If you’re expecting an exact number for EU NG eCall Certification, the answer is "it ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of RMB"—the cost varies almost entirely based on your product type.
The cost structure differs significantly depending on whether you’re certifying a complete vehicle, a communication module, or a retrofit device.
1.Complete Vehicle (M1/N1 Category) Certification:Certifying a complete vehicle is the most expensive option, with total costs typically ranging from RMB 250,000 to RMB 600,000. The largest single expense is the mandatory crash test, which alone can cost RMB 200,000 to RMB 500,000. On top of that, you’ll need to add laboratory testing fees for the entire eCall system, including functionality, performance, high-precision positioning, and network compatibility. This expense is a mandatory safety investment for automakers entering the EU market.
2.On-Board Communication Module/T-Box Certification:If you’re certifying an independent on-board communication module or T-Box (Telematics Box), the cost drops significantly, ranging mainly from RMB 14,000 to RMB 33,000. This fee covers all functional and performance tests completed in the laboratory, such as trigger mechanism verification, minimum dataset transmission, high-temperature operation up to 85°C, and rigorous electromagnetic compatibility testing. Since this is testing for an independent component (no need for full-vehicle crash testing), costs are manageable—a common choice for component suppliers.
3.Retrofit Device Certification:For independent devices installed post-production, the certification path and costs are similar to those for communication modules, but their simpler functionality may result in lower complexity. Total costs typically range from RMB 10,000 to RMB 31,000.
II. Three Key Factors Impacting the Final EU NG eCall Certification Bill
Beyond product type, the final cost is profoundly influenced by the following three key factors:
1.Technical Complexity & Test Depth: Does your product support all EU operator networks for 4G/5G? Does the positioning solution integrate multi-mode GNSS to meet the strict ≤3-meter requirement? These high technical specifications directly translate to more complex, time-consuming test items—driving up costs.
2.Certification Path & Strategy Selection: The most cost-effective strategy is to use communication chips or modules that have already obtained NG eCall certification. This allows your end product to be certified based on these pre-certified components, eliminating numerous underlying protocol and RF tests—estimated to save 30-50% on testing fees. Additionally, applying for certification for a series of similar products simultaneously results in much lower per-unit costs than certifying individual products separately.
3.Preparation & One-Time Pass Rate: Conducting thorough pre-testing and design validation in-house or at a third-party laboratory before submitting to an EU notified body-authorized laboratory is crucial. Adequate preparation maximizes the "one-time pass rate" for official testing, avoiding high rectification and re-testing fees—common causes of project delays and cost overruns.
III. Latest Industry Trends & Cost Control Insights
Notably, Chinese enterprises have become deeply integrated into the NG eCall certification ecosystem. Several top domestic testing institutions now offer complete testing services in accordance with the latest EU standards (e.g., EN 17240:2024). This means the entire core testing process—from functional verification to network compatibility—can now be completed efficiently in China, greatly facilitating the control of certification timelines and costs.
Meanwhile, several leading Chinese suppliers became among the first in the world to obtain EU NG eCall certificates in 2025, demonstrating that China’s industrial chain has the technical capability to quickly respond to these latest regulatory requirements.
Budgeting for NG eCall certification requires looking beyond a single number and managing it as a comprehensive project integrating product technology selection, development process optimization, and market access strategy. Prudent early planning and technical choices are the best ways to control this necessary investment. If you can clarify the specific target product type (e.g., an exported complete vehicle or a Tier 1 communication module), for professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140.
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