Many people are still searching for outdated information regarding eCall compliance certification. The current core reality is that a latest EU regulatory amendment issued in October 2025 has completely changed the rules of the game: it not only comprehensively upgraded technical standards but also set an irreversible phase-out timeline for an entire generation of products.
This guide, integrating the latest regulatory and technical developments, will help you clearly understand the standard framework, key programs, and product planning for eCall certification in 2025 and beyond.
eCall certification is not based on a single standard but a system composed of regulations and a series of technical standards. In 2025, this system underwent a critical iteration, centered on the EU regulatory amendment (EU) 2025/1871 issued on October 28, 2025.
The primary objective of this amendment is to update the versions of technical standards relied upon for certification to align with the transition to next-generation NG eCall (based on 4G/5G networks). Simply put, it enforces a mandatory "standard version upgrade".
The core standard changes are as follows:
·EN 16072:2025: The overarching operational requirements standard for eCall systems, replacing the 2022 version. The new version enhances location data processing, privacy protection, and compatibility with both legacy and next-generation communication networks.
·EN 17184:2024 & EN 17240:2024: These two standards are the core of NG eCall. EN 17240:2024 specifically specifies end-to-end conformance testing methods based on IMS packet-switched networks (e.g., 4G LTE, 5G NR).
Critical Mandatory Regulatory Timeline
Compliance with the new standards must be achieved by the following key dates, which directly dictate your product planning:
·January 1, 2026: New vehicle type certification applications must support NG eCall, with conformity able to be demonstrated against either transitional standards (CEN/TS series) or new standards (EN series).
·January 1, 2027: Mandatory transition point. All new certifications must comply with EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024 standards. Simultaneously, all legacy eCall certificates supporting only 2G/3G networks will fully expire.
·January 1, 2028: Final deadline. NG eCall certificates that only comply with the early transitional technical specification (e.g., CEN/TS 17240:2018) will be invalidated. Products must fully comply with the latest EN series standards.
This means that any new product development targeting the EU market must now be based on NG eCall standards.
II. Key Testing Programs for eCall Compliance Certification
Testing programs comprehensively cover functionality, performance, reliability, and interoperability. With the standard upgrade, testing priorities have shifted, and new programs have been added.
1. General Core Testing Programs (Applicable to Both Legacy and NG eCall)
·Function and Trigger Testing: Verifies the reliability of automatic (e.g., collision detection) and manual triggering mechanisms.
·Minimum Set of Data (MSD) Transmission: Ensures that the 140-byte critical data packet—including vehicle location, VIN, etc.—is transmitted accurately.
·Positioning Accuracy Testing: Validates positioning errors under static and dynamic scenarios (e.g., dynamic error ≤150 meters).
·Environmental Reliability and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing: Includes high/low temperature, vibration, humidity, and on-board electromagnetic interference testing.
·Voice Communication Quality Testing: The "lifeline" for ensuring clear rescue communication, it undergoes rigorous evaluation in accordance with standards such as ITU-T P.1140.
2. Testing Upgrades and New Programs Brought by NG eCall
-Network and Protocol Upgrade: Testing priorities have shifted from 2G/3G circuit-switched networks to end-to-end conformance testing for 4G/5G and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) packet-switched networks. This requires verifying connection stability under new communication protocols such as VoLTE.
-New Regulatory Testing Programs (Derived from (EU) 2025/1871):
·Enhanced Backup Power Supply Testing: If the backup battery also powers other on-board devices, starting in 2027, it must pass the endurance test of 5 minutes of calls + 56 minutes of standby + another 5 minutes of calls.
·System Diagnosability Requirement: Starting in 2028, vehicles must allow external diagnostic equipment to read eCall system status and perform basic voice function self-tests via a standard interface. This requires incorporating dedicated interfaces during the product design phase.
III. Product Scope Requiring eCall Certification
Mandatory Product Scope
In the EU market, all newly sold M1 class (passenger cars) and N1 class (light commercial vehicles) must obtain eCall certification. This typically means that eCall systems integrated into complete vehicles or on-board devices as independent technical units (e.g., T-Box/TCU) require certification.
IV. Global Market Trends and Domestic Developments
·EU-Driven Technical Upgrade: The EU is using legislation to force the migration from legacy eCall to NG eCall, primarily due to the gradual shutdown of 2G/3G networks within its borders. Hybrid eCall, which is compatible with both legacy and new networks as a transitional technology, is gaining attention but has not yet been included in mandatory certification requirements.
·China’s Synchronized Standard Development: China is also actively building its own standard system. The mandatory national standard GB 45672-2025 "On-Board Emergency Call Systems for Accidents" was issued in 2025 and is scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2027. Concurrently, GB/T 45314-2025 specifies detailed testing methods for on-board voice communication performance, including eCall. Domestic testing institutions now possess the capability to conduct complete vehicle NG eCall export certification testing in accordance with the latest EU standards.
We hope this eCall compliance certification guide helps you establish a clear eCall certification technology roadmap. If you have more in-depth questions about specific vehicle categories or details of a particular testing standard, feel free to contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 for professional certification consulting services.
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