The term QAL1 is defined in the EN 14181 standard and describes the performance testing and certification of AMS / AQME as the first step in a series of consecutive quality-preserving measures for the use of continuously operating measuring equipment in the field of air pollution monitoring and control. Details of the QAL1 process are described in the EN 15267 series of standards.

The EN 15267 series of standards details the processes for the qualification (QAL1) of measuring equipment for air pollution control (AMS / AQME / DAHS) in the European regulated area (e.g. IED, MCPD, Air Quality Directive, the Greenhouse Gas Emission Monitoring Ordinance) as well as in the TA-Luft in Germany (Technical Instructions on Air Quality) and MCerts in the UK, etc.

According to EN 15267-1, the QAL1 qualification for AQME consists of the following consecutive steps:

1. Performance Testing:

Technical testing of the respective measuring or evaluation system by an EN ISO-IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory (e.g. TÜV Rheinland) in accordance with valid technical standards (e.g. EN 15267-3 for emission measuring systems or e.g. EN 14211 for ambient air measurements of NOX ...).

2. Initial Assessment

Initial assessment of the manufacturer's quality management system (QMS). The quality management system of the measuring equipment manufacturer is assessed by a specialised auditor on the basis of EN 15267-2.

3. Certification:

Decision by the EN ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification body as to whether the submitted documents (test report, audit report, user manual, other relevant documents, ...) fulfil the requirements and can therefore be certified.

Issue of the certificate. Afterwards publication of the certificate on http://www.qal1.de.

4. Monitoring / surveillance of the manufacturing process:

Annual monitoring of the manufacturing process of the certified AQME by means of audits conducted by specialised auditors; documentation and evaluation of changes; reissue of the certificate after five years if necessary.

Previous procedure for certification:

EN 15267-1 (from 2009) describes the certification process for AQME.

• Here, certification was carried out by a “relevant body" (authority or accredited certification body).

• The Federal Environment Agency operates the “relevant body" in Germany. The certification decision has so far been made by an officially appointed expert committee.

Future procedure:

A new version of EN 15267-1 was published in 2023.

Certification must now be carried out by a EN ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification body. The new standard distinguishes between QAL1 certification and locally restricted, state approval.

As of 2025, TÜV Rheinland Energy & Environment GmbH is (up to now) the only body in Germany to be accredited in accordance with EN ISO/IEC 17065 for QAL1 certification of continuous measurement and evaluation equipment in accordance with the current EN 15267-1:2023 standard.

This means that TÜV Rheinland can now issue QAL1 certificates for measuring systems and evaluation systems based on the applicable technical standards, independently of the Federal Environment Agency and the responsible committees.

Certification is possible at any time after completion of testing via the certification body and is independent of official timeframes. Future certification is structured as follows.

The quality management system at TÜV Rheinland Energy & Environment GmbH ensures that independent testing, assessment and certification of AQME in accordance with EN 15267 takes place. Certificates are published on the homepage, www.QAL1.de. The international recognition of the accreditation means that the QAL1 certificates issued can be used across the world.

If you have any questions about QAL1 certification, please do not hesitate to contact us.