Euro 5 or Euro 6? The right emission class for your export country

A truck's emission class determines where it can drive, what it costs and how well it holds its value. For buyers who export equipment, this is not a technical detail but one of the most important factors in the purchase. Below we explain what the classes mean and how to make the right choice.

What does the Euro standard mean?

The European emission standards (Euro 1 through Euro 6) set increasingly strict limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The higher the number, the cleaner the engine. Euro 6 vehicles are fitted with advanced aftertreatment such as AdBlue systems (SCR) and particulate filters, whereas Euro 5 uses simpler technology.

Where does the emission class matter?

In large parts of Western Europe there are low-emission zones where older classes are no longer allowed. If your vehicle will mainly operate within the European Union and in or around cities, Euro 6 is practically essential to be able to go anywhere. Outside the EU the requirements are often different: in many export markets the AdBlue infrastructure is limited, and a robust Euro 5 or even older engine is actually more practical.

Euro 6: cleaner, but more demanding

Euro 6 gives access to all low-emission zones and benefits from lower toll rates in some countries. On the other hand, the aftertreatment systems are more complex and more sensitive to poor fuel or AdBlue quality. In regions where that quality cannot be guaranteed, this can lead to faults.

Euro 5: simplicity and reliability

A Euro 5 truck is mechanically simpler, generally cheaper to buy and easier to maintain with locally available parts. For export destinations without strict environmental requirements, this is often the wiser choice, because reliability and lower maintenance demands outweigh access to low-emission zones.

How to weigh it up

• Will the vehicle stay within the EU and in urban zones? Choose Euro 6.
• Is it going to a market without low-emission zones and with limited AdBlue infrastructure? Then Euro 5 is often more practical.
• Weigh the purchase price against the residual value: cleaner classes hold their value better within Europe.
• Always check the current import requirements of the country of destination; some countries require a minimum emission class.

Not sure which class suits your destination? Our team knows the requirements of a wide range of export markets and will help you choose a vehicle that is allowed and able to run there without problems.