The UK mandates that all tyres sold must display labels providing information on fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise classification. These labels help consumers make informed choices and promote safety and environmental awareness.
Labeling UK & Northern Ireland
- Fuel EfficiencyRated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), this indicates the tyre's rolling resistance, affecting fuel consumption.
- Wet GripAlso graded from A to G, this measures the tyre's braking performance on wet surfaces, crucial for safety.
- External Noise LevelDisplayed in decibels (dB) and classified from A (quietest) to C (loudest), this shows the noise produced by the tyre when rolling.
Applicability
The labelling requirements apply to tyres for cars, vans, and heavy trucks. Exemptions include secondhand, retreaded, professional off-road, temporary-use spare, studded, racing tyres, those with a speed rating below 80 km/h, tyres for vehicles first registered before 1 October 1990, and those with nominal diameters outside 254 mm to 635 mm.
Label System
In Great Britain, tyres are rated from A (highest) to G (lowest) for fuel efficiency and wet grip, with noise levels indicated in decibels. In Northern Ireland, the scale ranges from A to E for fuel efficiency and wet grip, and A to C for external noise. Labels must display fuel efficiency, external noise level, wet grip, supplier's name, model, size, tyre class, and suitability for snow or ice conditions.
Responsibilities:
- Suppliers (Manufacturers or Importers):
- Great Britain: Affix a sticker on the tyre tread or provide a label with each delivery. Include technical literature, such as brochures and website information.
- Northern Ireland: Affix a sticker on the tyre tread and provide a product information sheet. Display the tyre label and make the product information sheet available online. Ensure labels are present in advertisements and technical literature.
- Distributors:
- Great Britain: Ensure tyres have the sticker or label visible at the point of sale. Provide information on fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external noise during the purchasing process, especially if tyres aren't visible to the customer. Include this information on the bill.
- Northern Ireland: Ensure tyres have the sticker visible at the point of sale. Provide a product information sheet for each tyre or batch. Offer label information to customers who cannot see the tyres before purchase. Display the tyre label and make the product information sheet available online. Ensure labels are present in advertisements and technical literature.
- Vehicle Suppliers and Distributors: Provide end-users with information on fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external noise of the tyres before the vehicle sale.
For detailed guidance, refer to the official UK government page on tyre labelling regulations.