In 2025, the EU automotive safety certification landscape is undergoing a fundamental, legislatively driven transformation. At its core is the EU’s official issuance of Regulation Amendment (EU) 2025/1871 on October 28, 2025. This document not only updates technical standards but, more importantly, sets an irreversible phase-out timeline for an entire generation of automotive products—completely reshaping the rules of the EU NG eCall (Next-Generation Emergency Call) certification game. Understanding this transformation is the first prerequisite for any related product to enter the EU market.

I. Technological Evolution of EU NG eCall Certification

First, establish a core understanding: NG eCall is not a simple upgrade of legacy eCall, but a complete generational technological shift.

·Legacy eCall (CS eCall): Based on soon-to-be-decommissioned 2G/3G circuit-switched networks, with relatively simple functions focused on transmitting basic "Minimum Set of Data (MSD)".

·Next-Generation eCall (NG eCall): Powered by 4G/5G packet-switched networks and IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem). This is more than a network upgrade—it enables high-speed transmission of richer data (e.g., vehicle status, battery information, and even video streams in the future) and establishes clearer, more reliable voice communication links.

The EU’s mandatory push for this shift through (EU) 2025/1871 stems directly from the planned shutdown of 2G/3G networks across the EU between 2025 and 2030. This means vehicles without NG eCall support will soon be unable to make emergency calls—elevating certification from a "technical specification" issue to a "market access" life-or-death matter.

  II. Core of the New EU NG eCall Certification Standards

The 2025 new rules mark a complete "standard upgrade", with the key being the transition from a technical specification (CEN/TS) to an official European Standard (EN)—signaling technical maturity and mandatory implementation.

1. Core Standard System

·EN 16072:2025: Replaces the 2022 version as the overall operational requirement standard for eCall systems, strengthening rules for high-precision position data processing, privacy protection, and compatibility with both new and legacy networks.

·EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024: The two pillars of NG eCall certification. In particular, EN 17240:2024 specifies end-to-end conformance testing methods for IMS over 4G/5G networks, serving as the core for verifying interoperability between vehicles and emergency call centers on the new network.

2. New Mandatory Testing Requirements (From (EU) 2025/1871)

The new rules introduce far-reaching, previously non-existent test items that directly constrain product design:

·Enhanced Backup Power Supply Test: If the backup battery also powers other in-vehicle devices, starting January 1, 2027, it must pass a rigorous endurance test of "5 minutes of call + 56 minutes of standby + another 5 minutes of call".

·System Diagnostics Requirement: Starting January 1, 2028, vehicles must allow external devices to read key eCall system status and perform voice function self-tests (e.g., echo tests) via standard diagnostic interfaces. This requires manufacturers to reserve corresponding hardware and software interfaces during the initial product design phase.

  III. Key Evolution of NG eCall Certification Test Items

Test items fully cover functionality, performance, reliability, and interoperability, with priorities shifting due to technological upgrades.

-General Core Test Items: Include function and activation testing, MSD transmission, positioning accuracy (typically requiring dynamic error ≤150 meters), environmental reliability (high/low temperature, vibration), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.

-NG eCall-Specific Test Upgrades:

·Network Protocol Conformance: Testing focus shifts from circuit-switched to end-to-end conformance for IMS-based packet-switched networks. This requires verifying connection stability in real 4G/5G network environments.

·Voice Communication Quality: This test has become increasingly critical. Voice intelligibility, echo, and background noise transmission testing in accordance with standards such as ITU-T P.1140 are now mandatory key items to ensure clear rescue communication.

·High-Precision Positioning Verification: NG eCall imposes stricter positioning accuracy requirements, with some test scenarios demanding dynamic error ≤3 meters.

  IV. Mandatory Products and Life-or-Death Timeline for NG eCall Certification

Certification applies to specific products with clear mandatory scope and non-negotiable deadlines.

1. Mandatory Product Scope

In the EU market, all newly sold M1 category (passenger cars) and N1 category (light commercial vehicles) must obtain certification. This includes both systems integrated into complete vehicles and standalone in-vehicle devices (e.g., T-Boxes) sold as technical units.

2. Non-Negotiable Regulatory Deadlines

This is the most critical aspect of product planning—any delay means losing market access:

·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.

·January 1, 2027 (Deadline): A dual-effective date. First, all previously issued legacy CS eCall certificates will become fully invalid. Second, all newly issued NG eCall certificates must fully comply with EN 17184:2024 and EN 17240:2024. New vehicles without NG eCall certification will be prohibited from sale in the EU.

·January 1, 2028 (Final Phase): The transition period ends completely, and NG eCall certificates complying only with early technical specifications (e.g., CEN/TS 17240:2018) will expire.

  V. Core Impact on Manufacturers and Action Recommendations

Facing this transformation, manufacturers must adjust their strategies immediately:

1.Cease Legacy Technical Routes: All new projects or mid-cycle facelifts targeting the EU must be designed based on the NG eCall technology stack—legacy 2G/3G solutions have no future.

2.Design "New Rule Requirements" Into Products: In particular, address the energy consumption requirements of the "enhanced backup power supply test" and reserve interfaces for "system diagnostics" from the initial design phase. Selecting communication modules with pre-certification for NG eCall is a shortcut to reducing risks.

3.Reverse-Engineer All Plans Against the 2027 Deadline: This is the most realistic deadline. Considering a complete certification cycle (typically 3–6 months from preparation to certification) and reserving time for test remediation, the latest start date for certification should be the first half of 2026.

The EU’s NG eCall mandatory certification has evolved into a legislatively driven, irreversible technological revolution in 2025. For automakers and suppliers, its core goes beyond mere technical compliance—it is a strategic decision determining whether products can remain in the European market after 2027. For professional certification consulting services, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.