To coincide with the introduction of new tyre labelling laws which come into effect on July 1^st and will see new tyres labelled according to three key performance criteria, the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF) has launched a new practical guide about the regulations.

The free document, which is available to download from the TIF website (www.tyreindustryfederation.co.uk) has been developed in conjunction with the Department For Transport and is designed as an authoritative and definitive guide on the topic, helping retailers and workshops comply with the new requirements.

“Tyre labelling is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes to impact on our industry in recent times,” explains David Seward, chairman, TIF. “For consumers, it will help them make a more informed choice about tyre purchases. Meanwhile for retailers there are a number of key issues they must understand and address. As a result of our extensive industry consultation, this guide is designed to help retailers meet these obligations and requirements.”

From July 1^st, all new tyres manufactured for sale within Europe, must be labelled according to their performance against three key criteria; fuel efficiency, wet grip and their external noise emissions.

Retailers will be required to pass this information on to consumers from 1^st November, meaning that they now have just four months left to ensure they have addressed key issues such as staff training, data handling, invoice preparation and other items.

“For too long tyres have been viewed by many drivers as a commodity item,” continues Seward. “However, if correctly employed, tyre labelling offers retailers the opportunity to move towards a more in-depth value and service-focused relationship.”

The EU tyre labelling Regulation comes into effect for tyre manufacturers from 1st July. From that date retailers can expect to see certain deliveries of tyres arriving with the new “consumer advice” label affixed. The full impact for retail premises is 1st November, when retailers have to pass on this information to consumers. That leaves just 6 months to prepare for the biggest change in tyre retailing for years.

Recognising the need for information and industry guidance, the Tyre Industry Federation has worked closely with the Department for Transport to provide an authoritative guide to the topic. Extensive Industry consultation has ensured that all the key issues are addressed in this easy to read document available free to download.

Players at every level in the supply chain need to consider how they will meet the requirements of the Regulation. This will include issues such as staff training, data handling, customer communication, invoice preparation and so on. On the positive side tyre labelling will be an opportunity to move the sales process on towards a more in-depth value- and service-focused relationship opening the way to greater sales value for both consumer and supplier.

TIF Chairman, David Seward, said “Once again, TIF is meeting a need for clear information that will contribute to further increasing professionalism within our Industry”.

TIF_Tyre_Labelling_A5_May 12