The programme was subdivided into six Work Packages (WPs):
WP1 provided effective management, coordination and strategic direction. A Management Team of representatives of each beneficiary was formed and an Advisory Board, whose membership was made up of stakeholder organisations.
WP2 produced and published Good Practice Guidelines.
WP3 developed training materials and training opportunities by organising events and through access to on-line materials.
WP4 developed a project database “App” for use by the participants on their project supplied android tablets or other devices such as their desktop PCs.
WP5 was focused on the inspection and testing of passenger car tyres to check their compliance with the applicable regulations.
WP6 has delivered a proactive and inclusive communication plan.
Multiple inspections were carried out on labelled tyres being held in stock at distribution, retail sites and on the web in each of the participating Member States. All inspection data was collected using the same format and stored in a common database developed in WP4, which provided the participants with access to such details as brands, models, dimensions including OE marking, load and speed index, and other characteristics.
A document inspection action was also carried out and for 876 tyres models the economic operators were contacted to provide the documentation. Overall, in 334 documents received (38%), 283 non-compliances have been identified.
The testing programmes and procedures were coordinated across the participating MSAs to avoid duplicating testing in different MS, following the Good Practice Guideline developed in WP2. Some of the brands/models classified as non-compliant in the previous step (verification of the documentation) were to be tested for Wet Grip (WG) and Rolling Resistance (RR). No models of tyres failed both WG and RR.
The results of the testing are as follows:
• 16 models (12%) gave an indicative non-compliant result for WG;
• 20 models (15%) gave an indicative non-compliant result for RR.
With regards to ICSMS, more than 12.000 tyre label inspections had been recorded in this database in the context of MSTyr15.
In terms of enforcement, each participant undertook actions for those products that were found to be non-compliant for Labelling, Technical Documentation and/or performance Tests. More than 1.100 letters were sent to Economic Operators requiring corrective actions to be undertaken. In some 20% of cases, the Economic Operator quickly took voluntary actions.
Regarding communication and dissemination, the project website was further developed and two newsletters and a final press release were published ― available in a number of languages. Other communication avenues have included the use of AB members as a communications conduit to their wider membership and the establishment of a Twitter account. This account was used to target the professional audience, such as the industry associations, civic organisations, individual manufacturers, policymakers, and EU consumers.
Overall, all WPs have delivered all tasks as planned with no significant exceptions to report.
The project was a success, having resulted in the largest inspection regime ever carried out across the EU in support of energy efficiency regulations. The close attention and support provided by the two major EU trade associations for tyres has ensured that the message of increasingly effective market surveillance is now taking place on tyres has been disseminated to a substantial number of manufacturers and importers of tyres. And the new skills and capacities acquired through this project by the participating MSAs will ensure that that effective market surveillance will continue in the future.
