Japan Standards

Regulatory Background

After the reorganization of Japanese government in 2001, off-road engine emission standards became the responsibility of MOE and MLIT. The former MOT/MOC emission regulations were replaced by three groups of emission standards, applicable to the following categories of equipment:

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  1. Special Motor Vehicles—self-propelled nonroad vehicles and machinery that are registered for operation on public roads (fitted with license plates).
  2. Nonroad Motor Vehicles—self-propelled and non-registered nonroad vehicles and machinery.
  3. Portable And Transportable Equipment: Recognition System—recognition of low emission engines for designation of low emission construction machinery.

Special/Nonroad Motor Vehicles

These standards apply to nonroad vehicles rated between 19-560 kW with (Special Motor Vehicles) or without (Nonroad Motor Vehicles) licence plates. The emission limits for the two vehicle categories are the same, but they are introduced by separate regulatory acts. On June 28, 2005, the MOE promulgated a new set of standards for Special Vehicles, superseding former MOT standards. On March 28, 2006, the same standards were promulgated for Nonroad Vehicles, superseding former MOC standards.

The standards are summarized in Table 1 for compression ignition engines, and in Table 2 for spark ignited engines. Emissions are measured according to JIS B 8001-1 (Japanese version of ISO 8178) 8-mode test for diesel, 7-mode test for SI. Smoke is measured according to JCMAS T-004.

Table 1
Emission Standards for Diesel Special/Nonroad Vehicles, g/kWh
Power (P) CO HC NOx PM Smoke Date
New Models All Models†
kW g/kWh %
19 ≤ P < 37 5.0 1.0 6.0 0.4 40 2007.10 2008.09
37 ≤ P < 56 5.0 0.7 4.0 0.3 35 2008.10 2009.09
56 ≤ P < 75 5.0 0.7 4.0 0.25 30 2008.10 2010.09
75 ≤ P < 130 5.0 0.4 3.6 0.2 25 2007.10 2008.09
130 ≤ P < 560 3.5 0.4 3.6 0.17 25 2006.10 2008.09
† Applies to continuously produced nonroad vehicles (but not special vehicles) and imported special/nonroad vehicles.
Table 2
Emission Standards for Spark Ignited Special/Nonroad Vehicles, g/kWh
Power (P) 7-mode Idle Date
CO HC NOx CO HC New Models All Models†
kW g/kWh % ppm
19 ≤ P < 560 20.0 0.60 0.60 1 500 2007.10 2008.09
† Applies to continuously produced nonroad vehicles (but not special vehicles) and imported special/nonroad vehicles.

These standards, although similar in stringency to the US Tier 3 (2006-2008) and the EU Stage III A (2005-2007), are not harmonized with US and EU regulations. The standards do not require the use of exhaust aftertreatment devices, such as diesel particulate filters. The MOE’s Central Environmental Council indicated it will consider adopting “aftertreatment-forcing” standards with implementation dates around 2010.

Portable/Transportable Equipment (Recognition System)

Under the recognition system regulations that became effective on March 17, 2006, manufacturers may apply for their engines to be recognized as a low emission engine for use in designated low emission construction machinery. The recognition system applies to portable and transportable (i.e., non-self-propelled) equipment, which is not emission regulated under the Special/Nonroad Motor Vehicle regulations.

The emission standards are listed in Table 3. Emissions are measured over the JIS B 8001-1 (ISO 8178) 8-mode test. For generator application, the rated speed is for 60 Hz and the intermediate speed is for 50 Hz.

Table 3
Emission Limits—Recognition System, g/kWh
Power (P) CO HC NOx PM Smoke
kW g/kWh %
8 ≤ P < 19 5.0 7.5* 0.4 40
19 ≤ P < 37 5.0 1.0 6.0 0.4 40
37 ≤ P < 56 5.0 0.7 4.0 0.3 35
56 ≤ P < 75 5.0 0.7 4.0 0.25 30
75 ≤ P < 130 5.0 0.4 3.6 0.2 25
130 ≤ P < 560 3.5 0.4 3.6 0.17 25
* NOx + HC