Start of the round robin tests for biodiesel and vegetable & used cooking oils 2026

The Association Quality Management Biodiesel (AGQM) launches its round robin tests in 2026. Laboratories from around the world are invited to register by February 20, 2026, and become part of one of the world's most comprehensive quality assurance programs in this field.

In close cooperation with the Technical Committee for Mineral Oil and Fuel Standardization (FAM) at DIN, AGQM offers an internationally recognized round robin test program for biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester, FAME) and vegetable & used cooking oils, which has been setting standards in analytical quality assurance for many years. Participation gives laboratories the opportunity to verify their analytics, document their performance, and position themselves in a direct, anonymous comparison with more than 50 laboratories worldwide.

Thanks to the modular design, participants can efficiently, flexibly, and transparently select exactly the test parameters that are relevant for their laboratory. A total of 124 different parameters are available in the eight parts of the round robin test, covering a broad analytical spectrum. The main part of the biodiesel round robin tests comprises the test parameters specified in the 36th BImSchV in accordance with EN 14214, as well as additional parameters such as pour point and saturated monoglycerides. In addition, the parameters oxidation stability, since 2025 also at 120 °C, methanol, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), total contamination, and cetane number are examined in separate round robin test parts.

In 2026, another focus will once again be on the round robin test “Vegetable & Used Cooking Oils,” which includes analysis in accordance with DIN 51623 and EN 14214. These tests are a central component of quality assurance in raw material control, as vegetable oils and used cooking oils serve as starting materials for biodiesel production.

“Our round robin tests offer laboratories worldwide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate and continuously develop their analytical competence,” says Jannes Gehl, Quality Manager at AGQM.

After completion of the round robin tests, all participants receive a detailed, anonymized evaluation report and a certificate that serves as proof of analytical performance, a valuable tool for quality assurance. In addition, regular participation in independent round robin tests is a key element in the accreditation of testing laboratories. AGQM round robin tests thus provide laboratories with lasting support in ensuring and demonstrating their technical competence.

Registration for the round robin tests is still possible until 20.02.2026 at http://rrt.agqm-biodiesel.com.

Further information on the round robin tests can be found on the AGQM website (www.agqm-biodiesel.com/en) or requested at vasb@ntdz-ovbqvrfry.qr.

Download PR