BS EN 13725:2022 | The European Standard for Odour Measurement
Silsoe Odours has been at the forefront of odour science for decades, helping industry, regulators, and developers understand and manage odours effectively. Notably, our Director, Robert Sneath, contributed to the development and revision of the European odour standard EN 13725. He served as the UK expert on CEN Technical Committee TC264 Working Group 2 (WG2) for over 25 years.
Today, EN 13725:2022 is the established standard for odour measurement across Europe. It provides a robust, consistent, and internationally recognised framework.
EN 13725 – The European Standard for Odour Measurement
History & Purpose
EN13725 was first published in 2003 to standardise odour measurement across Europe. Since then, its primary goal has been to allow repeatable, reproducible, and accurate determination of odour concentration and emission rates. This supports regulators, planners, and industry in managing odours effectively.
The standard has evolved through successive revisions. The latest version, EN 13725:2022, reflects up-to-date scientific understanding and best practice. Our Director, Robert Sneath, played a central role throughout.
Robert Sneath’s Role
From 1996 to 2022, Robert Sneath acted as the UK expert on CEN WG2. As a result, his decades of research and practical experience were instrumental in shaping the standard. WG2 ensured that it was both scientifically rigorous and applicable to real-world odour management.
Director at Silsoe Odours
What EN 13725 Measures
EN 13725 provides standardised methods for several key aspects. Specifically, it covers:
- Odour concentration in gaseous samples using dynamic olfactometry
- Odour emission rates from stationary sources
It also sets criteria for:
- Laboratory design and operation
- Olfactometer design, calibration, and operation
- Selection, training, and certification of odour panellists
- Data processing and assessment of measurement uncertainty
These criteria thereby ensure that odour measurements are scientifically robust and comparable across laboratories.
Key Features of EN 13725:2022
The 2022 revision strengthened the standard through practical, safety-focused improvements. These include:
- Health and safety guidance for all personnel involved in dynamic olfactometry
- Rigorous sampling and pre-dilution procedures to improve measurement reliability
- Enhanced methodology for assessing uncertainty
- Clear exclusions, including field olfactometry and exposure measurement
These updates make EN 13725:2022 the definitive reference for odour measurement in Europe.
Compliance & Accreditation in the UK
In the UK, compliance with BS EN 13725:2022 is demonstrated through UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation. Accordingly, Silsoe Odours’ odour testing and sampling is fully accredited, ensuring that our work meets the latest European standards.
Compliance also supports adherence to:
By following these standards, operators and developers can demonstrate that their odour management practices are defensible, traceable, and aligned with best practice.
Practical Advice for Operators
- Firstly, use UKAS-accredited suppliers for all odour sampling and testing
- Equally important, ensure odour assessors are trained and screened regularly
- Follow BS EN 13725:2022 sampling and measurement procedures
- Finally, maintain clear records for compliance and planning approvals
Why Consistency Matters
Standardised odour measurement is essential to:
- Maintain regulatory compliance across industry, agriculture, and planning sectors
- Provide reliable data for planning applications where odour is a key consideration
- Ensure comparability of results between laboratories and over time
BS EN 13725:2022 provides the scientific framework for all of these activities, helping organisations manage odours effectively and responsibly.
Silsoe Odours – Thought Leadership in Olfactometry
Silsoe Odours combines decades of practical experience with active participation in European standardisation. Our contributions to EN13725, through Robert Sneath’s role on CEN WG2, reflect our commitment to scientific excellence and professional credibility.
We help customers:
- Understand and apply the standard in practice
- Conduct UKAS-accredited odour sampling and testing
- Implement effective odour management strategies for industrial and planning contexts
Contact Us
If you would like expert guidance on BS EN 13725:2022, odour measurement, or compliance, Silsoe Odours can help. Please call 01525 860222, email info@silsoeodours.co.uk or, alternatively, click the button below.
Our team is happy to provide practical advice and solutions for all odour measurement and management challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need BS EN 13725:2022 Compliant Odour Testing for My Site?
You will need to comply with the standard if you are:
- measuring odour for regulatory purposes or planning applications
- demonstrating compliance with environmental permits
It ensures your results are recognised and defensible.
I Need a Sniff Survey – Will It Be Compliant with the Standard?
EN 13725 covers laboratory-based dynamic olfactometry and on-site odour sampling. However, it does not cover sniff surveys. This is outside the scope of the standard.
How Often Should Odour Assessors be Screened?
The standard recommends regular screening and training. This ensures that odour assessors provide reliable, repeatable results. For assessors at Silsoe Odours, this is a standard part of our UKAS-accredited procedures.
If you have staff members responsible for assessing odour, they should complete odour sensitivity testing at least annually.
Can My Lab Adopt EN 13725:2022 Without UKAS Accreditation?
Yes, you can follow the standard’s procedures informally. However, UKAS accreditation is the recognised method to demonstrate compliance and credibility. It ensures your results are accepted by regulators and planning authorities.
What Improvements Did the 2022 Revision Bring for Site Operators?
It strengthened health and safety guidance, introduced stricter sampling procedures, and clarified measurement uncertainty. This helps operators achieve more reliable, safe odour assessment.
