Enhancing the Emission Regulations for Diesel-powered Non-road Special Motor Vehicles

In response to the enhancement of emission regulations for diesel-powered special motor vehicles as stated in the 9th Report of Future Policy for Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction of the Central Environment Council issued in January, 2008, a Ministerial Ordinance partially amending "The Enforcement Regulation for the Act on Regulation, Etc. of Emissions from Non-road Special Motor Vehicles" and an announcement partially amending "The Announcement that Prescribes Necessary Matters on Regulation, Etc. of Emissions from Non-road Special Motor Vehicles" shall be promulgated as of today.

With this Ministerial Ordinance, Japan's emission regulations for diesel-powered non-road special motor vehicles have reached the world's highest level in terms of strictness. Specifically, the regulated emission value of Particulate Matter (PM) for diesel-powered non-road special motor vehicles will be cut by 88-93% in comparison with the current regulations.

1. Principal amendments to "The Enforcement Regulation for the Act on Regulation, Etc. of Emissions from Non-road Special Motor Vehicles" and "The Announcement that Prescribes Necessary Matters on Regulation, Etc. of Emissions from Non-road Special Motor Vehicles"

(1) Addition of new test mode for exhaust emissions
While retaining the current test modes, the Non Road Transient Cycle (NRTC) mode was introduced as a new test mode for exhaust emissions.

(2) More stringent regulation values for diesel-powered non-road special motor vehicle emissions
The regulated emission value for each emission gas was made more stringent in addition to the Particulate Matter (PM) whose value was cut by approximately 90%.

(3) Partial amendment to the definition of Special Provisions for Non-road Special Motor Vehicles manufactured in smaller numbers
With the enhanced emission control for diesel-powered special motor vehicles, an international definition of Special Provision was reviewed for non-road special motor vehicles manufactured in smaller numbers (for vehicles with emission control regulations similar to the domestic regulations).

(4) Start dates for applying new regulations
The start dates of applying the amended regulations for non-road special motor vehicles and a period for interim measure for the type of notified non-road special motor vehicles that conform to the regulations prior to the amendment was established.

(5) Addition of new indication style showing compliance with standards for non-road special motor vehicles that conform to the amended standards
A new indication style was added in order to readily distinguish vehicles in compliance with the new standards.

2. The amendments (1) and (2) above took into consideration the "Permissible Limits of Non-road Special Motor Vehicle Exhaust Emission" based on the Air Pollution Control Law that was revised as of today.

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