ECE R150 is harmonised across Europe, so the product rules are the same everywhere. Inspection, however, happens nationally, and the names and routines differ by country. The condition of the marking is a checkpoint in all of them.
Netherlands: APK
Checked at the periodic APK inspection via RDW-approved stations. Damaged, dirty or non-approved marking can be a failure point.
Germany: Hauptuntersuchung
Part of the HU at bodies such as TÜV or DEKRA. A standard checkpoint, and German operators generally expect contour marking as a matter of course.
Austria: Pickerl
Checked at the periodic inspection known as the Pickerl. The same approved-material and placement rules apply.
Switzerland: MFK
Checked at the Motorfahrzeugkontrolle. Switzerland is not an EU member but largely applies the ECE rules, so approved marking is expected there too.
Whatever the country of registration, confirm current requirements and any transition dates with the competent national inspection authority before relying on them.
Harmonised rules, national inspection
Product approval and installation are based on the UN regulations adopted in the relevant market. Periodic inspection remains a national process: APK, HU, §57a inspection, MFK and contrôle technique have their own legal basis, manuals and defect assessment.
For an international fleet, keep the approval and installation standard consistent, then verify the current inspection reference for the country of registration. This article is a preparation tool, not a substitute for an inspector's assessment of the actual vehicle.
Official sources
Avoid inspection failure across Europe
Use approved tape and repair damage before inspection or roadside checks become a problem.
Make the vehicle inspection-ready →
Frequently asked
Yes, ECE R150 approval is harmonised. The differences are in inspection routines, not the material rules.
The inspection of the country where the vehicle is registered. Cross-border operators should confirm both.