VDA 19.1 Yellow Volume 2025
The third revised edition of VDA 19.1 has been published as the Yellow Volume 2025. For everyone in the automotive industry responsible for technical cleanliness, this is the key moment to contribute practical expertise. Feedback from engineering, quality assurance, and test laboratories will flow into the final edition and will shape future standards for residual dirt analysis and testing procedures for technical cleanliness.
Timeline and current status
The comment phase runs from 31 July 2025 to 31 October 2025. Comments can be submitted using the official feedback form of the VDA QMC. Each submission will be reviewed by the project group and either accepted or rejected with justification. After this process, the Quality Management Committee will give approval, and the final edition will be published in the VDA Webshop. This is how the Yellow Volume becomes the binding new version of VDA 19.1.
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What changes in content
Cleanliness specifications and test strategy
The new VDA 19.1 Yellow Volume expands the chapter on cleanliness specifications. It explains how to derive limit values, highlights common errors, and addresses non-testable components. This gives companies clearer guidelines for developing a solid test strategy for technical cleanliness.
Extended dry extraction
The draft now includes detailed dry extraction methods such as blowing off, flushing, suction brushing, and stamp testing. These are essential when liquid extractions are not suitable or permissible.
Selection of test method
The test methods are newly structured. The draft describes the path from verifying cleanliness limits through process monitoring to further detailed analyses. Tables and overviews make it easier to select the right method for each residual dirt analysis.
Filter analysis and separation
The new VDA 19.1 describes filter analysis in greater detail. Guidance on filter selection, handling, and drying improves reliability of evaluations. Particle traps and particle stamps have been added to enhance the reliability of results in technical cleanliness testing.
Free light optical analysis
A key innovation is the free light optical analysis. It enables the detection of particles smaller than 50 µm as well as low-contrast particles and is defined in the customer–supplier relationship. This extension is particularly relevant for modern automotive systems such as cameras and sensors.
Gravimetric analysis clarified
Gravimetric analysis has been clarified. The draft provides a more detailed description of the detection limit and introduces a formula for minimum test area. This makes gravimetric results in technical cleanliness more transparent and reproducible
Standard light optical analysis more precise
The standard light optical analysis has been described in more detail. Predefined parameters are designed to improve comparability of results between laboratories. In addition, particle width classes are considered to achieve more detailed insights into technical cleanliness.
Documentation expanded
Documentation requirements are centralized in Chapter 9. These include details on the test object, pretreatment, extraction, filtration, analysis, test results, and conformity evaluation. Particle size classes have also been extended up to 3000 µm.
New criterion: total fiber length
The third edition introduces total fiber length as a new analysis criterion. This allows a more precise evaluation of fiber particles and a better assessment of risks in sensitive components.
Quality assurance and blank value
The Yellow Volume specifies qualification studies more precisely. Determination of blank values, rinsing procedures, and recovery of test particles are now mandatory. This strengthens the reproducibility and reliability of results in residual dirt analysis.
SEM/EDX with standard and free variant
SEM/EDX analysis is described in two versions. The standard analysis defines imaging rules, element lists, and zero element rules to ensure high comparability. In addition, a free variant is provided for specific cases, for example for particles smaller than 50 µm. This firmly establishes chemical characterization of residual dirt as part of a robust cleanliness strategy.
Interpretation, reaction, and measurement uncertainty
New guidance is provided for evaluating limit exceedances. In addition, measurement uncertainty and method verification are addressed. This increases confidence in decision-making and ensures consistency in handling results.
What companies should do now
Use the period until 31 October 2025 to compare your existing cleanliness specifications and test procedures with the draft. Decide whether the standard light optical analysis is sufficient or whether the free light optical analysis and SEM/EDX analysis are required. Align extraction, filtration, and start parameters and submit well-founded feedback via the official channel. This ensures that your practical requirements are taken into account in the final VDA 19.1:2025.
How our laboratory supports you
As a laboratory specialized in technical cleanliness, we support you throughout the Yellow Volume phase. We review specifications and test reports, define appropriate analysis methods, and plan sampling and dry extraction for complex components. Our evaluations using light optical analysis, gravimetric analysis, and SEM/EDX are transparently documented and scientifically substantiated. On request, we also assist you in formulating your comments so that they have a measurable impact in the final edition of VDA 19.1.
Note: This article describes the status of the Yellow Volume draft. Changes may still occur before final publication. Official information and the feedback form are available from the VDA QMC.
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