Global NCAP and Latin NCAP call for mandatory vehicle safety labelling at ITF Summit

At last week’s International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit in Leipzig, Global NCAP and Latin NCAP jointly called for the introduction of mandatory safety labelling on all new vehicles. The appeal was launched with the release of a new report highlighting the urgent need for greater transparency around vehicle safety standards, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The report noted that nearly two billion new cars have been produced globally since 2000, many of which lack basic safety features. The two NCAP organisations argued that clear, mandatory labels displaying independent crash safety ratings would help consumers make safer choices and encourage manufacturers to improve safety across their fleets.

The proposal builds on the model of food and energy efficiency labels, which have successfully shifted consumer behaviour in other sectors. A similar system for vehicle safety could play a crucial role in raising standards, particularly in markets where regulatory frameworks are weaker or enforcement is limited.

ETSC supports the call for mandatory vehicle safety labelling and urges EU policymakers to consider the approach. 

Ahead of the ITF summit, ETSC joined Global NCAP and 31 other organisations in calling for vehicle safety standards to be protected in international trade negotiations.