India to introduce BS-VII vehicle emission standards in three stages from 2029
The Indian government will phase in Bharat Stage VII emission limits for new cars, SUVs, light trucks, buses and heavy vehicles between April 2029 and April 2035.
India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved a phased implementation of Bharat Stage VII emission standards, aligning the country with Europe’s forthcoming Euro 7 regime. The first phase, starting in April 2029, will apply the new limits to newly manufactured cars and SUVs, followed by small goods vehicles and pick-up vans in 2030, and then buses and heavy-duty trucks in April 2031, with the full schedule completing by April 2035.
Two-wheelers, which dominate Indian roads, will receive separate timelines later. The BS-VII rules target a 20-50 percent reduction in key pollutants, introduce stricter particle-number thresholds, and extend testing to on-road conditions and non-exhaust sources such as brake and tyre wear. While fuel formulations remain unchanged, automakers must redesign engines and related technologies to meet the tighter limits, and independent agencies will conduct market-surveillance checks throughout a vehicle’s life.
Why it matters
Stricter emissions rules could significantly improve air quality in Indian cities and reshape the automotive industry.
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