In 2023, India’s Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, called on automakers to prepare for Bharat Stage 7 (BS7) emission norms. His message was clear: as the world tightens its grip on vehicular emissions, India must not lag behind. With the European Union planning to roll out its Euro 7 norms by July 1, 2025 (tentative), India too is gearing up for a shift towards stricter, cleaner emission standards.
But what exactly are BS7 norms? How do they differ from BS6? And what will their impact be on the Indian automobile industry and consumers?
Let’s break it down.
What are BS7 norms?
BS7 norms are the next step in India's emission control regulations, following the BS6 norms that were implemented nationwide in 2020. BS6 was aligned with the Euro 6 standards, and BS7 will follow the framework of the upcoming Euro 7 standards.
One of the most important features of BS7 will be the introduction of On Board Monitoring (OBM) systems. Unlike the current On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) which merely detects malfunctioning components, OBM will continuously track tailpipe emissions in real-time, offering a more precise picture of a vehicle’s environmental impact.
Did you know? OBM systems will monitor emissions of:
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Ammonia
- Particulate Matter (PM)
- Tailpipe emissions
- Engine and exhaust gas performance
A quick look at India’s emission norm journey
Here’s how India’s emission norms have evolved over the years:
What’s new with BS7?
BS7 norms will go beyond tailpipe emissions and introduce new standards for various aspects of vehicle pollution and maintenance:
Uniform emission limits across fuel types
Regardless of whether a vehicle runs on petrol, diesel, or electricity, the same emission limits will apply — a significant shift from BS6, where diesel vehicles had looser NOx limits than petrol cars.
Real-world emissions testing
Testing conditions will broaden to cover more real-world driving scenarios — city traffic, highways, and extreme weather — ensuring more accurate pollution data.
Brake & tyre emission control
For the first time, emissions from brake dust and tyre microplastics will be regulated, including in electric vehicles.
Battery durability index
BS7 will introduce regulations to monitor battery life and safety in EVs and plug-in hybrids, reducing early replacement and the associated environmental impact.
Digital safeguards
The norms will help prevent tampering with emission systems and ensure compliance through digital monitoring.
BS6 vs BS7: The key differences
Challenges ahead
Implementing BS7 norms won’t be easy. Manufacturers will need to invest heavily in Advanced Emission Control Systems, and that cost may be passed on to consumers through increased vehicle prices.
Additionally, older vehicle models that don’t meet BS7 standards might be discontinued, just as several models were phased out when BS6 was introduced.
FAQs
- What changes will the BS7 norms bring?
They will bring stricter emission rules, especially for diesel vehicles, add new standards for non-tailpipe emissions, and introduce mandatory battery durability tracking for EVs.
- What emission standard is currently in use in India?
As of now, India follows BS6 Phase 2 norms for all new vehicles.
BS7 is not just another regulatory hurdle; it’s a crucial step towards India’s cleaner mobility future. While the road to implementation may be steep — for both automakers and consumers — the long-term benefits to air quality, public health, and sustainability make it a necessary move.
With global momentum behind cleaner transport, India's commitment to align with Euro 7 through BS7 norms underscores its intention to stay relevant in the international auto landscape — both as a major market and manufacturing hub.
