Switzerland: New Particulate Matter Measurement for Category V Vehicles

In summary:

• Opacity measurement is replaced by particle number (PN) measurement.
• Mandatory use of a device certified by METAS.
• Limit value: 250,000 particles/cm³ (2.5 × 10⁵).

Emissions testing for non-road machinery equipped with diesel engines

As of January 1, 2026, certain vehicles not approved for road use must therefore undergo mandatory emissions testing. This applies to unregistered Category V construction machinery such as excavators, loaders, etc.

In Switzerland, the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (OPair) imposes pollutant emission limits on construction machinery based on their power output and year of manufacture. Machines with a power rating of more than 18 kW must undergo an exhaust emissions test every two years to verify their compliance and assess their impact on health and the environment.

This inspection includes measuring emissions, performing a diagnostic check, and carrying out any necessary repairs if limits are exceeded, followed by the issuance of a certificate with a sticker.

To remain in compliance, professionals who operate these vehicles are therefore required to have the particulate matter emissions from their construction machinery tested during the mandatory inspection using a particle counter approved by METAS.

Vehicles covered:

• Construction machinery
• Forestry and logging machinery
• Industrial vehicles
• Military vehicles
• Agricultural machinery
• Find details here: https://www.bafu.admin.ch/fr/reglements-de-la-phase-v

Implementation Schedule: 

• Effective January 1, 2026, opacity testing will be replaced by particulate matter testing for Category V “machinery and equipment not intended for road use” newly placed on the market.
• Effective January 1, 2027, this change will also apply to equipment in the same category already in service: particle count measurement will then replace opacity measurement and must be performed during the next emissions test.

Features of the PN counter:

• METAS-certified equipment
• results expressed in #/cm³
• technology adapted for exhaust particles

The Swiss Contractors’ Association helps companies navigate the steps needed to remain compliant through this explanatory video.

Thanks to the SSE for this awareness video, produced in collaboration with the Federal Institute of Metrology and theFOEN.