Netherlands adopts new PTI test for DPF inspections
26 January 2021
The Dutch government has adopted a regulation that introduces a new PTI test for the inspection of diesel vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF). The regulation was signed on 12 January 2021 and published in the Government Gazette on 20 January 2021 [5018].
Please log in to view the full version of this article (subscription required).
The new PTI (NPTI) test involves the use of a particle counting instrument to detect particulate filter removal/tampering or other DPF malfunctions. The new test will replace older PTI methods, such as smoke opacity tests that are not sensitive enough for modern diesel engines, or the use of OBD data to diagnose the DPF during a PTI inspection.
The test is applicable to all diesel cars and commercial vehicles fitted with a DPF at the manufacturing stage (essentially, Euro 5 and later passenger cars and vans and Euro VI trucks). It involves a quick particle number measurement performed from raw exhaust (at the tailpipe) at idle condition using a relatively inexpensive (estimated ~7,500 euros) particle counting device.
The new regulation includes several amendments to the 2019 PTI regulation [4762] and specifies the effective date for the new PTI test. The key provisions are:
- The PN rejection standard has been set at 1,000,000 cm-3 for all diesel vehicles (compared to 250,000 cm-3 for Euro 5b+ vehicles under the 2019 rule).
- The ‘transitional arrangement’ for the new PTI test has been extended up to and including vehicles of 2016 model year. Under this arrangement, vehicle owners can avoid repair costs by reporting a defective or removed DPF to the RDW. After deregistration of the particulate filter, a surcharge on top of the annual tax must be paid.
- The new PTI test enters into force from 1 July 2022.
The NPTI initiative was launched by VERT in 2016. The Netherlands has been the first country to officially adopt the new, PN-based PTI inspection. Two new particle counters—by TEN and TSI—have been released and approved for PTI measurements. Other European countries, including Belgium and Germany, are expected to adopt similar, new PTI procedures for DPF inspections.
Source: Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management