In a move to tighten emission regulations for non-road vehicles, the government has proposed the introduction of Tractor Emission Stage V (TREM V) norms for selected agricultural tractor categories from October 1st, 2026.

The norms for the 25-76 PS tractor segment will transition to TREM V only from 2032. The existing emission standards for agricultural tractors, power tillers and combine harvesters will be replaced with Stage V norms in a phased rollout, according to a draft notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Currently, tractors below 51 PS comply with TREM IIIA emission norms, while those above 51 PS comply with TREM IV standards.

TREM V emission standards are proposed to be implemented in a staggered manner across different horsepower categories.

Most high-power tractors - above 76 PS (above 56 kW) - and very low-power tractors - below 25 PS (below 19 kW) - are proposed to adopt TREM Stage V from October 1st, 2026.

The 25-76 PS range will undergo a delayed transition. The 25-51 PS category (19-37 kW) will shift to TREM IIIAA from April 1st, 2028, before moving to full TREM V compliance from April 1st, 2032. The 51-76 PS segment (37-56 kW), which is currently under TREM IV norms, will move directly to TREM V from 2032.

The proposed standards aim to significantly reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions across all power bands, aligning Indian regulations more closely with the Stage V limits of the European Union and other global emission frameworks.

For the 25-51 PS category, TREM IIIAA norms will impose limits of 5.0 g/kWh for carbon monoxide (CO), 4.7 g/kWh for hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides (HC+NOx) and 0.35 g/kWh for particulate matter (PM).

When transitioning to TREM V in 2032, PM limits will tighten significantly to 0.015 g/kWh, while a particle number (PN) cap of 1 x 10(12)/kWh will also be introduced.

This effectively delays full Stage V implementation for the 25-76 PS category until 2032, while larger tractors will adopt stricter standards earlier, in 2026.

India recorded tractor sales exceeding 1 million units in 2025. The 25-76 PS segment accounts for more than 70% of total tractor sales in the country. Industry stakeholders have recommended that the government postpone TREM V implementation for tractors below 51 PS until 2028.

Compliance with TREM V norms will require the integration of advanced after-treatment technologies and engine redesigns, resulting in higher production costs. For smaller tractors widely used in India's fragmented agricultural landscape, this could create affordability and maintenance challenges.

The Tractor and Mechanisation Association (TMA) had previously proposed delaying TREM V implementation for the 25-51 PS segment until 2028 to provide manufacturers additional time to develop compliant engine platforms and after-treatment systems without significantly increasing retail prices in a price-sensitive market.

Industry executives have indicated that full Stage V compliance will require advanced after-treatment hardware, including diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and electronic engine management systems. These technologies could increase tractor prices by approximately 15-20%, particularly in the sub-51 PS segment.