Mexico is working to revise existing emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, NOM 044. The changes to the regulation would require manufacturers to meet either U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 standards or Euro VI standards, beginning in 2018; the implementation timing is tied to nationwide availability of ultralow sulfur diesel, anticipated for 2017. Comprehensive on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems, which will be fully phased in for the U.S. and Europe in 2017, are required in both compliance options.

The International Council on Clean Transport (ICCT) conducted a cost-benefit analysis of NOM 044 emission standards for heavy-duty diesel vehicles through the year 2037, taking into account effects on public health and climate and incremental vehicle and operational costs. Based on that analysis, we estimate that over the period 2018 to 2037 the NOM 044 standards will result in a net benefit to Mexico of 123 billion U.S. dollars (USD) or 1.6 trillion Mexican pesos (MXN). These benefits include the value to society of avoided early deaths and the reduced climate impact from vehicle emissions.

Download the document here: Revising Mexico’s NOM 044 standards: Considerations for decision-making