Government to begin enforcing mandatory vehicle emission standards – Ministry

Addis Ababa, December 1, 2025 (FMC) – A compulsory directive regulating vehicle emissions will come into effect soon, Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime (PhD), announced on Monday.

The directive establishes maximum allowable emission levels for all vehicles, based on standards set by the Institute of Ethiopian Standards (IES). According to the minister, the measure is designed to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas output and strengthen national environmental protection efforts.

Alemu emphasized that aging vehicles will be required to install technologies that lower their emissions. Vehicles failing to meet the new standards will be barred from operating.

He noted that owners of older vehicles may also convert their cars to electric or natural gas alternatives to remain compliant. He stressed, however, that the government is not prohibiting fuel-powered vehicles outright, but is limiting the amount of pollutants they can release.

The minister urged vehicle owners to adopt the necessary emission-reduction technologies or shift to renewable energy sources to ensure their vehicles remain within the approved standards and avoid operational restrictions.

He added that the directive is now moving into its enforcement phase, as the grace period previously granted for adjustments has expired. The ministry has formally notified relevant institutions and stakeholders to begin implementing the required measures.