If you are planning to launch automotive products in the EU market, starting from the end of 2025, eCall (Emergency Call) compliance certification has entered a new, more stringent phase. The core change stems from a key amendment issued by the EU on October 28, 2025—(EU) 2025/1871. This new regulation not only updates technical standards but also sets a clear timeline, marking the complete phasing out of legacy 2G/3G-based "CS eCall" systems and their full transition to Next-Generation "NG eCall".
The core objective of this amendment is to officially update and transition the technical standards upon which certification is based. Most critically, technical specifications prefixed with "CEN/TS" will be gradually replaced by formal European Standards prefixed with "EN", signifying the maturity and mandatory adoption of NG eCall technology.
1. Key Standard Updates
·EN 16072: The overarching operational requirements standard for eCall systems has been updated from the 2022 version to the 2025 version. The new version enhances location data processing, privacy protection, and compatibility with both legacy and next-generation communication networks.
·EN 17184 & EN 17240: These two standards form the core of NG eCall testing requirements. Per the new regulation, starting January 1, 2027, all new certifications must mandatorily adopt the latest versions: EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024.
2. Old-to-New System Transition Timeline
The new regulation establishes an irreversible phase-out schedule—you must pay close attention to these three critical dates:
·January 1, 2026: The starting point. From this date onward, the EU will no longer issue certificates for new vehicle models that only support legacy CS eCall. This means all new projects must be designed based on NG eCall technology supporting 4G/5G.
·January 1, 2027: A dual effective date. First, all legacy CS eCall certificates will fully expire on this day. Second, all newly issued eCall certificates must fully comply with the aforementioned new EN standards (EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024).
·January 1, 2028: The transitional period ends completely. By this date, even NG eCall certificates that comply with the early technical specification (CEN/TS 17240:2018) will become invalid. Products must be upgraded to meet all the latest EN standards.
II. New Requirements Added to eCall Compliance Certification
In addition to standard version updates, (EU) 2025/1871 introduces two new mandatory testing requirements that directly impact system design:
1.Enhanced 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 more stringent test. The test scenario simulates a total endurance requirement of 5 minutes of emergency calls + 56 minutes of standby waiting + another 5 minutes of calls. This test ensures that the eCall system retains sufficient power for prolonged rescue communications even under complex power supply conditions.
2.Periodic Roadworthiness Testing for eCall Systems: Starting January 1, 2028, eCall systems must have "detectability" capabilities. Specifically, maintenance technicians must be able to read key status information of the eCall system and perform basic self-tests of voice communication functions (e.g., echo and speaker tests) via the vehicle’s standard diagnostic interface. This means vehicle designs must incorporate the necessary software and hardware interfaces for this purpose.
III. Market and Certification Service Dynamics
The introduction of the new regulation is rapidly influencing the entire industry chain:
1.Actions by Chinese Manufacturers: Some leading Chinese automotive component companies have responded quickly. A domestic enterprise obtained EU NG eCall certification within just 3 days of the certification application window opening, demonstrating strong technical adaptability.
2.Upgraded Domestic Testing Capabilities: Concurrently, China’s national-level testing institutions (e.g., China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI)) have also obtained CNAS accreditation to conduct testing in accordance with the latest EN 17240:2024 standard. This means you can complete NG eCall end-to-end conformance testing that meets the latest EU requirements domestically, providing a "one-stop" compliance solution for product exports.
We hope this overview of the latest EU eCall compliance developments helps you clearly plan your product strategy. If you have further questions about specific vehicle categories (e.g., M1/N1 classes) or more detailed testing standards, feel free to reach out. BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 will provide professional certification consulting services.
