Roll-out of particulate matter measurement in the Netherlands
Testimonials - 10/11/2026
In summary:
↦ Emissions testing in the Netherlands: JN Testapparatuur, a Capelec distributor since 2010
↦ CAP3070 PN Capelec: one of the first NMI-approved manufacturers
↦ Proven reliability: 4 years of use, 80 per cent of issues resolved remotely
↦ Capelec partnership: responsive technical support, a lasting relationship built on trust
Interview with JN Testapparatuur, Capelec’s partner in the Netherlands
In January 2023, the Netherlands became the second country to adopt the new PN regulations as part of mandatory particulate emissions testing, carrying out 1.2 million tests on diesel cars fitted with particulate filters. A look back at the stages of the roll-out of the Capelec particle counter with our long-standing distributor, JN Testapparatuur.
For over 20 years, JN Testapparatuur has been supporting garages throughout the Netherlands
Could you tell us a bit about your company?
Jan Nijboer, who has been active in the Dutch market in the garage sector since 1984 under the name Nijboer Blijstra Techniek (NBT), founded JN Testapparatuur in 2002, before retiring. We then became distributors for the Capelec brand.
We market the full range of Capelec equipment for emissions testing.
Our team consists of 13 people and we operate throughout the Netherlands, where we focus exclusively on the vehicle inspection (APK) market. We supply garages with equipment and provide training, maintenance and technical support.
Our motto is ‘We don’t want to be the biggest, but the best.’ ”
Implementation of particulate matter measurement: a regulatory challenge and new technical requirements
Could you tell us about the implementation of the PN regulation in the Netherlands?
The early days were very stressful. When the Dutch government announced that the PNC particle counter would become mandatory for vehicle inspection (PTI), this created a great deal of pressure.
Fortunately, Capelec was already prepared with its particle counter. The CAP3070 PN was the second to receive NMI approval, which made us proud. The Capelec equipment was developed in collaboration with Pegasor, whose expertise in measuring fine particles proved to be a major asset right from the start.
During the COVID pandemic, as manufacturers were unable to deliver, the government granted an additional six-month extension for implementation.
When deliveries began, another challenge arose: our customers had no experience of using a particle analyser. So, from day one, our phones haven’t stopped ringing.
We answered all their questions and worked closely with Capelec to provide the necessary updates, until we had an excellent product on the market.
Today, in 80 per cent of cases, we resolve the issue remotely over the phone. If necessary, we visit the customer within 2 to 6 hours. This level of service is only possible because Capelec provides us with the necessary expertise.
The CAP3070 PN is now a solution recognised for its reliability
What is the current market for PNCs in the Netherlands?
Looking at the Dutch market, there are around 10 million registered vehicles inspected by approximately 10,000 technical inspection centres.
As regards particle counters (PN), we estimate that there are currently around 8,000 units installed in the Netherlands, and that the market has now reached maturity. Today, most sales are to newly established centres.
We are also seeing a replacement market, which is creating new opportunities. Some users who have experienced faults with their PN counters are replacing them with the Capelec solution.
What conclusions do you draw from these four years of using the CAP3070?
The Netherlands was amongst the first to tackle all the challenges associated with this new technology. PN meters were completely new pieces of equipment. This technology had never been used before.
After four years’ experience, we now know how to prevent any potential malfunctions. We carry out annual checks, which are very important. Of course, we do occasionally encounter problems, but overall the reliability is excellent.
Today, we can say with complete confidence that the Capelec PN counter works very well.
High-quality collaboration is essential for building a relationship of trust with clients
Are you satisfied with your collaboration with Capelec?
Yes, absolutely. We are very satisfied with our partnership. The equipment is the best available, and the support from the technical team and sales managers is exceptional.
Whenever we have a question, we can contact them by phone or email, and they respond promptly. They support us so that we can satisfy our customers.
This is essential as we now have a large fleet of equipment installed across the Netherlands. We need immediate answers so that we can react quickly: customers cannot wait.
As a distributor, you can’t manage everything on your own. You need a solid organisation behind you.
Thank you to Dirk Dijkman & Marco van den Hoorn for their testimonial and their trust.
JN Testapparatuur B.V.
Nunspeet – Netherlands