Overview
EN ISO 17071:2011 - "Leather - Physical and mechanical tests - Determination of fogging characteristics (ISO 17071:2006)" is a CEN-adopted international test standard for assessing the tendency of leather used in vehicle passenger compartments to produce condensable volatile deposits (fogging). The standard describes two alternative procedures (Method A and Method B) to quantify volatile components that can condense onto cold surfaces in vehicle interiors. It is intended for use in quality control, product development and compliance testing for automotive interiors.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Two distinct methods
- Method A (Reflectometric method): Condensed volatiles on a cooled glass plate are assessed by light reflection (percentage reflectometric value compared to a clean plate). This measures light scattering/opaqueness and the nature of film or droplet formation. Results depend on film morphology and require careful interpretation.
- Method B (Gravimetric method): Volatile components condensed on a cooled aluminium foil are measured by weight (gravimetry) to determine the quantity of condensate.
- No mathematical correlation between Method A and Method B results - they measure different physical effects and cannot be directly converted.
- Interlaboratory findings: Annex A reports that Method B shows good reproducibility, while Method A exhibited large variation in reflectometric percentage results.
- Test sequencing: Test conditions allow both methods to be performed in succession on the same sample.
- References and preparation: Sampling and conditioning are referenced to ISO 2418 and ISO 2419; water quality to ISO 3696.
Applications and Users
Who uses EN ISO 17071:2011:
- Automotive OEMs and tier‑1 suppliers for vehicle interior material acceptance
- Leather manufacturers and finishers for product specification and quality control
- Independent testing laboratories conducting fogging and emission testing
- R&D teams troubleshooting volatile emissions, coatings, or leather treatments
Practical uses:
- Selecting or qualifying leather materials for dashboards, seats and trim to reduce in‑vehicle fogging/odours
- Verifying supplier compliance with contract specifications and automotive standards
- Comparing formulations or finishing processes to reduce volatile condensates that affect visibility, appearance or occupant comfort
Related Standards
- ISO 2418 - Leather: sampling location
- ISO 2419 - Leather: sample preparation and conditioning
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (grade specification)
- EN 14288:2003 - superseded by EN ISO 17071:2011
EN ISO 17071:2011 is essential when assessing the fogging behaviour of leather for vehicle interiors; choose Method A for reflectometric surface‑appearance assessment and Method B when reproducible quantitative condensate mass is required.