Euro 6 for Trucks and Buses from 1 January 2027: What to Do Before the End of 2026
# Euro 6 for Trucks and Buses from 1 January 2027: What to Do Before the End of 2026
From 1 January 2027, new and used trucks, buses, semi-trailer tractor units and special-purpose vehicles can be customs-cleared and registered for the first time in Ukraine only if they meet at least the **Euro 6 emissions standard**. The current minimum requirement for these vehicles is Euro 5. The requirement is already enshrined in law, and we have not found any draft legislation proposing to postpone its implementation. For international road hauliers, 2027 brings another change: ECMT permits will be allocated only to Euro 6 vehicles.
**In brief:**
– From 1 January 2027, Euro 6 will be required for trucks, buses, tractor units and special-purpose vehicles during customs clearance and first registration.
– The requirement applies to both new and used vehicles.
– The exception covers vehicles imported into Ukraine on or before 31 December 2026.
– ECMT permits for 2027 will be allocated only to vehicles in the Euro 6 category.
– Passenger cars are not affected by these changes.
## What exactly does the law stipulate?
The requirement is set out in Article 2 of Law of Ukraine No. 2739-IV, “On Certain Issues Concerning the Importation into the Customs Territory of Ukraine and the First State Registration of Vehicles,” as amended by Law No. 4144-IX dated 17 December 2024.
From 1 January 2027, customs clearance and first state registration of the following vehicles will be permitted only if they meet at least the Euro 6 emissions standard:
– Semi-trailer tractor units (Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity codes 8701 21–8701 29, excluding 8701 24);
– Buses (8702);
– Trucks (8704);
– Special-purpose vehicles (8705).
The exception applies to vehicles manufactured in Ukraine or imported into the customs territory of Ukraine on or before 31 December 2026.
## ECMT permits for 2027: Euro 6 only
The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine has announced that, in 2027, ECMT permits for Ukraine will be allocated exclusively to vehicles in the Euro 6 category. Euro 6 permits may also be used for zero-emission vehicles.
To participate in the selection process, each vehicle included in an application must have an ECMT certificate of roadworthiness. The certificate can be obtained from Centr Avto laboratories. See the [ECMT service page](https://centr-avto.com.ua/service/ekmt/).
## Who is not affected?
– **Used passenger cars:** the minimum requirement remains Euro 2.
– **New passenger cars:** Euro 6 has been mandatory for them since 1 January 2025.
– **Vehicles already registered in Ukraine:** the requirement applies only to customs clearance and first registration.
## How is the Euro emissions standard confirmed?
The emissions standard is stated in the certificate or another document confirming compliance and is then entered in the vehicle registration certificate (Article 3 of Law No. 2739-IV).
## What to do before 31 December 2026
### 1. Check the Euro standard before buying
If a truck or bus meets only Euro 5 or a lower standard, plan the import process so that you can complete it before the end of the year.
### 2. Do not leave the paperwork until December
Queues may develop at customs offices, laboratories and Ministry of Internal Affairs service centres towards the end of the year.
### 3. Check that the Euro standard is stated on the certificate
This information determines what is entered in the vehicle registration certificate and, for carriers, whether the vehicle can be included in an ECMT permit application.
### 4. Check your specific circumstances with customs
The law refers to vehicles “imported into the customs territory of Ukraine” by 31 December 2026. If a vehicle crosses the border before that date but is customs-cleared later, consult a customs broker.
Used vehicles can undergo certification before first registration at Centr Avto laboratories. See the [vehicle certification page](https://centr-avto.com.ua/service/sertifikatsiya-avto/).
For trucks and buses already registered, the company also offers [mandatory vehicle roadworthiness inspections](https://centr-avto.com.ua/service/tehoglyad/).
To make an appointment, call [098 500 5252](tel:+380985005252).
## Frequently asked questions
### Will trucks meeting Euro 5 that are already registered be banned from driving?
No. The law regulates customs clearance and first registration, not the operation of vehicles that are already registered.
### Does this apply to minibuses?
It depends on the customs classification code. Vehicles designed to carry 10 or more people fall under heading 8702, while cargo minibuses fall under heading 8704. Customs determines the code for each specific vehicle.
### Can a truck meeting Euro 5 receive an ECMT permit in 2027?
According to the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, ECMT permits for 2027 will be allocated only to vehicles in the Euro 6 category.
### Could the customs clearance deadline be postponed?
As of 15 October 2026, we have not found any draft legislation proposing a postponement. If one is introduced, we will update this article.