India's Transport Ministry announced the approval of BS‑VII emission standards, echoing Euro 7 norms, with a phased implementation that will commence on 1 April 2029.
The decision follows a six‑year plan that spans from 2029 to 2035, giving manufacturers adequate time to retrofit engines without needing refinery changes, as was required for BS‑VI.
The new norms preserve the existing limits for nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons but slash particulate number limits from 23 nm to 10 nm, targeting the ultrafine particles that penetrate deep into lungs.
Trucks and heavy‑duty vehicles will face a 20–50 % reduction in overall emissions, with stricter on‑road limits and regulations on brake wear and tyre abrasion that go beyond tailpipe control.
To ensure real‑world compliance, the ministry will set up independent market‑surveillance agencies that will conduct in‑use testing across the fleet, a first for India.
The phased rollout mirrors the European schedule: light‑duty vehicles in 2026 and heavy‑duty in 2028, giving India a window to align its domestic standards with global best practice.
Draft notifications for light‑duty cars, SUVs, and later for vans, buses, and heavy vehicles are slated to appear in the next few days, signalling the start of a critical transition for the country's automotive industry.