India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has decided to advance the date for the implementation of BS-V and BS-VI emission norms for four-wheelers by three years, it announced in a draft notification on Nov. 28, ahead of the COP 21 meeting in Paris, France.

COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, will, for the first time in more than 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.

BS-V norms originally were to be implemented from April 1, 2022 and BS-VI norms from April 1, 2024, as per India’s Auto Fuel Policy roadmap.

“However the Minister of Road Transport & Highways is keen that the road transport sector should take a lead role in reducing the harmful effects of emissions on environment and climate change. Accordingly, the ministry has now decided to implement BS-V norms from 01.04.2019. BS-VI norms, which aim at substantial reduction in NOx/4C levels will be implemented from 01.04.2021. This reflects a firm commitment to play a major role in reducing vehicular emissions,” the ministry posted in its website.

BS-IV also will be extended to the entire country by April 2017.

The ministry also said that draft norms for two- and three-wheelers will be issued shortly, with advanced timelines similar to four-wheelers.

Automobile manufacturers will need to make significant changes to make their vehicles compliant with these higher emission standards.