Premium Quality - Exceeding ECE-R90 Regulation
What ECE-R90 means for the aftermarket
ECE-R90 is a European regulation that sets the safety, quality, and performance requirements for replacement brake components in the automotive aftermarket. It mainly applies to brake pads and brake discs used in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that aftermarket brake products offer a standardized and appropriate performance level, matching the European markets' requirements.
To obtain ECE-R90 approval, brake components must pass a series of strict laboratory and performance tests. These tests evaluate factors such as braking efficiency, heat resistance, durability, structural integrity, and consistency under different driving conditions. In addition, manufacturers must demonstrate reliable production quality and traceability to guarantee that every product meets the same standards as the tested sample. Approved products receive an official E-mark and approval number, which confirms their compliance with the regulation.
Why approval matters for workshops
For the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) in Europe, ECE-R90 is extremely important because it establishes a common safety and quality standard across the market. Since braking systems are safety-critical components, workshops, distributors, and end customers need to trust that aftermarket parts are reliable and safe to use. ECE-R90 helps build this confidence by ensuring that replacement parts fullfil a specific quality level.
The regulation is also important from a legal and commercial perspective. In many European countries, R90 approval is mandatory for specific brake components, meaning that non-approved products cannot legally be sold or installed. As a result, compliance with ECE-R90 is essential for market access within the European IAM. At the same time, it helps protect the market against counterfeit or low-quality imports and supports reputable aftermarket brands in positioning themselves as high-quality and trustworthy alternatives to OE suppliers.
Overall, ECE-R90 plays a key role in improving road safety, ensuring fair competition, and maintaining high product standards within the European automotive aftermarket.
HELLA's premium quality approach
HELLA brake pads & brake discs undergo tests which go far beyond the specifications of the ECE-R90 directive, underlining our premium quality approach.
This pursuit of excellence means that workshops can confidently provide top service, knowing that they are installing parts designed to last and perform under all driving conditions. Our articles are not only fulfilling but even exceeding ECE-R90 directive thanks to our additionally conducted product quality tests regarding brake performance, brake comfort, loading testing and service life.
Engineered to perform under pressure as safety isn‘t a feature! It‘s the foundation with no room for compromises!
