For automotive products entering overseas markets, particularly the EU, obtaining eCall (Emergency Call) compliance certification has become a mandatory requirement equal in importance to product safety. It is not only about regulatory compliance but also a tangible commitment to safeguarding lives. This article outlines the core requirements, latest changes, and key deadlines you must monitor for eCall certification.

Core Changes to eCall Compliance Certification

The most significant current shift in eCall certification is the comprehensive technological upgrade from traditional "CS eCall" based on 2G/3G circuit-switched networks to "NG eCall" (Next-Generation eCall) based on 4G/5G and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technologies.

NG eCall is more than just a network upgrade—it expands data transmission beyond the basic "Minimum Set of Data (MSD)" to include dynamic information such as battery status and collision severity, providing first responders with more precise intelligence. The EU’s latest amendment, (EU) 2025/1871, has established a clear and mandatory timeline for this technological transition:

·January 1, 2026: The EU will no longer accept new vehicle type approval applications that only comply with the old regulation (EU 2015/758). All new applications must support NG eCall.

·January 1, 2027: A critical milestone. All newly issued eCall certificates must fully comply with the latest standards (e.g., EN 17240:2024). Simultaneously, all legacy "CS eCall" certificates will expire on this date.

·January 1, 2028: A stricter deadline takes effect. By this date, even NG eCall certificates that only comply with the transitional technical specification (CEN/TS 17240:2018) will be invalidated. Products must fully adhere to the latest European Norm (EN) series standards.

  Full eCall Compliance Certification Process

The certification process is interconnected and requires meticulous planning:

1. Preparation Phase (Foundation Stage)

You need to prepare detailed technical specifications, circuit diagrams, a privacy protection plan (to ensure compliance with the EU GDPR), and a validated MSD protocol document. Typically, 2–3 finished prototypes are required for both laboratory testing and real-road validation.

2. Laboratory Testing (Core Technical Validation Stage, 3–6 weeks duration)

Testing is comprehensive and rigorous:

·Function and Protocol Testing: Verifies that emergency calls can be established within the specified timeframe (typically ≤10 seconds) and that critical MSD—including vehicle location and model information—is transmitted accurately. End-to-end conformance testing for NG eCall is a key focus, and institutions in China such as China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI) now possess this testing capability.

·Audio Quality Testing: Voice call clarity is a lifeline. Tests simulate noisy post-collision environments and strictly evaluate voice latency, echo cancellation, and other performance metrics in accordance with standards such as ITU-T P.1140.

·Environmental Reliability Testing: Ensures system reliability under harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures (e.g., -30°C to 85°C) and severe vibration.

·Power Supply and Collision Testing: Validates that the backup battery can support at least 10 minutes of emergency calls after the main power supply fails. It also includes testing system stability following simulated collisions.

3. Localization and Audit Stage

Adaptations are required for target markets. For example, EU compliance mandates support for multiple languages, while in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, network compatibility testing using local carrier SIM cards may be necessary. Finally, technical service bodies designated by EU member states conduct audits and issue certificates, a process that typically takes 2–3 weeks.

  Key Testing Items Under 2025 eCall New Regulations

Under the latest (EU) 2025/1871 amendment, manufacturers must pay special attention to two new mandatory testing requirements, which directly impact system design:

1.Strengthened Backup Power Supply Testing: If the eCall system’s backup battery also powers other on-board devices, starting January 1, 2027, it must pass a new endurance test simulating the scenario: 5 minutes of emergency calls + 56 minutes of standby + another 5 minutes of calls.

2.Periodic Roadworthiness Testing: Starting January 1, 2028, eCall systems must be capable of having key status information read by external diagnostic equipment via the vehicle’s standard interface and support remote self-tests of voice communication functions. This means future system designs must include dedicated diagnostic interfaces.

  Overview of Certification in Major Global Markets

1.China: China is also advancing rapidly. The mandatory national standard GB 45672-2025 "On-Board Emergency Call Systems for Accidents" was issued in 2025 and is scheduled for official implementation on July 1, 2027. This standard also emphasizes 5G support and high-definition voice call capabilities.

2.Middle East: Countries including the United Arab Emirates (standard UAE.S 5019:2018) and Saudi Arabia (standard SASO 2944:2021) have also mandated eCall certification as a prerequisite for product customs clearance.

We hope the above information helps you plan your eCall certification efforts clearly. If you can share your target market (e.g., EU, China, or Middle East) and your product’s current development phase (design, prototype, or pre-testing), BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 will provide professional certification consulting services.