VDA 19.1 Inspection of Technical Cleanliness. Particulate contamination of functionally relevant automotive components, 3rd revised Edition: 2026

Since the publication of the first edition of VDA 19 in 2004, technical cleanliness has developed into a central quality characteristic of the automotive industry, leading to the establishment of numerous laboratories, new professional roles, and several revisions of the guideline. With the introduction of VDA 19.1 (analysis) and VDA 19.2 (assembly), the topic was further deepened and standardized across the industry.

Due to ongoing technical advancements, the broad application of the guidelines, and the experience gained from their use, a renewed and comprehensive revision of VDA 19.1 ultimately became necessary.

The main goals of the revision (February 2023 to May 2025) were to:

– Integrate new dry extraction methods and new analysis techniques

– Maintain easily comparable standard analyses while simultaneously allowing for the development of problem-specific, free test tests within defined requirements

– More precisely describe the test of particles <50µm

– Develop an SEM/EDX standard analysis with uniform material classes

– Numerous optimizations and clarifications in the development of testing procedures and adaptation of starting parameters based on years of experience in cleanliness laboratories

The basic methods and processes of component cleanliness testing covered in the first and second edition have proven to be effective and have been retained in their entirety in a more precise and expanded form in the revised edition.

The amendments and refinements to the revised third edition of VDA 19.1 enable this guideline to be used not only for the design, implementation and documentation of cleanliness test in the laboratory but also make it suitable for other disciplines such as quality assurance, engineering design and development or supplier management as a quick introduction to the topic.

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