For automakers planning to enter the European market, compliance with the in-vehicle emergency call system (eCall) has evolved from a "technical feature" to a "safety benchmark" critical for market access. If previous certifications were like pop quizzes, starting from the end of 2025—with the release of the EU's latest amendment (EU) 2025/1871—eCall certification has become a "mandatory qualifying exam" with a clear phase-out timeline. At its core is the full, irreversible shift from legacy circuit-switched (CS) eCall based on 2G/3G to the next-generation eCall (NG eCall) powered by 4G/5G and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem).

Understanding this transformation requires focusing not just on the technology itself, but also on the logic behind the legislative mandate and the urgent timeline. This article breaks down the latest core requirements, key changes, and response strategies for the EU's mandatory NG eCall certification.

I.Regulatory Drivers and Mandatory Timeline for NG eCall

The EU's push for NG eCall is not merely a technical upgrade—it stems from a fundamental need: the gradual shutdown of outdated 2G/3G networks across the EU, which will render legacy CS eCall systems obsolete due to lack of infrastructure support. To address this, the EU has established a clear, non-negotiable mandatory transition path through legislation.

Key Timelines (Must Remember)

·January 1, 2026 (Starting Point): The EU will no longer accept new type approval applications for vehicles supporting only legacy CS eCall. All new applications must include NG eCall support. This is the logical starting point for product planning.

·January 1, 2027 (Deadline): This is the most impactful milestone. First, all previously issued legacy CS eCall certificates will become fully invalid. Second, all newly issued NG eCall certificates must fully comply with the latest official standards EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024.

·January 1, 2028 (Final Phase): The transition period ends completely. NG eCall certificates complying only with early transitional technical specifications (e.g., CEN/TS 17240:2018) will also expire, and products must meet all the latest EN series standards in effect at that time.

For vehicles not yet equipped with NG eCall, the window for EU market access is closing rapidly. After 2027, new vehicles without NG eCall certification will be prohibited from being sold in the EU.

  II. Core Technical Upgrades to NG eCall Standards

NG eCall represents more than a network upgrade from 2G/3G to 4G/5G—it is a systemic revolution in communication protocols and data transmission capabilities.

1. Core Standard Switch

·EN 16072:2025: Replaces the previous version as the overall operational requirement for eCall systems, strengthening rules for high-precision positioning data processing, privacy protection, and compatibility with both new and legacy networks.

·EN 17240:2024: Serves as the cornerstone of NG eCall testing methodology. It details end-to-end conformance testing procedures for packet-switched networks based on IMS over LTE/5G, completely replacing outdated testing specifications for circuit-switched networks.

2. Leap Forward in Key Technical Capabilities

·More Reliable Connectivity: IMS-based communication enables faster call setup (target ≤10 seconds) and higher connection stability.

·Richer Data Transmission: Beyond the standard "Minimum Set of Data (MSD)", NG eCall’s communication channel supports transmitting additional data (e.g., vehicle status, number of occupants, collision data), providing rescuers with more precise intelligence.

·Higher Positioning Accuracy: Stricter requirements for dynamic positioning accuracy, with some test scenarios demanding an error margin of less than 3 meters—far exceeding legacy standards.

  III. Key New and Strengthened NG eCall Certification Test Items

The new regulations and standards introduce previously non-existent test items and impose stricter requirements on existing ones.

1. New Mandatory Test Items

·Enhanced Backup Power Supply Test: Starting in 2027, if the vehicle’s eCall backup battery also powers other in-vehicle devices, it must pass a rigorous new endurance test: simulating a scenario of "5 minutes of initial call + 56 minutes of standby + 5 minutes of second call". This directly tests the system’s low-power design and power management capabilities.

·System Diagnostics Requirement: Starting in 2028, vehicles must allow external devices to read key status information of the eCall system (e.g., module health, network registration status) via standard diagnostic interfaces (e.g., OBD) and perform basic voice function self-tests remotely. This requires reserving corresponding hardware and software interfaces during the initial design phase.

2. Significantly Strengthened Legacy Items

·Voice Quality Testing: Voice communication quality testing based on standards such as ITU-T P.1140 has become more stringent and critical, as high-definition voice is essential for accurate rescue communication.

·Network Compatibility and Interoperability Testing: Extensive testing in real EU mobile network environments is required to verify compatibility with 4G/5G networks and IMS core networks of different operators (e.g., Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom). This is one of the most complex and challenging aspects of NG eCall certification.

  IV. Practical Certification Paths and Strategic Recommendations

1.Confirm Technical Route Immediately: All new projects or mid-cycle facelifts targeting the EU must cease legacy eCall solutions and fully adopt the NG eCall technology stack. Prioritizing communication modules pre-certified for NG eCall can significantly reduce system integration risks and certification timelines.

2.Choose Authoritative Partners: Certification must be conducted by a Notified Body (NB) recognized by EU member states. Additionally, non-EU manufacturers are legally required to appoint an EU Authorized Representative (EC-REP). When selecting a laboratory, ensure it holds full qualifications to conduct tests in accordance with the latest standards such as EN 17240:2024.

3.Reserve Sufficient Time and Budget: A complete NG eCall certification cycle typically takes 4–6 months, covering laboratory testing, real-network field testing, and document review. Budgets should account for the increased testing costs brought by new technologies (usually 30% or more higher than legacy certifications), especially for network interoperability and new test items.

4.Focus on "Post-Certification" Management: NG eCall certificates are generally valid for 3 years. During the validity period, enterprises must fulfill obligations such as annual reporting. Any hardware changes or OTA software updates that may affect system performance may trigger partial recertification and must be integrated into change management processes.

The EU’s NG eCall mandatory certification is a legislatively driven, irreversible technological revolution. Its core is not just addressing network decommissioning, but also the EU’s strategic initiative to improve road traffic safety and rescue capabilities. For automakers, this is no longer an option but a "market survival ticket" that must be obtained by 2027. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.