ECERegelung

ECERegelung, in English often referred to as UNECE Regulations, are a set of international technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment, and parts developed under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). They form part of the framework established by the 1958 Agreement to harmonize vehicle-related requirements across participating countries, facilitating cross-border trade and use of vehicles.

The regulations are developed and maintained by UNECE through its subsidiary bodies and working parties, notably under the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). Once a Regulation is adopted, signatory countries may incorporate it into their national law. In practice, this means that vehicles and components approved to a UNECE Regulation in one country can be sold or used in other signatory countries with a corresponding type approval.

A core concept is type approval: a vehicle or piece of equipment is tested against the Regulation’s requirements, and, if compliant, receives a UNECE type approval certificate. Products that meet the regulation often bear an E mark (the “E” in a circle with a country code and numbers), indicating conformity with the specified UN Regulation.

Scope covers a wide range of areas, including safety features, emissions, lighting, braking systems, glazing, and other essential vehicle components. While many EU member states implement UNECE Regulations as part of their market rules, adoption is broader, and not all countries follow the same set of regulations.

See also: UNECE, WP.29, type approval, E mark.