Switzerland: New Particulate Measurement for Category V Vehicles

Emission testing for Non Road Mobile Machinery with diesel engines

In Switzerland, the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) sets emission limits for construction machines depending on their power and year of manufacture. Machines over 18 kW must undergo exhaust gas testing every two years to verify compliance and assess their impact on health and the environment.

This inspection includes emission measurement, diagnostics, and any necessary repairs in case of exceedance, followed by issuance of a certificate with a sticker.

To comply with regulations, professionals using these vehicles are required to measure the particle emissions from their construction machines during the mandatory check using a suitable and METAS-approved particle counter.

Applicable vehicles:

• ↦ Construction machines
• ↦ Forestry and logging machines
• ↦ Industrial vehicles
• ↦ Military vehicles
• ↦ Agricultural machines

Implementation schedule:

• ↦ From January 1, 2026, opacity measurement will be replaced by particle measurement for newly marketed Class V “non-road machines and devices”.
• ↦ From January 1, 2027, this change will also apply to existing equipment in the same category: particle number measurement will replace opacity measurement and must be performed at the next emission inspection.

PN counter features:

• ↦ METAS-approved device
• ↦ Results expressed in #/cm³
• ↦ Technology suitable for exhaust particles

The Swiss Builders Association supports companies in taking the necessary steps to remain compliant through this explanatory video.

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