New bikes must meet Euro 4 emissions standards

A new government policy, which will take effect on March 29, requires all new motorbikes sold in Thailand to meet Euro 4 emissions standards. Officials of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute met yesterday with representatives of more than 40 motorbike manufacturers, including Honda and Yamaha, informing them of the requirements.

The measure is intended to help tackle Thailand’s PM2.5 dust and pollution problem, but Euro 4 also requires a 50% reduction of carbon monoxide emissions, from the Euro 3 standards currently in use. It was announced by the Industry Ministry in January last year with the goal of reducing pollution from motorcycle exhaust by half.

All producers were instructed to follow the new policy or face penalties. In case of a violation, the manufacturer and importer will either be jailed for a period not more than two years, a fine not exceeding 2 million baht, or both, while the distributor may be imprisoned for a maximum of 6 months, or receive a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both.

SOURCE: The Nation