The Japanese Central Environmental Council's (CEC) Air Pollution Committee has agreed on the next phase of emissions limits for 'special motor vehicles.'

The new standards, shortly to be published by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport, apply to off-road vehicles rated between 19-560 kW. Vehicles such forklifts, wheel loaders and tractors will be affected.

The new Japanese limits, to be implemented in 2006-8, are not harmonised with American and EU legislation, although they are generally comparable to the stringent American Tier 3 (2006-8), and the EU Stage III A (2005-7).

However, the new rules do not prescribe the use of exhaust aftertreatment devices such as diesel particulate filters.

The CEC has said that it will consider introducing them around 2010.