Vehicle Emergency Call System (eCall) Compliance Certification: New Regulations

2025-10-24

eCall compliance requirements are at a critical technological upgrade point, especially in the EU and Chinese markets, where new regulations demand higher performance in communication technology, positioning accuracy, and data transmission capabilities.

eCall Compliance Certification: New Regulations:

New Reg DimensionEU (NG eCall) China (AECS National Standard)
Core Regulation/Standard(EU) 2015/758, (EU) 2024/1180GB 45672-2025
Technology Basis4G/5G networks & IMS technology Supports at least 4G full-band; Beidou priority or single-mode positioning
Key UpgradeTransition from 2G/3G circuit-switched to packet-switchedMandatory national standard from scratch
Positioning AccuracyDynamic scenario error ≤ 3 meters Follows Beidou positioning system relevant national standards
Data TransmissionBeyond 140-byte MSD; supports video streams, dynamic sensor data Sends vehicle location, status info, establishes 2-way voice call
Mandatory Timeline

2026.1.1:New type approvals require NG eCall.

2027.1.1: Legacy eCall certs expire; new vehicles without NG eCall banned from sale.

2027.7.1:Standard implementation; all newly produced M1/N1 vehicles must be equipped.

  Core Points of New Regulations Analysis:

Beyond the basic table information, pay special attention to these details:

1.EU NG eCall: A Technological Foundation Overhaul: The core of the new regulation is shifting the emergency call system from relying on 2G/3G Circuit-Switched networks to fully packet-switched technology based on 4G/5G and IMS. This aligns with communication network evolution (EU 2G/3G networks will phase out) and lays the foundation for transmitting richer accident scene data (e.g., video, impact severity, battery status). Furthermore, during the transition, NG eCall terminals typically need "Dual-Mode" capability, allowing fallback to legacy CS eCall mode if 4G/5G is unavailable, enhancing system reliability.

2.China AECS National Standard: Focus on Localization & Comprehensive Protection: China's "Automotive Emergency Call System" standard, while learning from international experience (e.g., UN R144), fully considers local realities:

·Supports Beidou Positioning: The standard mandates location information follow Beidou priority or Beidou single-mode.

·Comprehensive Trigger Scenarios: Requires automatic triggering for frontal, side, rear collisions, and also includes requirements for vehicle rollover conditions (currently non-mandatory, considering industry tech maturity).

·Network Connectivity: Based on China's 4G network prevalence and 2G/3G phase-out, the standard specifies terminals should support at least 4G network full-band communication.

  Certification Process & Recommendations:

The complete NG eCall certification process typically takes **8 to 12 weeks**, involving four core stages: Preparation, Laboratory Testing, Field Operational Test, and Review/Certification.

1.Preparation (Approx. 1-2 Weeks): Select an EU-recognized Technical Service (e.g., Germany's KBA, Luxembourg's SNCH) and lab. Non-EU manufacturers appoint an EU Authorized Representative (EC-REP). Prepare technical docs (architecture, circuit design, MSD logic, privacy plan, English manual).

2.Laboratory Testing (Approx. 3-6 Weeks, Core): Prototypes undergo comprehensive testing at authorized labs: Function/Performance (MSD accuracy, call setup time ≤10s, positioning), Environmental/Reliability (temp, vibration), EMC, and Power Failure Reliability (verifying backup battery sustains operation for ≥10 mins post-accident).

3.Field Operational Test (Approx. 1-2 Weeks): Validates functionality, network handover, positioning in real road environments.

4.Review & Certification (Approx. 2-3 Weeks): Technical Service reviews reports/docs; issues certificate upon approval. Certificate validity is typically 3 years.

·Manage Design Changes Cautiously: Any product design change (hardware, firmware, even via OTA update) likely requires partial/full re-testing, adding time and cost.

·Consider Associated Certifications: If the eCall device includes wireless functions (e.g., 4G/5G module), ensure it also passes CE-RED certification.


We hope this overview of the new eCall compliance regulations helps you better plan and execute product certification. For professional certification consulting services, please contact BLUEASIA: 13534225140.