In Chile, evolving emission regulations for heavy-duty trucks and buses underscore the nation’s growing commitment to sustainable transport. These standards apply to vehicles with a gross weight of 3,860 kg or more that operate on public roads and are designed to carry passengers or cargo. Over the years, Chile has steadily tightened its emission limits to align with international best practices while addressing local environmental priorities.
Regional Beginnings to Nationwide Compliance Chile’s regulatory journey began with regional emission limits targeting the Santiago Metropolitan Region (RM) and Regions IV through X. These localized standards laid the groundwork for broader regulation, with nationwide requirements taking effect in 2006.
Diesel vs. Otto Cycle Disparity While emission standards for heavy-duty diesel engines have grown progressively stricter, those for Otto cycle (spark-ignition) engines have remained largely unchanged. This discrepancy reflects a longstanding regulatory gap, particularly as alternative fuel technologies advance.
Dual Certification Pathways Chile allows manufacturers to certify engines through either EU-based (ESC + ETC) or US-based (FTP) engine dynamometer test cycles. This dual-pathway approach enables manufacturers to align compliance with international markets and existing technical platforms.
Next-Generation Standards: 2026 Onward In 2024, Chile finalized new national emission standards that align with US EPA 2010 and Euro VI benchmarks. Taking effect on January 6, 2026, these updated requirements apply to both compression ignition and spark ignition heavy-duty engines, signaling a decisive move toward low-emission technologies.
Legacy Compliance for 2012–2026 Vehicles For vehicles first registered after January 2012 but before the 2026 regulations take effect:
1.Particulate Matter (PM) emissions must meet Euro IV or US 2007 levels
2.Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) limits remain at Euro III or US 1998 levels
Engines originally certified to exceed these PM levels may still comply if retrofitted with a diesel particulate filter approved by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) or verified to Level 3 by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These filters must reduce PM emissions such that the post-treatment values do not exceed regulatory thresholds. Importantly, this is an optional compliance pathway and not a retrofit mandate for vehicles registered before 2012.
