The Dutch government is preparing new legislation to crack down on AdBlue fraud in trucks, after confirming that legal loopholes have prevented enforcement against manipulated emission control systems for several years.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has launched a public consultation, open until 15 August, on a proposal to amend the national Vehicle Regulations. The change would provide a clear legal basis to penalise drivers and vehicle owners whose trucks are found to be using illegal AdBlue bypass systems.
Cheating leads to 19% more NOx emissions
Modern diesel trucks in the EU are fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems that reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by injecting AdBlue into the exhaust. However, manipulation is widespread due to the availability of tampering devices and software, known as “AdBlue killers”, which deactivate the system to save on refilling and maintenance costs.
Further reading: German oil manufacturer develops additive for AdBlue to tackle common SCR system issues
Although only an estimated 2–4% of trucks are affected, the environmental impact is substantial. According to research by Panteia, when just 3% of the Dutch fleet uses manipulated SCR systems, national nitrogen emissions from freight transport increase by up to 19%.
Legal loophole suspended enforcement for years
The policy document behind the proposed law confirms that enforcement was effectively suspended after it was discovered that Article 5.1.4a of the Dutch Vehicle Regulations lacked a valid legal foundation for targeting drivers and registration holders. This was due to a misinterpretation of EU Regulation 595/2009, where the term “operator” had been incorrectly translated and applied.
As a result, enforcement agencies such as the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and the police could not legally act against users of tampered trucks.
The proposed legal change would re-establish this power by creating a national-level provision that clearly applies to both drivers and owners.
Costs of compliance drive illegal tampering
Financial incentives are a major factor in the spread of AdBlue fraud. According to Dutch government estimates, average annual AdBlue expenses per truck range from €75 (Euro IV) to €233 (Euro VI), based on domestic fleet usage. However, real-world costs for international hauliers may be significantly higher. Software repairs to SCR systems can cost between €300 and €500, while tuning services that disable AdBlue compliance are widely advertised online for as little as €250.
The government notes that the relatively low cost and high availability of manipulation software make the practice attractive to small hauliers, especially those without in-house maintenance capabilities. In many cases, manipulation is used as a preventive measure to avoid downtime caused by system faults.
In case you missed it: £800,000 for a paperwork error. Haulier avoids a massive fine
New law would bring roadside checks and penalties
Under the proposed regulation, drivers and vehicle owners would be held directly responsible for ensuring correct use of AdBlue. Sanctions could apply if AdBlue is not refilled in time, if the SCR system is bypassed, or if system alerts are ignored.
The government plans to deploy mobile detection units (“snuffelbussen”) capable of monitoring emissions on the road. These would be used to flag suspicious vehicles for inspection. The law also includes provisions for intensified checks on operators suspected of non-compliance.
Modelled on Denmark, supported by hauliers’ group TLN
The Dutch plan follows a similar legal route to Denmark, which already enforces AdBlue compliance through national legislation. While the European Commission focuses primarily on manufacturer oversight, the Dutch government aims to close enforcement gaps at user level.
Transport association TLN has backed the initiative in principle but urged the government not to burden compliant firms unnecessarily.
“AdBlue fraud places an unacceptable burden on the environment. The cost advantage also creates unfair competition,” the organisation said.
Industry input sought before 15 August deadline
The consultation is open to public and industry responses via the official Dutch internet consultation portal until 15 August. Foreign hauliers and international stakeholders are also invited to submit feedback, regardless of residency.
If adopted, the new rules could significantly change how emission compliance is enforced on Dutch roads and may have implications for foreign hauliers operating in the country.
