Rollout 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-certified manufacturers
↦ Proven reliability: 4 years of use, 80% 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 regulation as part of mandatory particulate emissions testing, conducting 1.2 million tests on diesel cars equipped with particulate filters. A look back at the stages of the Capelec particulate counter’s rollout with our long-standing distributor, JN Testapparatuur.
For over 20 years, JN Testapparatuur has been supporting auto repair shops throughout the Netherlands
Can you tell us about your company?
Jan Nijboer, who has been active in the Dutch market in the automotive repair 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 complete range of Capelec equipment designed 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
Can 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 inspections (PTI), it created a lot of pressure.
Fortunately, Capelec was already prepared with its particle counter. The CAP3070 PN was the second to receive NMI certification, which made us proud. The Capelec equipment was developed in collaboration with Pegasor, whose expertise in measuring fine particles was an asset from the very beginning.
During the COVID pandemic, since manufacturers were unable to deliver, the government granted an additional six-month grace period for implementation.
When deliveries began, another challenge arose: our customers had no experience using a particle analyzer. So, from day one, our phones didn’t stop 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% 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 recognized for its reliability
What is the current market for PNCs in the Netherlands?
Looking at the Dutch market, there are approximately 10 million registered vehicles inspected by about 10,000 vehicle inspection centers.
With regard to particle counters (PN), we estimate that there are currently about 8,000 units installed in the Netherlands, and that the market has now reached maturity. Today, most sales are to newly established centers.
We are also seeing a replacement market, which is creating new opportunities. Some users who have experienced malfunctions 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 among the first to tackle all the challenges associated with this new technology. PN meters were completely new devices. This technology had never been used before.
After four years of experience, we now know how to prevent potential malfunctions. We perform annual inspections, which is very important. Of course, we sometimes encounter problems, but overall, the reliability is excellent.
Today, we can confidently say that the Capelec PN counter works very well.
High-quality collaboration is essential for building a relationship of trust with customers
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.
When we have a question, we can contact them by phone or email, and they respond quickly. They support us so that we can satisfy our customers.
This is essential because we now have a large fleet of equipment installed throughout the Netherlands. We need immediate answers so we can respond quickly: customers can’t wait.
As a distributor, you can’t handle everything on your own. You need a solid organization behind you.
Thank you to Dirk Dijkman & Marco van den Hoorn for their testimonial and their trust.
JN Testapparatuur B.V.
Nunspeet - Netherlands