MORTH proposes new emission norms and testing procedures for engines used in agricultural and construction equipment

The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (“MORTH”) has issued Central Motor Vehicles Amendment (Draft) Rules 2026 inviting objections/suggestions till 27^th March 2026. The draft amendment rules propose new emission standards for non-road engines used in agricultural and construction equipment.

Objections and suggestions to these draft rules, if any, may be sent to: Additional Secretary (Transport), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110 001 or on the email: comments-morth@gov.in

Key Highlights:

1. Engines used in agricultural tractors, power tillers and combine harvesters must meet emission standards under Tractor Emission Norms (TREM) stages.
2. Variable speed engines will be tested using 8 Mode Test Cycle, Ramped Modal Cycle and Non-Road Transient Cycle (NRTC).
3. Constant speed engines will be tested using 5 Mode Test Cycle.
4. Emissions must also be evaluated under the Non‑Road Steady Cycle (NRSC).
5. Engines with power less than 8 kW must comply with TREM V emission standards from 1 October 2026.
6. Engines with power between 8 kW and 19 kW must comply with TREM V emission standards from 1 October 2026.
7. Engines with power between 19 kW and 37 kW must comply with TREM IIIA emission standards from 1 April 2028.
8. Engines with power greater than or equal to 56 kW must comply with TREM V emission standards from 1 October 2026.

Source: Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways