Exploring ECE Regulation 90 – What does ‘R90 Approval’ mean for Brake Pads?

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the cryptic ‘R90’ label on brake pads? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of ECE Regulation 90 and its implications for brake pads and now, brake discs/rotors.

Understanding ECE Regulation 90

ECE Regulation 90, commonly abbreviated as ‘R90’, sets the benchmark for the quality and safety of brake pads and discs/rotors within the European Union. Enforced since September 1999, this regulation mandates that all brake pads and discs/rotors destined for vehicles manufactured after this date must undergo rigorous testing to comply with R90 standards.

It’s important to note that R90 regulations are legally binding only within Europe. If you reside outside the EU, the regulation holds no sway over the brakes you purchase or use.

The testing process entails a meticulous comparison of the performance of aftermarket brake pads and discs/rotors against their original counterparts. This scrutiny ensures that only products meeting or exceeding the standards are approved for sale, effectively barring subpar imports from flooding the European market.

Testing Protocol

ECE R90 testing encompasses both cold and hot brake friction analysis. Products that receive R90 approval bear a unique code number alongside a country code, denoting the origin of testing. For instance, ‘E1’ signifies testing conducted in Germany, while ‘E11’ represents testing in the UK.

Pros and Cons of R90

Benefits:

• Enhanced safety: R90 compliance assures consumers that the brake pads they purchase adhere to stringent safety standards, mitigating risks on the road.

Negatives:

• Limited performance assessment: While R90 testing scrutinizes friction levels, it does not evaluate high-speed performance or product lifespan. As a result, it imposes a ceiling on the performance capabilities of brake pads.
• Restriction on high-performance brakes: R90 regulations preclude the legal use of race-capable brakes on public roads in Europe, hindering enthusiasts seeking optimal performance during track days or lapping events.

Final Verdict

ECE Regulation 90 serves as a double-edged sword in the realm of brake pad standards. While it effectively curtails the proliferation of inferior products, its constraints on performance may deter avid drivers seeking top-tier performance. Ultimately, while R90 compliance ensures safety and reliability, performance-oriented drivers may seek alternative options beyond its scope for off-road and track use. If you’re interested in the technical details of this legislation, they can be found here.

Best R90 Approved Brake Pads

In light of the comprehensive testing and stringent standards set by ECE Regulation 90, we recommend a range of brake pads as our top-rated R90 approved choices. Renowned for their exceptional performance and reliability, these brake pads deliver peace of mind on the road while adhering to the highest industry standards;

• Ferodo DS Performance*
• Mintex MRM1801
• TAROX Strada
• EBC YellowStuff
• EBC RedStuff
• EBC BlueStuff
• EBC GreenStuff

*Quick note! Do not confuse DS Performance with DS2500 pads, the DS2500 are a different compound by Ferodo Racing and not R90-approved for road use.

These are a selection of (in our opinion), the best performing and most popular R90 approved brake pads for standard an if you have any questions about which pads will suit your application, feel free to contact our team directly for more information.