VDA 270 (accredited)

We offer VDA 270 testing in our laboratory – fast, compliant with current standards, and under accredited conditions for a reliable evaluation of the odor behavior of materials used in the automotive sector (vehicle interiors).

The VDA 270 test is an established automotive standard for determining the odor characteristics of materials used in vehicle interiors (similar to VW TL 3900 as part of VW 50180 and Porsche PN 780).
The purpose of this standard is to evaluate the olfactory properties of materials such as plastics, synthetic leather, textiles, leather, and foams, and to assess their impact on the perceived interior air quality.

Manufacturers and suppliers use this method to ensure compliance with OEM specifications and to identify materials with low inherent odor.

In the laboratory, the odor test according to VDA 270 is performed by evaluating heated material samples in sealed test containers. After a defined conditioning period (typically at 80 °C for 2 hours), the resulting test air is sensory evaluated by a trained panel.
The evaluation follows a standardized scoring system ranging from 1 (“no odor”) to 6 (“strong, unpleasant odor”). This allows for an objective assessment of odor intensity and enables comparison between different materials.

Optionally, complementary instrumental emission analyses (e.g., according to VDA 277 or VDA 278) can be carried out to determine the VOC content and thus the composition of volatile organic compounds. This enables a comprehensive assessment of interior emissions – from sensory perception to chemical composition.

In addition to tests on automotive interior materials, the VDA 270 method is also used for odor classification in other material applications (e.g. for upholstered furniture materials according to RAL-GZ 430/4).