The effect of SO2 on the NOx storage capacity and oxidation and reduction activities of a model Pt/Rh/BaO/Al2O3 NOx storage catalyst was investigated. Addition of 2.5, 7.5 or 25 vol. ppm SO2 to a synthetic lean exhaust gas caused deactivation of the NOx storage function, the oxidation activity and the reduction activity of the catalyst. The degree of deactivation of the NOx storage capacity was found to be proportional to the total SO2 dose that the catalyst had been exposed to. SO2 was found to be accumulated in the catalyst as sulphate.