We sell tyres online without the label shown

Regulation (EU) 2020/740 gives buyers harmonised information on tyre parameters so they can choose fuel-efficient, safe and quiet tyres (Article 1). It applies to C1, C2 and C3 tyres placed on the market, as classified in Article 8(1) of Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 (Article 3(1)), with a list of exclusions such as off-road professional tyres, temporary spare tyres, studded tyres, racing tyres and second-hand tyres unless imported from a third country (Article 2). It applies from 1 May 2021, when it replaced Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 (Articles 17 and 18). Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 was itself repealed from 6 July 2022 by Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, and references to it are read as references to that regulation (Articles 18 and 19 of Regulation (EU) 2019/2144).^[1][3]

The label carries three graded parameters. The fuel efficiency class runs from A to E and is based on the rolling resistance coefficient; the wet grip class runs from A to E and is based on the wet grip index; the external rolling noise is shown as a class and a value in decibels. Snow grip and ice grip are indicated where the tyre qualifies (Annex I). The product information sheet repeats these classes with the tyre type identifier, the size designation and the production dates (Annex III). The English text has three corrigenda, published on 27 July 2020, 30 April 2021 and 28 October 2021, which correct Annex I Part C and the label design in Annex II; use the corrected text.^[1]

The supplier starts the chain. The supplier is the EU manufacturer, the authorised representative of a non-EU manufacturer, or the importer (Article 3(15)). It accompanies each tyre with a label sticker, or each batch of identical tyres with a printed label, plus a product information sheet, free of charge, and answers for their accuracy (Article 4(1) and (6)). It shows the label in its own advertising and promotional material (Article 4(3) and (4)) and enters the tyre type in the EU product database before placing on the market a tyre produced after 1 May 2021 (Article 5(1)); only suppliers verified under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/994, which names that database EPREL, may register tyre types (Articles 1(1)(b), 2(1) and 3 of that regulation). A change relevant to the label makes a new tyre type (Article 5(6)).^[1][5]

The distributor carries the display duties. A distributor is any person in the supply chain, other than the supplier, who makes the tyre available (Article 3(16)). For tyres sold or offered on the internet, the distributor displays the label close to the price, clearly visible, legible and proportionate in size, and makes the product information sheet accessible; a nested display is allowed (Article 6(7)). The label also appears in visual advertisements for a specific tyre type, close to the price where one is shown (Article 6(2)), and in technical promotional material with the Annex IV information (Article 6(3)). Paper-based distance selling, telemarketing and sales where the tyre is not visible have their own rules (Article 6(4)–(6)). A hosting provider that lets tyres be sold through its site must enable the display of the label and sheet near the price and inform the distributor of the obligation (Article 8); the reference there to Article 14 of Directive 2000/31/EC is now read as one to Article 6 of the Digital Services Act, Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Article 89).^[1][4]

Member States enforce the rules. Authorities run routine and ad hoc inspections of points of sale (Article 11(4)), Member States set the penalties (Article 11(5)), and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 applies to the tyres covered (Article 12(1)), including its corrective measures (Article 16). Authorities may recover the costs of document inspection and testing from a supplier that does not comply (Article 12(4)). A Commission proposal, COM(2026) 565, would amend this regulation and Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 on simplification and digital options for energy and tyre labelling; on 4 October 2026 EUR-Lex lists it as a proposal only.^[1][2]