For garages, repair shops, and vehicle inspection centers in France, the Ameli “Diesel Exhaust Extraction” grant is much more than just a financial incentive: it is a concrete opportunity to reduce workers’ exposure to exhaust fumes, improve workplace safety, and invest in a truly effective exhaust extraction system. The program is intended for companies with 1 to 49 employees and can cover 70% of eligible investment costs for extraction systems, equipment, and technical inspections.
In this scenario, it’s not just the investment that makes the difference. The choice of technical partner is what makes the difference. To ensure a system that is compliant, high-performing, and consistent with the required specifications, simply purchasing an exhaust hood is not enough: you need a well-designed plan, a solution tailored to the operational context, and technical documentation capable of supporting the project. This is where Coral become a strategic partner, working alongside the company to evaluate the most suitable solution for capturing diesel fumes.
Why addressing diesel emissions is a priority today
The French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) notes that diesel engine emissions are among the most common occupational exposures to carcinogenic chemicals. In France, nearly 800,000 workers are affected. Diesel particulates increase the risk of lung cancer, are also associated with bladder cancer, and can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; in cases of acute exposure, they can also cause respiratory tract irritation. For this reason, source capture is recommended as the most effective technique compared to general ventilation alone or the use of personal protective equipment such as masks.
For many companies, the question is no longer whether to take action, but how to do it right. A system that is poorly sized, difficult to use, or inconsistent with the workshop layout risks becoming a waste of money. A well-designed system, on the other hand, improves worker safety, encourages daily use of the solution, and increases the likelihood that the investment will be fully eligible for the grant.
Who is eligible for the Ameli grant?
The grant is intended for companies and associations with a workforce of between 1 and 49 employees, registered with the general Social Security system as employers, and in good standing with their contributions. To qualify for the grant, the company must also be enrolled in an occupational health and safety service, have an up-to-date DUER, not be subject to any current injunctions or surcharges, and not have exceeded the €300,000 cap on public aid over the past three years under the “de minimis” rule. Companies with fewer than 11 employees remain exempt from the obligation to annually update the DUER, but must still be able to make it available upon request.
From a business perspective, this boils down to one simple fact: many small and medium-sized companies in the automotive and maintenance sectors now have a real opportunity to secure significant financing, but they need a partner capable of translating regulatory requirements into a clear and feasible technical solution.
What types of systems and projects are eligible for funding?
The Ameli measure provides funding for the purchase or renovation of exhaust gas and fume extraction systems equipped with capture devices suitable for the specific activity, whether fixed or rail-mounted. The replacement of the extractor and/or capture device in an existing system is also permitted, provided that the performance requirements specified in the technical specifications are met. In technical inspection centers for heavy-duty vehicles, a positive-pressure cabin may also be funded, while general mechanical ventilation is eligible only as a supplement to a localized capture system. Testing of airflow and acoustic performance is also eligible for funding.
The official guidelines also specify that only investments made during the current year are eligible, provided they involve new equipment that becomes the property of the company. Funding is not available for leases, long-term rentals, or equipment intended for rental purposes.
This is precisely where Coral add value: not only by supplying the system, but above all by selecting the most suitable configuration based on workstations, vehicle types, operational workflows, available space, and the frequency of engine-running operations. When the solution is well-designed, the system is easier to use, safer, and more technically and administratively sound.
What does the Ameli subsidy cover?
The grant covers 70% of the pre-tax amount of expenses incurred for equipment and inspections, with a minimum contribution of 500 euros. For entities not subject to VAT, the calculation is based on the total including tax, subject to certification. The terms also specify that invoices must include a separate line item for the funded expenses and that ancillary costs such as transportation, installation, duties, or environmental taxes may also be included in eligible costs.
For a company, this means significantly reducing the actual cost of the investment. For Coral, it means being able to present a project not simply as the purchase of equipment, but as a high-value-added solution, where the combination of worker safety, technical compliance, and access to subsidies makes the decision much easier.
Why the technical partner matters just as much as the contribution
The official Ameli documentation emphasizes a key point: installations must comply with the technical specifications defined by Assurance Maladie – Risques professionnels and the INRS. In addition, employers must inform workers about the risks associated with diesel fumes, train them in the proper use of the solution adopted, and be able to demonstrate the system’s compliance through certifications or inspection reports prepared by competent authorities.
In other words, success doesn’t come from buying “something that works.” Success comes from implementing a solution that is tailored to the actual work environment, with verifiable performance and proper documentation. This is precisely where a company like Coral position itself as a strategic partner: not just a supplier, but a technical expert capable of guiding the client from the initial assessment through the definition of the solution, all the way to the preparation of the technical components needed for implementation.
Coral: A Partner in Turning Compliance into a Competitive Advantage
When a garage or vehicle inspection center evaluates a diesel exhaust capture system, it often needs precise answers to very specific questions:
- which system is best suited to the layout of the space;
- Is a fixed solution or a rail-mounted solution better?
- Should we upgrade the existing system or replace it?
- how to make the system easy to use on a daily basis;
- What technical documentation is required to support the grant application?
In this context, Coral position itself as a valuable partner because customers are not just looking for a product; they are seeking a reliable, sustainable solution that meets the specific requirements of the project. A consultative approach helps reduce design errors, increases the likelihood of the system being used correctly, and maximizes the return on investment.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online via net-entreprises.fr. The company can choose between a direct application, attaching invoices and final documents immediately, or a reservation-based application, initially uploading estimates to reserve the budget. In the latter case, the fund confirms the reservation within a maximum of 2 months, and the company must then submit the final documentation within 6 months of the confirmation. Applications are processed within the limits of the available budget and in the order in which they are received.
Here, too, the advantage of having a well-established technical partner is clear: arriving prepared, with a solution already in place and technical documentation in order, means reducing friction and speeding up the process.
An opportunity not to be missed for a significant competitive advantage
The “Diesel Exhaust Capture” grant is a tangible opportunity for French companies seeking to improve workplace safety and keep the costs of a major technical project in check. But to truly turn this measure into a competitive advantage, three things are needed: a clear understanding of the requirements, a well-designed capture solution, and a partner capable of supporting the client in a professional and competent manner.
Coral be that partner.
Not just to provide a technical solution, but to help the company make an effective, compliant, and results-oriented choice.
Would you like to find out if your garage, workshop, or vehicle inspection center is eligible for the Ameli grant for diesel exhaust capture?
Contact Coral to evaluate the solution best suited to your facility and operational context. A preliminary technical assessment can help you properly plan your project and maximize the return on your investment.