Thailand implements Euro 5 diesel standard on January 1, 2024

Thailand has officially adopted the Euro 5 standard for diesel fuel effective January 1, 2024. Its adoption was delayed from 2021 to 2024 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Industry of Thailand published the regulations implementing Euro 5 emission standards in Thailand and the corresponding Thai Industrial Standard for newly manufactured vehicles in the Royal Gazette on July 3, 2023. 

Euro 5 is a set of emission standards that primarily applies to vehicles sold in the European Union. These standards are part of the European emission standards framework that regulates the amount of pollutants, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO), that can be emitted by new vehicles and engines sold in EU member states. Euro 5 specifically targets emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles.

Euro 5 standards were introduced in September 2009 in the EU for the approval of new vehicle types and became mandatory for all new vehicles sold in the EU from January 2011. Compared to its predecessor, Euro 4, which Thailand adopted in January 2019, Euro 5 standards imposed stricter limits on exhaust emissions, particularly for diesel engines. For example, the Euro 5 standard significantly reduced the permissible levels of NOx and particulates for diesel vehicles.

Euro 5 standards required significant technological advancements in diesel vehicles, such as the introduction of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to reduce PM emissions.

The Department of Energy Business under the Ministry of Energy said that B7 (7% biodiesel content from palm oil-derived methyl ester) and B20 (20% biodiesel content) will be available at petrol stations in Thailand starting May 1, 2024. 

This move aligns with the country’s commitment to reducing air pollution and enhancing environmental quality. 

In preparation for this transition, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) accepted applications and test results from companies before the official adoption of the Euro 5 standard. This strategy allowed automakers sufficient time to adjust their manufacturing processes to comply with the new regulations, fostering investor confidence in Thailand’s automotive industry. Additionally, the use of the minister’s e-licensing platform streamlined the application process, enhancing efficiency.

From February to December 2023, TISI received a total of 50 applications for Thai industrial standard certification for Euro 5 diesel. 

The Energy Ministry plans to propose the adoption of the Euro 6 standard for gasoline by January 1, 2025. This future step will further Thailand’s efforts in environmental conservation and public health protection, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in sustainable automotive practices.