Introducing the Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 for tire labeling

In 2012, a new standardized tire label will be introduced under the Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 regarding the labeling of tires. The aim of this label is to better inform consumers on 3 key tire performance attributes: on the safety performance of tires by addressing wet grip performance, and on environmental aspects by providing transparency on fuel efficiency and exterior rolling noise. Goodyear welcomes the labeling system, since we are convinced it will guide consumers towards safer and more fuel efficient tires. We are also confident that our tires will perform well versus competition, as we always take great care in developing tires that meet the highest safety and environmental standards. With the introduction of a standardized label for tires, it becomes easier for consumers to compare among brands, giving them the opportunity to make informed purchasing decisions.

Start labeling

The Regulation will become directly applicable and binding in the entire European Union from November 1, 2012 for all passenger, light and heavy-duty vehicle tires produced as of July 1, 2012. Goodyear will take a proactive approach and gradually start using the labeling information in 2010 to inform consumers on the fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise levels of its tires. This way, consumers will get more transparency even before the introduction of the EU Regulation.

• December 22, 2009     Publication of new Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 regarding tire labeling

• November 01, 2012     Label requirements need to be provided for all tires produced as of July 2012

All promotional materials for passenger, light and heavy-duty vehicle tires will have to give information on the tires’ performances with regard to their fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise levels. Retreaded tires, professional off-road tires, racing tires, studded tires and spare tires are exempt from the EU Regulation. Older tires, designed to be fitted on vehicles registered for the first time before October 1, 1990 are also excluded. The labeling regulation does not apply to tires with a speed rating of less than 80 kmph and to tires with a diameter not exceeding 254 mm or with a diameter of 635 mm or more.

Dealer Guide

Informing the consumer

In order to provide the consumer with transparency on the aspects of fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise levels, tire dealers should ensure that tires visible to consumers at the point of sale bear tire stickers on the tire tread, or that labels are displayed in close proximity of such tires. If the tires offered to the consumer are not visible to them, it is obligatory to provide the consumer with the information before the purchase is actually made. Moreover, the information on all three aspects should be either printed on the invoice or handed over or sent together with the invoice.

The new label

The label design for fuel efficiency and wet grip is similar to existing energy efficiency labels, with A being the highest performance tire in its category and G the currently least performing, but nevertheless legally compliant tire. The exterior rolling noise is expressed in a value in decibels, accompanied by one, two or three sound waves.

1 - Wet grip 1

This diagram provides the consumer with information on an important safety aspect of tires: wet grip. Improved wet grip reduces the braking distance on wet roads. At the moment, wet grip labels are specified for passenger tires only. The industry is working on a method to measure wet grip for light and heavy-duty truck tires, which will be introduced on or before November 2012, when the EU Regulation starts to apply.

2 - Fuel efficiency 2

This diagram indicates the level of fuel efficiency, thereby informing consumers about the relative fuel efficiency performance level between tires. The rolling resistance of the tire determines the grade of fuel efficiency.

3 - Exterior noise

This part of the tire label offers information on the level of exterior noise generated by the tire. The exterior rolling noise is expressed in a value in decibels, accompanied by one, two or three sound waves. One wave indicates the best performance, which means that the noise level of the tire is at least 3 dB below the future legal limit. Three black waves is the weakest performance and represents a noise level in between the current maximum limit and the new, lower limit that will be introduced in future Regulation 661, coming into force between 2012 and 2016.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact your local Goodyear representative.

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