Blog Details

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) has announced an expansion of South Korea’s Tire Noise Declaration and Rating Labeling System to include replacement tires fitted on in-use vehicles, with the objective of reducing road traffic noise and minimizing inconvenience to citizens. 

Key Highlights of the Amendment 

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026 

• Scope Expansion: 

• Previously, the noise rating and labeling requirements applied mainly to newly manufactured or newly imported vehicles. 

• Under the revised framework, the system will also cover replacement tires installed on in-use passenger vehicles. 

• Obligations for Manufacturers and Importers: 

• Declare compliance with prescribed tire noise thresholds. 

• Display the tire’s noise performance rating label. 

Phased Implementation 

The expanded requirements will be implemented in phases based on vehicle category. 

• The first phase will apply to replacement tires for passenger vehicles currently in operation. 

• Subsequent phases are expected to extend the requirements to other vehicle categories in accordance with the official implementation schedule. 

Definitions under the System 

• Manufactured vehicles: Vehicles that are newly manufactured or newly imported. 

• In-use vehicles: Vehicles that have been purchased by consumers and are currently in operation. 

This regulatory update significantly broadens compliance obligations for tire manufacturers and importers supplying the South Korean market, particularly in the replacement tire segment. 

With the introduction of the expanded Tire Noise Declaration and Rating Labeling System by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE), consumers will now be able to verify tire noise performance in advance when purchasing replacement tires for passenger vehicles. This will enable them to select lower-noise products based on the assigned rating. 

Tire Noise Rating Classification 

Tire noise performance will be categorized into two grades: 

• AA Grade – Awarded to tires that generate noise levels at least 3 decibels below the permissible noise standard. 

• A Grade – Assigned to tires that meet the prescribed noise threshold but do not achieve the additional 3-decibel reduction required for AA classification. 

This grading system is intended to promote quieter tire options and help mitigate road traffic noise. 

Industry Preparation and Grace Period 

To facilitate a smooth transition, MCEE has proactively encouraged manufacturers and importers to begin: 

• Declaring tire noise levels, and 

• Applying the corresponding noise rating labels in advance of the enforcement date. 

However, industry stakeholders expressed concerns regarding the immediate application of the new requirements to tires already manufactured and circulating in the market. Key challenges include: 

• Conducting comprehensive inventory checks, 

• Completing noise testing and declarations within a limited timeframe, and 

• Managing the associated financial and administrative burden. 

In response, MCEE has granted a one-year grace period for passenger car replacement tires that were manufactured or imported before January 1, 2026, and are already placed on the market. This transitional measure is intended to ease compliance pressures while maintaining the policy’s long-term objective of reducing traffic-related noise pollution.