The Royal Decree of December 5th, 2004, which transforms the European Directive 97/68/EC, establishes the maximum exhaust emissions for carbon monoxide (CO), carbohydrates (CH), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particles (PM).
According to the regulation, the emission limits must be introduced on fixed data in ever stricter phases. The manufacturers must guarantee that new engines comply with these limits, so that they can be put onto the market.
The Federal Environmental Inspection checks whether the machines launched onto the market meet these emission limits, and also verifies whether the appliances have been provided with the necessary and proper marks, as stipulated by the regulation. Actually, every engine must be equipped with a data plate which is visibly present (amongst others the EC type approval number is stated on this plate).
Manufacturers, importers and distributors of amongst others cranes, bulldozers, excavators, fork lift trucks, … belong to the target group of these checks.
Appliances which do not comply with the emission provisions, or with the exception conditions, are not allowed on the market.