AGQM launches 2026 round of no-harm tests for biodiesel additives

Germany’s biodiesel quality management association (AGQM) announced Jan. 15 that it is launching the 2026 no-harm testing round to test oxidation stabilizers and cold-flow improvers for biodiesel.

Additive manufacturers are invited to register their products for participation by Feb. 6.

“Additives are used in fuels to improve properties such as oxidation or cold stability,” said Jannes Gehl, the quality manager at AGQM.

“It is crucial that these substances do not cause negative interactions with the fuel itself, other additives or engines,” Gehl explained.

Since 2008, AGQM has been offering so-called no-harm tests to check additives for safety.

Products that pass all tests are included in the globally recognized AGQM no-harm lists.

These are available free of charge on the AGQM website. Antioxidants contribute significantly to the long-term stability of biodiesel, while cold-flow improvers ensure usability at low temperatures.

The demanding testing procedure identifies those additives that meet all no-harm criteria and can therefore be used safely.

The no-harm tests include checking minimum requirements, interactions with additives that have already been tested, engine oil compatibility, filtration properties and an engine test with B10 fuel.

For cold-flow improvers, additional properties such as foaming, emulsion and corrosion are also examined. 

Interested companies can register their additives for testing at info@agqm-biodiesel.de until Feb. 6.

Detailed information and the no-harm lists are available on the AGQM website.

Both nationally and internationally, AGQM offers a concept of measures for biodiesel-quality assurance that comprises the entire production and marketing chain.

The association is involved in research projects for most diverse applications of biodiesel and its byproducts.