | 0.16a | 0.62 | 0.05 | – | EPA Tier 1, Intermediate life | |
| LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700 kg | 2.11 | 0.16 | 0.62 | 0.05 | ||||
| LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 kg | 2.74 | 0.20 | 0.61 | 0.05 | ||||
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers | 2006.03 (RM) | 2.11 | 0.16 | 0.25 | 0.05 | – | California Tier 1, Intermediate life | |
| LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700 kg | 2.11 | 0.16 | 0.25 | 0.05 | ||||
| LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 kg | 2.74 | 0.20 | 0.44 | 0.05 | ||||
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers, LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700 kg, LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 kg | 2011.09 (RM) | 2.11 | 9.32 | 0.047 | 0.031 | 0.0062 | – | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Intermediate life |
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers, LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700 kg, LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 kg | 2013.03 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.062/0.078 | 0.087/0.124 | -/0.012 | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate/Full useful life |
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers, LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700 kg, LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 kg | 2013.09 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.047/0.056 | 0.031/0.044 | -/0.0062 | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Intermediate/Full useful life |
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | ||||||||
| Type 1, 1700 kg | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 2.74 | 0.20 | 0.61 | 0.06 | – | EPA Tier 1, Intermediate life | |
| Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 3.11 | 0.24 | 0.95 | 0.07 | ||||
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2011.04 (RM) | 2.11 | 9.32 | 0.062 | 0.087 | 0.012 | – | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate life |
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2012.09 (RM) | 2.11 | 9.32 | 0.0047 | 0.031 | 0.0062 | – | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Intermediate life |
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2013.03 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.062/0.078 | 0.087/0.124 | -/0.012 | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate/Full useful life |
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2013.09 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.047/0.056 | 0.031/0.044 | -/0.006 | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Intermediate/Full useful life |
| * mg/km † NMOG for 2011/2012 and later standards a – THC limit of 0.25 g/km is also applicable. |
Alternative 2: EU Based Standards
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | NOx+HC (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | PM (g/km) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | ||||||
| Passenger Cars | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 0.64 | 0.56 | 0.50 | 0.05 | Euro 3 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 0.64 | 0.56 | 0.50 | 0.05 | ||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 0.80 | 0.72 | 0.65 | 0.07 | ||
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.95 | 0.86 | 0.78 | 0.10 | ||
| Passenger Cars | 2006.03a (RM), 2013.03 (National) | 0.50 | 0.30 | 0.25 | 0.025 | Euro 4 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 0.50 | 0.30 | 0.25 | 0.025 | ||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 2007.03 (RM), 2013.03 (National) | 0.63 | 0.39 | 0.33 | 0.04 | |
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.74 | 0.46 | 0.39 | 0.06 | ||
| Passenger Cars | 2011.09 (RM), 2013.09 (National) | 0.500 | 0.230 | 0.180 | 0.005 | Euro 5 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 0.500 | 0.230 | 0.180 | 0.005 | ||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 2012.09 (RM), 2013.09 (National) | 0.630 | 0.295 | 0.235 | 0.005 | |
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.740 | 0.350 | 0.280 | 0.005 | ||
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | ||||||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤1305 | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 0.64 | 0.56 | 0.50 | 0.05 | Euro 3 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 0.80 | 0.72 | 0.65 | 0.07 | ||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.95 | 0.86 | 0.78 | 0.10 | ||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤1305 | 2011.04 (RM), 2013.03 (National) | 0.50 | 0.30 | 0.25 | 0.025 | Euro 4 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 0.63 | 0.39 | 0.33 | 0.04 | ||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.74 | 0.46 | 0.39 | 0.06 | ||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤1305 | 2012.09 (RM), 2013.09 (National) | 0.50 | 0.230 | 0.180 | 0.005 | Euro 5 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 0.63 | 0.295 | 0.235 | 0.005 | ||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.74 | 0.350 | 0.280 | 0.005 | ||
| a – 2007.03 for passenger cars with GVWR > 2500 kg |
Gasoline, CNG and LPG Vehicle Emission Standards (2005-2022)
Alternative 1: US Based Standards
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | HCHO* (mg/km) | HC (g/km) | NMHC† (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | Durability | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | ||||||||
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 2.11 | 0.25 | 0.16 | 0.25 | – | EPA Tier 1, Intermediate life | |
| LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700 | 2.11 | 0.25 | 0.16 | 0.25 | ||||
| LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 | 2.74 | 0.25 | 0.20 | 0.44 | ||||
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers, LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700, LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 | 2011.04 (RM) | 2.11 | 9.32 | 0.062 | 0.087 | – | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate life | |
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers, LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700, LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 | 2013.03 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.062/0.078 | 0.087/0.124 | – | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate/Full useful life |
| Passenger Cars ≤ 12 passengers, LDT Type 1, LVW ≤ 1700, LDT Type 2, LVW > 1700 | 2014.09 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.047/0.056 | 0.031/0.044 | – | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Intermediate/Full useful life |
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | ||||||||
| Type 1, 1700 kg | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 2.70 | 0.20 | 0.44 | – | EPA Tier 1, Intermediate life | ||
| Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 3.11 | 0.24 | 0.68 | |||||
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2011.04 (RM) | 2.11 | 9.32 | 0.062 | 0.087 | – | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate life | |
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2013.03 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.062/0.078 | 0.087/0.124 | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 8, Intermediate/Full useful life | |
| Type 1, 1700 kg, Type 2, ALVW ≥ 2610 kg | 2014.09 (National) | 2.11/2.61 | 9.32/11.19 | 0.047/0.056 | 0.031/0.044 | 50,000 mi/120,000 mi | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Intermediate/Full useful life | |
| * mg/km † NMOG for 2011/2012 and later standards |
Alternative 2: EU Based Standards
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | HC (g/km) | NMHC (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | ||||||
| Passenger Cars | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 2.3 | 0.20 | 0.15 | – | Euro 3 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 2.3 | 0.20 | 0.15 | |||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 4.17 | 0.25 | 0.18 | |||
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 5.22 | 0.29 | 0.21 | |||
| Passenger Cars | 2011.04 (RM), 2013.03 (National) | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.08 | Euro 4 | |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.08 | |||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 1.81 | 0.13 | 0.10 | |||
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 2.27 | 0.16 | 0.11 | |||
| Passenger Cars | 2014.09 (National) | 1.000 | 0.100 | 0.068 | 0.060 | Euro 5 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 1.000 | 0.100 | 0.068 | 0.060 | ||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 1.810 | 0.130 | 0.090 | 0.075 | ||
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 2.270 | 0.160 | 0.108 | 0.082 | ||
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | ||||||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 2005.01 (RM), 2006.09 (National) | 2.3 | 0.20 | 0.15 | – | Euro 3 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 4.17 | 0.25 | 0.18 | |||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 5.22 | 0.29 | 0.21 | |||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 2011.04 (RM), 2013.03 (National) | 1.00 | 0.10 | 0.08 | Euro 4 | |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 1.81 | 0.13 | 0.10 | |||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 2.27 | 0.16 | 0.11 | |||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 2014.09 (National) | 1.000 | 0.100 | 0.068 | 0.060 | Euro 5 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 1.810 | 0.130 | 0.090 | 0.075 | ||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 2.270 | 0.160 | 0.108 | 0.082 |
In addition to exhaust emissions, new gasoline vehicles must also adhere to an evaporative emission standard of 2 g/test (SHED), addressing another source of hydrocarbon emissions.
2022 and Beyond: Euro 6 and EPA Tier 3 Implementation, including Bin 70
The most recent phase in Chile’s emission standards took effect in September 2022, aligning with Euro 6 and US EPA Tier 3 benchmarks. This update signifies a major step towards cleaner vehicles in the country. Table 4.1 outlines the US-based standards, while Tables 4.2 and 4.3 detail the Euro 6 standards for both diesel and gasoline vehicles. Initially, from September 2022, Euro 6b/EPA Tier 3 bin 125 limits were enforced. Looking ahead, from September 2025, Chile will implement even stricter Euro 6c/EPA Tier 3 bin 70 limits. The adoption of Euro 6b/EPA Tier 3 bin 125 was officially confirmed in October 2022, setting the stage for the future introduction of bin 70 standards.
Table 4.1: US EPA Tier 3 Emission Standards
| Bin | Date | CO (g/mi) | HCHO (mg/mi) | NMHC+NOx (mg/mi) | PM (mg/mi) | Durability (mi) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 2022.09 | 2.1 | 4 | 125 | 3 | 150,000 | US EPA Tier 3 |
| 70 | 2025.09 | 1.7 | 4 | 70 | 3 | 150,000 | US EPA Tier 3 |
Table 4.2: Euro 6 Emission Standards for Diesel Vehicles
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | NOx+HC (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | PM (g/km) | PN (#/km) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | |||||||
| Passenger Cars | 2022.09 Euro 6b, 2025.09 Euro 6c (National) | 0.500 | 0.170 | 0.080 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | Euro 6 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 0.500 | 0.170 | 0.080 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | ||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 0.630 | 0.195 | 0.105 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | ||
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.740 | 0.215 | 0.125 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | ||
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | |||||||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤1305 | 2022.09 Euro 6b, 2025.09 Euro 6c (National) | 0.500 | 0.170 | 0.080 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | Euro 6 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 0.630 | 0.195 | 0.105 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | ||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 0.740 | 0.215 | 0.125 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 | ||
| a Euro 6b limits over the NEDC cycle b Euro 6c limits over the WLPT cycle |
Table 4.3: Euro 6 Emission Standards for Gasoline, CNG and LPG Vehicles
| Category | Date | CO (g/km) | HC (g/km) | NMHC (g/km) | NOx (g/km) | PMd (g/km) | PNd (#/km) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty Vehicles GVWR | ||||||||
| Passenger Cars | 2022.09 Euro 6b, 2025.09 Euro 6c (National) | 1.000 | 0.100 | 0.068 | 0.060 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | Euro 6 |
| LDT Class 1, RM ≤ 1305 kg | 1.000 | 0.100 | 0.068 | 0.060 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | ||
| LDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 1.810 | 0.130 | 0.090 | 0.075 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | ||
| LDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 2.270 | 0.160 | 0.108 | 0.082 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | ||
| Medium-Duty Vehicles 2700 ≤ GVWR | ||||||||
| MDT Class 1, RM ≤1305 | 2022.09 Euro 6b, 2025.09 Euro 6c (National) | 1.000 | 0.100 | 0.068 | 0.060 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | Euro 6 |
| MDT Class 2, 1305 kg | 1.810 | 0.130 | 0.090 | 0.075 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | ||
| MDT Class 3, RM > 1760 kg | 2.270 | 0.160 | 0.108 | 0.082 | 0.0045 | 6.0×1011 c | ||
| a Euro 6b limits over the NEDC cycle b Euro 6c limits over the WLPT cycle c 6.0×1012 for Euro 6b vehicles d PM and PN limits apply only to vehicles equipped with DI engines |
The Euro 6c/EPA Tier 3 bin 70 standards are contingent on the availability of low-sulfur fuels. For these stricter limits to be implemented, gasoline and diesel fuels with a maximum sulfur content of 10 ppm must be available nationwide for at least six months prior to the implementation date. This condition was met, with March 30, 2025, confirmed as the date for 10 ppm sulfur fuels to be available nationally, paving the way for the 70 Bin Euro standards to take effect in September 2025. This fuel quality requirement is crucial for the effective operation of advanced emission control technologies required to meet the 70 bin euro limits. The 70 bin euro standard represents a significant tightening of emission limits, particularly for NOx and NMHC, pushing manufacturers to adopt state-of-the-art pollution control systems.
In-use Vehicle Emission Testing
Chile also implements in-use vehicle emission testing to ensure that vehicles on the road maintain acceptable emission levels throughout their lifespan. Early Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) tests utilized a two-speed idle test. For spark-ignition vehicles, limits were set at 0.5% CO and 100 ppm HC, with a minimum CO2 + CO limit of 6%. Diesel vehicles were assessed for visible smoke. In 2006, the more rigorous Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) test was introduced for spark-ignition vehicles in the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Medium-duty and heavy-duty diesel vehicles undergo filter smoke number and opacity tests under load and during snap-acceleration. A maximum in-use opacity limit of 0.24 1/m is enforced for vehicles with particulate filters. Urban buses are also subject to specific in-use emission limits, including smoke opacity and CO, ensuring that public transportation vehicles also contribute to cleaner air quality.