BIS Certification for AUS 32 Diesel Exhaust Fluid

BIS Certification for Diesel Engines – NOx Reduction Agent (AUS 32) | IS 17042 (Part 1): 2018* – Qualitance India

BIS Certification for Diesel Engines – NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32

Diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology use a nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction agent to help reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from exhaust gases. AUS 32, commonly marketed as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and known internationally by the brand name AdBlue, is a standardised aqueous urea solution used in compatible SCR systems. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates the quality and certification of AUS 32 under the relevant Indian Standard and Quality Control Order. The applicable product standard is IS 17042 (Part 1) – Diesel Engines: NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32, Part 1: Quality Requirements. The 2024 Quality Control Order refers to the 2018 edition, while the later BIS product manual identifies the revised IS 17042 (Part 1):2020 / ISO 22241-1:2019. The QCO provides that the latest version published by BIS applies. Manufacturers should confirm the currently applicable edition before filing an application. <Cite refs={["turn475111search23","turn475111search25","turn475111search7"]}/> Qualitance India supports manufacturers and businesses with BIS certification consultancy, technical documentation, testing coordination and application preparation.

1. What Is AUS 32?

AUS 32 is an aqueous urea solution used as a NOx reduction agent in diesel engine exhaust after-treatment systems. In an SCR system, the fluid is introduced into the exhaust stream, where it helps convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water through the catalytic process. AUS 32 is not diesel fuel or a fuel additive. It is a separate operating fluid used by compatible diesel vehicles and equipment. The quality of AUS 32 is important because unsuitable composition or contamination can affect the SCR system and its components. The applicable Indian Standard specifies quality requirements that manufacturers must meet.

2. Which Indian Standard Applies to AUS 32?

The relevant standard is IS 17042 (Part 1), titled Diesel Engines – NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32, Part 1: Quality Requirements. The BIS product manual identifies the following editions:

IS 17042 (Part 1):2018 / ISO 22241-1:2006 in the original June 2019 product manual.
IS 17042 (Part 1):2020 / ISO 22241-1:2019 in the revised BIS product manuals. <Cite refs={["turn475111search22","turn475111search25"]}/>

The standard establishes quality requirements for AUS 32. Manufacturers should use the current applicable edition, amendments and testing requirements when preparing their certification application.

3. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for AUS 32 in India?

Yes. BIS lists diesel engines – NOx reduction agent AUS 32 under the Diesel Engines – NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32 (Quality Control) Order, 2024, notified through S.O. 922(E), dated 26 February 2024. The order requires covered products to conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence through Scheme-I. <Cite refs={["turn475111search0","turn475111search23"]}/> The QCO came into force after 180 days from publication in the Official Gazette. It excludes goods or articles meant for export from its application. Businesses should review the full order and any subsequent notifications to determine whether a specific exemption or special condition applies. <Cite refs={["turn475111search23"]}/> Manufacturers and importers should confirm:

The applicable edition of IS 17042 (Part 1).
Whether the product falls within the QCO.
Whether a BIS licence is required for the proposed manufacturing, import or sale.
Whether any specific exemption applies.
The applicable testing, marking and ongoing compliance requirements.

Do not assume that a product is exempt simply because it is imported, supplied in bulk or marketed under a particular brand.

4. Product Scope Under IS 17042 (Part 1)

The BIS product manual identifies the product designation as AUS 32. Its sampling and testing requirements are based on the relevant standard and the associated testing provisions. <Cite refs={["turn475111search25"]}/> The certification review should establish:

Product designation and intended use.
Manufacturing or blending process, as applicable.
Raw-material and water-quality controls.
Storage and handling arrangements.
Quality-control and testing facilities.
Packaging and product identification.
Traceability of production batches.

The final licence scope and product description should follow the current BIS application requirements.

5. Quality Requirements and Important Tests

The BIS product manual identifies tests covering the composition, physical properties and purity of AUS 32. These include the following parameters. <Cite refs={["turn475111search22","turn475111search25"]}/>

5.1 Urea content

Urea content is a key composition parameter for AUS 32. Testing verifies conformity with the applicable requirements of the standard.

5.2 Density

Density testing helps establish whether the product's physical properties conform to the specified quality requirements.

5.3 Refractive index

Refractive index is used as a quality-control parameter for the solution.

5.4 Alkalinity

The alkalinity test checks the relevant chemical characteristic of the solution against the applicable specification.

5.5 Aldehydes

Aldehyde content is assessed as part of the chemical purity requirements.

5.6 Insoluble matter

Insoluble matter testing helps identify unwanted particulate contamination in the solution.

5.7 Phosphate

Phosphate content is among the parameters identified in the product manual.

5.8 Trace elements

The testing scheme includes trace-element content. Control of contaminants is important because AUS 32 is intended for use in sensitive SCR systems.

5.9 Identity

Identity testing helps establish that the material conforms to the specified product requirements. The applicable standard defines the precise test methods and acceptance limits. Manufacturers should obtain the current standard and product manual before establishing their internal quality-control specifications.

6. Sample Quantity for BIS Certification

The BIS product manual PM/IS 17042 (Part 1)/3, August 2024 specifies a sample quantity of 2 litres. Sampling is to be carried out according to Annex A of IS 17042 (Part 2):2020 / ISO 22241-2:2019, as referenced in the manual. <Cite refs={["turn475111search25"]}/> Before submitting a sample, manufacturers should confirm:

The applicable edition of the standard.
The current sample collection and handling instructions.
Sample-container suitability and cleanliness.
Sample identification and batch traceability.
The tests included in the applicable testing programme.
Any additional requirements specified by BIS or the testing laboratory.

Avoid contamination during sampling, storage and transportation. The sample should be representative of the product batch being evaluated.

7. Manufacturing and Quality-Control Requirements

Manufacturers should establish a documented process to ensure that AUS 32 consistently meets the relevant quality requirements. A practical quality-control system should address:

Incoming raw-material verification.
Control of water quality and suitability.
Urea handling and preparation.
Manufacturing or blending procedures.
Prevention of contamination.
Batch identification and traceability.
Finished-product inspection and testing.
Storage-tank and transfer-line cleanliness.
Packaging and dispatch controls.
Management of nonconforming product.

The BIS product manual states that no specific raw-material requirement is listed in its product-manual summary. This should not be interpreted as permission to ignore raw-material quality; the finished product must still conform to the applicable standard. <Cite refs={["turn475111search25"]}/> The exact laboratory equipment and inspection frequencies should be established from the current BIS product manual and its annexures.

8. Laboratory and Testing Facilities

The BIS product manual identifies the required test equipment in Annex A and the Scheme of Inspection and Testing in Annex B. <Cite refs={["turn475111search25"]}/> Before applying, manufacturers should review whether their laboratory can perform the required tests and whether any testing must be arranged through an external laboratory accepted under the applicable BIS procedure. Laboratory-readiness planning should cover:

Suitable analytical instruments.
Calibration and maintenance arrangements.
Qualified testing personnel.
Documented test methods and procedures.
Reference materials and quality-control checks, where applicable.
Test-result recording and review.
Sample retention and traceability.
Procedures for handling failed test results.

The applicable testing route and laboratory acceptance criteria should be confirmed with BIS. Do not assume that every general-purpose chemical laboratory is suitable for certification testing.

9. Documents Required for BIS Certification

The following checklist can help manufacturers prepare for an application. The final document list should be confirmed against the current BIS application process.

A. Business and factory documents

Legal name and constitution of the business.
Manufacturing-unit address and applicable occupancy or ownership documents.
GST registration and other relevant business registrations.
Authorised signatory details and authorisation documents.
Factory layout and manufacturing facility details.
Manufacturing or blending process flow chart.

B. Product and technical documents

Product description and designation as AUS 32.
Applicable Indian Standard and edition details.
Manufacturing or blending procedure.
Raw-material specifications and supplier details.
Water-quality control arrangements.
Storage and handling procedures.
Packaging and labelling details.

C. Quality-control and testing documents

List of testing equipment and analytical instruments.
Calibration and maintenance records.
Internal quality-control procedures.
Test formats and available batch test reports.
Raw-material inspection records.
Batch traceability and production records.
Finished-product inspection and release records.
Procedures for nonconforming products and corrective actions.
Details of personnel responsible for testing and quality control.

D. Application-related documents

Current BIS application forms and declarations.
Manufacturing-unit and proposed product details.
Required fee payments and supporting information.
Additional documents requested during application scrutiny or factory assessment.

This checklist supports preparation but does not replace the official BIS application requirements.

10. BIS Certification Process for AUS 32

The following is a general preparation workflow. The exact process and sequence should be confirmed against the current BIS requirements. Step 1: Confirm the applicable standard Verify the currently applicable edition of IS 17042 (Part 1), the QCO and any subsequent notifications. Step 2: Assess manufacturing and quality-control readiness Review the manufacturing or blending process, storage arrangements, contamination controls and laboratory capability. Step 3: Prepare the application documents Compile the business, factory, product, technical and quality-control documentation required by BIS. Step 4: Arrange product sampling Confirm the applicable sampling instructions and prepare a representative sample. The August 2024 product manual specifies 2 litres. <Cite refs={["turn475111search25"]}/> Step 5: Complete testing and assessment Arrange the applicable testing and address any observations raised during application scrutiny or factory assessment. Step 6: Obtain the BIS licence The product may bear the Standard Mark only after the required BIS authorisation has been granted and in accordance with the licence conditions. Step 7: Maintain ongoing compliance Continue batch testing, inspection, traceability, calibration and recordkeeping as required under the applicable standard and licence conditions.

11. BIS Certification Fees and Testing Costs

The overall certification cost depends on the current BIS fee schedule, testing requirements, factory readiness and the scope of the application. Potential cost components include:

BIS application and licence-related fees, as applicable.
Laboratory testing charges.
Sample collection, handling and transportation.
Laboratory equipment procurement or calibration.
Quality-control documentation and factory preparation.
Consultancy charges, if professional assistance is engaged.

Testing costs should be confirmed with the laboratory and checked against the current BIS requirements. A laboratory quotation alone does not represent the complete cost of obtaining a BIS licence. A project-specific estimate should be prepared after reviewing the manufacturing process, existing laboratory facilities, testing requirements and current fees.

12. How Long Does BIS Certification Take?

The certification timeline depends on the completeness of the application, laboratory readiness, availability of testing, sample conformity, factory assessment and BIS processing. No single completion time can be guaranteed for every application. Delays may occur if the documentation is incomplete, laboratory capability is inadequate, samples fail the required tests or the factory needs to address assessment observations. A realistic project schedule should be developed after reviewing the manufacturer's facilities and proposed application scope.

13. Common Challenges During Certification

Manufacturers may experience difficulties when:

The wrong edition of the standard is used.
The product is not adequately identified or documented.
Raw-material and water-quality controls are weak.
Contamination occurs during manufacturing, storage or transfer.
Laboratory equipment or calibration records are inadequate.
Batch traceability and quality-control records are incomplete.
Samples fail chemical purity or physical-property requirements.
The manufacturer assumes that testing and certification are the same process.

A pre-application technical review can help identify these gaps before formal assessment and testing.

14. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is AUS 32?

AUS 32 is an aqueous urea solution used as a NOx reduction agent in compatible diesel engine SCR systems.

Q2. Which Indian Standard applies to AUS 32?

The relevant standard is IS 17042 (Part 1). The QCO refers to the 2018 edition, while the later BIS product manual identifies the revised 2020 edition. Manufacturers should confirm the current applicable version with BIS. <Cite refs={["turn475111search23","turn475111search25"]}/>

Q3. Is BIS certification mandatory for AUS 32?

The Diesel Engines – NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32 (Quality Control) Order, 2024 requires covered products to conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence, subject to the order's provisions. <Cite refs={["turn475111search23"]}/>

Q4. How much sample is required for BIS testing?

The August 2024 BIS product manual specifies 2 litres. Confirm the current sampling procedure before submitting the sample. <Cite refs={["turn475111search25"]}/>

Q5. Which tests are relevant to AUS 32?

The product manual identifies urea content, density, refractive index, alkalinity, aldehydes, insoluble matter, phosphate, trace-element content and identity among the applicable tests. <Cite refs={["turn475111search22","turn475111search25"]}/>

Q6. Can a company sell AUS 32 without a BIS licence?

Where the QCO applies, the product must meet the applicable conformity requirements and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence, subject to the order's terms and any applicable exemptions. Businesses should verify their specific circumstances before placing products on the market. <Cite refs={["turn475111search23"]}/>

Q7. What is the total cost of BIS certification?

The total cost depends on current BIS fees, testing charges, laboratory readiness, documentation and other project-specific expenses. A laboratory testing quote alone does not represent the total certification cost.

Get BIS Certification Consultancy for AUS 32

Planning to apply for BIS certification for Diesel Engines – NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32? Qualitance India can support your certification preparation through standard-applicability review, documentation assistance, factory-readiness assessment, testing coordination and BIS application support. Our consultancy approach focuses on your manufacturing process, quality-control arrangements, testing facilities and applicable regulatory requirements. Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence

Call / WhatsApp: +91 93106 15170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: https://qualitanceindia.com

Official References

Regulatory note: Indian Standards, amendments, QCOs, exemptions, testing requirements, fees and application procedures may change. Verify the latest official BIS requirements before making certification or market-placement decisions.