climate action

CITA TA Meetings in La Coruña: A Comprehensive Overview


On the 9th and 10th of April 2024, CITA held its Topic Area A, B, and C meetings, a momentous occasion graciously hosted by APPLUS+ at their ITV Espíritu Santo - SYC Applus+ facilities in La Coruña, Spain. This gathering of experts, government officials, and industry leaders marked a significant event aimed at enhancing vehicle compliance, safety, and environmental protection through collaborative discussion and innovation.

Day One: Focus on Research & Development in Vehicle Compliance
The meetings commenced on April 9 with Topic Area A – “R & D vehicle compliance,” highlighting the advancements and challenges in the realm of vehicle inspection and compliance. A presentation was delivered by Alberto Zalvide, General Manager of Applus+ SYC, who detailed the unique aspects of the Galician vehicle inspection network, particularly its use of mobile units to serve low-density population areas effectively.

The official opening by Mr. Nicolás Vazquez, General Secretary of the Industry of the Galician Government, underscored the Galician Government's support for CITA's efforts. He emphasized the critical role of vehicle inspection in ensuring safety and environmental conservation, setting a positive tone for the sessions ahead.

The day proceeded with updates on the CITA Task Forces, covering crucial topics such as Type Approval, Vehicle Data, ADAS, Roadworthiness Package, and Electric Vehicles. A significant discussion revolved around the R155 amendment regarding vehicle OBD information access and the necessity for a CITA response to mitigate cybersecurity risks, with a commitment to draft a document outlining the amendment's impact.

Further, updates on EU/ECE legislation provided insights into recent regulatory changes, underscoring the global nature of vehicle compliance and safety standards.

A technical visit to the "Laboratorio de Frío de Galicia" showcased Applus+'s commitment to innovation, offering CITA members a firsthand look at state-of-the-art facilities for testing vehicles transporting perishable goods. CITA members could also enjoy a real car inspection in order to know how the inspection works in Galicia.

Day Two: Enhancing Vehicle Compliance and Engaging in External Affairs
The second day divided its focus between optimizing current vehicle compliance (Topic Area B) and delving into external affairs (Topic Area C).

In Topic Area B, discussions covered practical aspects of vehicle inspection, including brake fluid testing in Norway and dynamic light testing. The session also highlighted the interconnected work of various CITA Task Forces, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance roadworthiness, lighting devices, and brake systems.

Topic Area C transitioned the conversation to CITA's strategic positioning and advocacy efforts, particularly in anticipation of the European Parliament elections in June 2024. The presentation of CITA's manifesto by Executive Director Eduard Fernández offered a strategic vision for engaging with the upcoming EU institutions mandate. Discussions on lobbying efforts, the PTI-Directive Process, and national-level involvement of CITA members provided a comprehensive overview of CITA's external affairs strategy.

The meetings in La Coruña were not only a testament to the collaborative spirit of CITA and its members but also a reflection of the ongoing commitment to advancing vehicle safety and compliance standards globally. Through productive discussions, technical visits, and strategic planning, the CITA meetings hosted by APPLUS+ in Spain have set a constructive path forward for addressing current challenges and future opportunities in the vehicle inspection industry.


CITA Topic Area D and E meetings in Stuttgart


In late March 2024, hosted by DEKRA in Stuttgart, Germany, CITA members met together for the Topic Area D and E meetings.

The meeting on Environmental Protection Systems (Topic Area D) on March 26, 2024, focused on pivotal developments in particulate number (PN) measurement techniques and nitrogen oxides (NOx) testing methodologies. The session opened with an insightful overview of PN measurement in Belgium, tracing the evolution of this critical environmental monitoring technique. Following this, the spotlight turned to the Netherlands, where participants were briefed on the country’s achievements and challenges in PN measurement throughout 2023.

A significant highlight was the introduction of Particulate Number Measurements in Germany, marking a vital step forward in the nation’s environmental protection efforts. Furthermore, the collaboration between the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and CITA resulted in the validation of a method to test NOx levels, a breakthrough in emissions testing. Attendees were also treated to a practical demonstration, offering a hands-on look at the innovative method for NOx testing, emphasizing the practical application of these advanced techniques.

The agenda on March 27 began with an exclusive technical visit, offering members a rare glimpse into DEKRA’s Calibration Laboratory for PTI equipment and a PTI station. This visit not only showcased the cutting-edge facilities at DEKRA but also highlighted the meticulous process behind the calibration and maintenance of PTI equipment, essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of vehicle inspections.

The afternoon session on March 27 delved into Topic Area E, focusing on Quality, Training & Confidence. This part of the meeting addressed the imperative of data collection during PTI in the Netherlands, a cornerstone for enhancing inspection quality and vehicular safety. From Norway came insights into the training needs for electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting the growing shift towards electrification and the necessity for specialized knowledge in this rapidly evolving sector.

Moreover, practical experience with the performance of reinspection in Slovakia was shared, offering valuable lessons on the importance of rigorous quality control and the role of reinspection in maintaining high standards of vehicle compliance.

The hybrid meetings hosted by DEKRA in Stuttgart were more than just a gathering of CITA experts; they were a testament to the collective drive towards a more environmentally friendly and quality-focused PTI industry. By bringing together diverse perspectives on environmental protection systems and quality assurance, these meetings laid the groundwork for future innovations and collaborations.


Recap of the 14th VERT Forum and NPTI Workshop, EMPA 2024


The 14th VERT Forum, alongside the NPTI Workshop, marked significant milestones in the field of vehicle pollution control and Particle Number (PN) measurement, bringing together experts and stakeholders in Dübendorf, Switzerland, on March 21st and 22nd, 2024. This year's events underscored a global commitment to advancing environmental standards and fostering collaboration among key players in the sector.

  • March 21st, 2024: NPTI Workshop

The NPTI (Non-Road Particle Number Test Procedure) Workshop, held on the first day, focused on the critical aspects of Particle Number measurement in Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI). It served as an essential platform for authorities, authorized companies, and professionals directly involved in PN measurement to share insights, latest findings, and best practices. The workshop featured presentations of main results from PN measurement in PTI, contributed by representatives from Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, highlighting the collaborative effort across countries to enhance air quality standards.

The event also welcomed the participation of researchers from the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission's science and knowledge service, indicating a strong scientific backing and a European-wide approach to tackling vehicle emissions. The workshop, hosted and organized by VERT, with support from the International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee (CITA), aimed at improving the relationship between various stakeholders and developing further workshops and events. This collaborative environment sets the stage for ongoing advancements in pollution control measures and regulatory frameworks.

  • March 22nd, 2024: 14th VERT Forum

The second day was dedicated to the 14th VERT Forum, an event for experts in vehicle pollution control. The forum's focus this year was on particles, encompassing tailpipe emissions, brake wear, and tyre particles, which are significant contributors to air pollution. The discussions and presentations spanned the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, from approval and certification stages through to its eventual scrapping, emphasizing the vital role of PTI in maintaining and ensuring vehicles' environmental compliance.

The forum addressed the multifaceted challenges and innovative solutions related to vehicle pollution, with a special emphasis on the importance of effective particle reduction strategies. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry representatives, the forum facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and set the direction for future research, policy development, and technological innovations.

The outcomes of both the NPTI Workshop and the 14th VERT Forum at EMPA 2024 highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of vehicle pollution control efforts. As we move forward, the insights and collaborations fostered during these events will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions to combat vehicle-related pollution. The emphasis on international cooperation and knowledge exchange underscores the global commitment to cleaner air and a healthier environment, paving the way for further advancements in this critical field.


EU Sets Ambitious Air Quality Standards for 2030: A Leap Towards Zero Pollution


The European Union has made a significant stride towards improving air quality across its member states with a provisional political agreement between the EU Parliament and Council to revise the Ambient Air Quality Directives (AAQD). This deal, reached on February 21, 2024, aims to tighten the exposure limits for various ambient air pollutants, setting stricter standards that must be met by 2030. Specifically, the agreement proposes more stringent limits for pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), with the most notable changes being the reduction of annual limit values for PM2.5 and NO2 by more than half of the current levels.

This agreement is a part of the broader EU Zero Pollution Action Plan, which targets the elimination of air pollution by 2050. The revised standards are in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines from 2005, and although the EU Parliament initially sought to adopt even stricter limits based on the WHO's 2021 guidelines, these were not included in the final negotiated text. However, the agreement does include provisions for the standards to be reviewed by December 31, 2030, and at least every five years thereafter, potentially allowing for the incorporation of newer scientific findings and guidelines.

One of the key features of this agreement is the requirement for more air quality sampling points in urban areas across Europe, enhancing the monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards. Additionally, the deal introduces the opportunity for citizens to seek compensation for health damages resulting from violations of these standards.

The agreement still requires formal adoption by the EU Parliament and Council before it becomes law. Once enacted, EU countries will have two years to implement the new rules, marking a crucial period for member states to adjust their policies and practices to meet the heightened standards.

This decision underscores the growing importance of PTI and in these regards of the periodic emission tests, as stricter air quality standards will necessitate more rigorous monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. It reflects the EU's commitment to protecting public health and the environment by aiming for cleaner air, while also highlighting the challenges and compromises inherent in the legislative process.


For more detailed information, please visit:

86th session of the ITC


The 86th session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC), themed "Taking ambitious climate action – Moving towards decarbonised inland transport by 2050," was held from February 20 to 23, 2024, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This session covered various important topics related to inland transport, including climate action towards decarbonizing inland transport by 2050, road safety, and the implementation of the ITC strategy until 2030.

The session began with opening statements from notable figures like Ms. Hannie Meesters, ITC Chair, and H.E. Ms. Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of UNECE. It included keynote speeches from international representatives, including the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management from the Netherlands and the Secretary of Transportation from the United States, emphasizing global commitment to decarbonization.

Panel discussions delved into national visions for decarbonized transport, with speakers from various countries sharing their policy ambitions and strategies. An expert panel discussed perspectives beyond government, including insights from UNFCCC and the International Road Federation. The agenda also highlighted the synergies between climate change mitigation and urban development, and the role of international cooperation and intergovernmental support in achieving these goals. The session underscored the urgency and collaborative effort required to transform inland transport systems by 2050, aligning with climate action and sustainability goals.

This session of the ITC was also marked by the participation of the CITA Bureau Permanent, with a speech from Mr. Gerhard Müller, President of CITA. Mr. Müller emphasized the critical role of social acceptance and transparency in the decarbonization of road transport. He highlighted the importance of providing citizens with accurate and reliable information about the performance and status of hybrid and electric vehicles to avoid frustration and meet expectations.

CITA president pointed out the discrepancy between theoretical and actual fuel consumption values and the need for reliable indicators for policy-making. He stressed the importance of an impartial assessment of the batteries' state of health to ensure fair trade and prevent environmental issues related to the disposal of worn batteries. His speech underlined CITA's support for efforts towards a decarbonized vehicle fleet, echoing the session's theme of ambitious climate action.


For more detailed information on the session, please visit the UNECE website​​.