When undertaking vehicle export projects to the UAE, you will frequently encounter the UAE.S 5019 standard. Most manufacturers get confused about what this standard governs, which products fall within its scope, and what test items are required for certification. This article clarifies these core basics clearly.
UAE.S 5019 is a national UAE standard, officially titled Technical Regulation for Vehicle Emergency Call Systems. It mandates that applicable vehicles sold in the UAE must be equipped with compliant eCall emergency call functions.
Simply put, in the event of a collision or manual emergency request, the system can automatically or manually dial emergency numbers, transmitting vehicle location, collision time, occupant information and other data to the UAE Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
There are two valid versions currently: the original 2018 edition and the latest revised 2024 edition. Both run in parallel. The applicable version follows the official ESMA announcement for the corresponding model year. There is no officially designated mandatory switching date; confirmation with ESMA or authorized agents is required before export.
The scope of application remains identical for both versions, covering M1 and N1 vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) ≤ 3.5 tons. The 2024 edition only refines localized technical requirements and provides guideline descriptions for next-generation NG eCall technology, which is not currently enforced.
Issued and regulated by ESMA (Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority), ESMA takes charge of the final approval for vehicle-level eCall compliance. TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) governs the radio frequency and telecom network access of communication modules. TDRA only assesses RF parameters and telecom access, not eCall functional approval. The two authorities perform separate supervisory duties.
2. Mandatory Products for UAE.S 5019 Certification
UAE.S 5019 applies to vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 tons, covering M1 passenger vehicles (max 9 seats including driver) and N1 light commercial vehicles. Passenger cars, SUVs, MPVs and pickup trucks within the GVW limit are all subject to mandatory compliance.
A common practical confusion: GVW vs curb weight. Curb weight refers to unladen vehicle weight, while GVW means the maximum total weight under full load. The UAE regulation adopts GVW as the judging standard instead of curb weight.
For large-size MPVs and SUVs, verify the official GVW before export. Vehicles with GVW over 3.5 tons are exempt; all powertrain types within 3.5 tons must comply, regardless of battery weight or power form.
The standard provides exemption clauses for low-volume production vehicles. Do not self-judge exemption eligibility without official confirmation.
3. Two Certification Tracks & Corresponding Test Items
UAE.S 5019 compliance involves two independent approval systems by TDRA and ESMA, with distinct test objects and assessment focuses.
TDRA: RF & Telecom Access Compliance for Communication Modules
The vehicle eCall communication module (T-Box) shall obtain TDRA type approval for radio network access. TDRA assesses RF spectrum compliance, EMC performance and telecom access qualification.
Main test items: RF performance (frequency, power, spectrum bandwidth), EMC tests (radiated/conducted immunity, ESD, referencing ISO 7637, ISO 10605), telecom network access evaluation.
TDRA does not assess eCall trigger logic, MSD data transmission, GNSS positioning accuracy or PSAP protocol adaptation; these functional requirements are verified by ESMA at the vehicle level.
TDRA module type approval certificates need periodic renewal. Test reports issued by ILAC/CNAS accredited laboratories are accepted, no mandatory local UAE testing required.
ESMA: Vehicle-Level eCall Functional Compliance
ESMA is the competent authority for UAE.S 5019 vehicle eCall compliance, issuing ECAS vehicle certification. It verifies the complete integrated eCall system installed on the vehicle against UAE.S 5019 requirements.
Core verification items: Automatic eCall trigger timing after collision signal input, MSD minimum dataset format & field compliance, GNSS positioning accuracy, manual call reliability.
Bench signal injection is allowed to simulate airbag trigger signals, no physical crash test required. UN R144 reports can be referenced but cannot replace independent UAE.S 5019 local compliance assessment.
Additional verification covers eCall power management logic, backup battery endurance after collision, and signal transmission between airbag sensors and eCall system. The ECAS vehicle certificate issued by ESMA is valid for 3 years.
4. Product Types for UAE.S 5019 Certification Tracks
·TDRA Type Approval: For standalone eCall communication modules / T-Box units, targeting component suppliers.
·ESMA ECAS Certification: For complete vehicles equipped with compliant eCall systems, targeting automakers.
The two tracks can be processed in parallel. TDRA module reports are required as supporting documents for ESMA vehicle application; no mandatory rule to obtain TDRA certificate first. Coordinate certification progress between module suppliers and vehicle manufacturers in advance.
5. Supplementary Notes on NG eCall
UAE.S 5019:2024 includes guideline descriptions for 4G/5G-based NG eCall. Currently, there is no official enforcement timeline or 2G/3G phase-out schedule, only a technical reference for product selection.
Selecting 4G/5G modules in advance avoids recertification costs if NG eCall becomes mandatory in the future. 2G/3G modules are still acceptable for current compliance but carry future upgrade risks.
For UAE.S 5019 certification, contact BlueAsia technical consultant: 13534225140
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