European tyre label: the answers
Since 2021 every new tyre has a European label with its performance. How to read it and what it really tells you.
What is the European tyre label?
It is the label required by Regulation (EU) 2020/740 for tyres for cars (C1), vans (C2) and heavy vehicles (C3), in the version in force since May 2021. It shows energy efficiency class, wet grip, external noise in decibels with class, and the pictograms for snow and ice where applicable. It also includes a QR code linking to the European EPREL database.
What information does the EU tyre label contain?
Four main pieces of information: energy efficiency (rolling resistance), wet grip, external rolling noise in dB with class, and, if the tyre has the required performance, the 3PMSF pictogram for snow and the one for ice. It does not show mileage durability or dry grip. The QR code leads to the product sheet in EPREL.
What do the classes A to E on the label mean?
The energy efficiency and wet grip classes run from A (best) to E (worst) on the scale of Regulation (EU) 2020/740. The class shows which band the test result falls into and applies only to the characteristic measured. A class A tyre in the wet stops in a shorter distance than a class E one, under the same test conditions.
Sources: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, legislation.gov.uk
How do you read the wet grip class?
Wet grip is expressed with a letter from A to E and relates to the distance needed to stop on wet tarmac when braking hard, measured with a standard test method (UNECE Regulation No. 117). It is one of the most useful pieces of information for safety. It does not describe behaviour in corners, on snow or on dry roads. To compare models use the same size and the same category.
Sources: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, legislation.gov.uk
What do the decibels and the waves on the label indicate?
The decibel value indicates the external rolling noise measured in the test. The sound waves and the letter correspond to a class (A, B or C) calculated against the regulatory limit: A is the quietest tyre. The value measures the noise perceived outside the car, not necessarily what is heard inside the cabin. The lower the decibels, the better.
Sources: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, legislation.gov.uk
What is the difference between the 3PMSF symbol and the ice symbol on the label?
The mountain with snowflake pictogram (3PMSF) indicates that the tyre has passed the snow grip test of UNECE Regulation No. 117. The ice pictogram instead concerns Nordic-type winter tyres, for very severe conditions, which pass a specific test on ice. The two symbols are independent and most winter tyres for central and southern Europe carry only the 3PMSF.
Sources: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, legislation.gov.uk
What is the QR code on the label and what is EPREL?
The QR code links to the tyre's sheet in the European EPREL database (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) of the European Commission. The sheet contains the official information declared by the supplier, such as classes, noise and model references. It lets you check that the label matches the product. It is free to consult.
Which tyres do not have the European label?
Regulation (EU) 2020/740 excludes, among others: professional off-road tyres, those for vehicles first registered before 1 October 1990, T-type space-savers, those with a maximum speed below 80 km/h, those with a rim of up to 254 mm or of 635 mm and above, studded tyres or those with other traction devices, competition-only tyres and used ones (unless imported from non-EU countries). Retreads are not excluded: the obligations for them will apply once a suitable test method exists.
Sources: legislation.gov.uk, energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu
Does the EU label show tyre life?
No: the label does not show life in kilometres or dry grip. It shows energy efficiency, wet grip, external noise and performance on snow and ice when declared. For life you need independent tests on the same size or the manufacturer's information. The European Commission plans future requirements on abrasion and mileage as well.
Questions reviewed on October 5, 2026 by Pneumatici SuperStore, Via Enrico Cosenz 63/1, Milano.