VDA 270 Odour (accredited)

We offer VDA 270 testing in our test laboratory – fast, standard-compliant and within our accredited scope for the reliable assessment of the odour characteristics of materials and components used in automotive interiors.

The VDA 270 automotive standard

VDA 270 is an established automotive standard for determining the odour characteristics of materials and components used in vehicle interiors. The test also covers parts that come into contact with the air supplied to the vehicle interior. It assesses the tendency of materials to release volatile substances with a perceptible odour after defined temperature and climatic conditioning.

The aim of VDA 270 is to assess the olfactory properties of plastics, artificial leather, textiles, leather and foams as well as components and material assemblies, and their influence on perceived interior air quality. Manufacturers and suppliers use the method to demonstrate compliance with OEM specifications and to identify materials with low inherent odour.

Test Procedure according to VDA 270

In the testing laboratory, the VDA270 odour test is carried out by sensory evaluation of material or component specimens stored in closed test vessels under defined conditions. The standard vessel is a 1-litre glass container. Depending on the material and application, the standard specifies different specimen quantities and distinguishes between small parts, medium-sized components, volume materials and surface materials. Examples include small plastic parts, armrests and sun visors, insulation materials and foams, door trims and headliners as well as leather and upholstery materials.

Six storage conditions are available for the test. They differ in temperature, storage duration and storage with or without water. The applicable variant is defined by the relevant specification, drawing or other requirement.

Variant    Temperature    Storage duration    Water in test vessel
    1               23 °C               24 h                        yes
    2               40 °C               24 h                        yes
    3               80 °C                2 h                         no
    4               50 °C                2 h                         yes
    5               50 °C                2 h                         no
    6               65 °C                2 h                         no

Sensory evaluation of odor

After storage, the headspace above the sample is assessed by sensory evaluation. The test is carried out by at least three assessors. If the individual ratings differ by more than two grades, the test is repeated with at least five assessors. In arbitration cases, five assessors are used as a matter of principle.

Odour intensity is assessed using a standardised grading system from 1 to 6. The scale ranges from grade 1, “not perceptible”, through “perceptible, not disturbing” and “clearly perceptible, but not disturbing” to grade 6, “unbearable”. Half-grade increments are permitted.

The test result is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the individual ratings and rounded to half-grade increments. Both the mean value and the individual grades are reported in the test report. In addition, a qualitative description of the perceived odour can be provided.

Broad range of materials and components

In addition to conventional interior materials, VDA270 contains specifications and guidance for testing special process materials. These include adhesives, adhesive tapes, coatings, release agents, cavity preservation waxes, assembly and structural adhesives as well as greases, pastes and lubricants. For some of these materials, application-specific or series-production-related specimen preparation and preconditioning are required.

VDA 270 is therefore suitable both for comparative material assessment and for the testing of specific components and process materials during material development, quality assurance and approval of automotive interior materials.

VDA 270 and other odour tests

In addition to VDA 270, there are manufacturer- and application-specific methods for sensory odour assessment. The FILK testing laboratory also performs Volkswagen PV 3900 testing for vehicle interior components. This method likewise evaluates the odour impression of materials used in the vehicle interior.

Other odor tests available at FILK (see our overview of odour and emission testing in the test laboratory) include Volvo STD 429-0001 / VCS 1027,2729, Jaguar/Land Rover TPJLR.52.458, SAE J1351, SNV 195 651, as well as odour testing of furniture leather according to RAL-GZ 430 based on VDA 270. This enables odour characteristics to be assessed both according to general automotive procedures and according to specific requirements of different manufacturers and application areas.

Complementary instrumental emission analyses, for example according to VDA 277 or VDA 278, can also be carried out to analyse the emission of volatile organic compounds. These methods complement sensory odour testing by providing information on the chemical emissions of the materials tested. However, odour testing remains a sensory test, as perceived odour cannot be directly replaced by instrumental VOC analysis. FILK offers both odour testing and the corresponding emission test methods.

We also use odour tests such as VDA 270 in the field of complaints and failure analysis. Here you can find further information on FILK’s testing and certification services and here you will also find an overview of our range of VDA tests and specifications..