United Arab Emirates: comments invited on draft technical regulation related to DEF

In May 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology published a draft technical regulation related to aqueous urea solutions (AUS) used as nitrogen oxide-reducing agents, also known as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), sold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The draft would require diesel-powered internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) to use DEF. To ensure compliance, traffic control and patrol authorities may periodically check HDVs on the road.

Under the draft regulation, DEF sold in the UAE must conform to ISO 22241-1 Diesel engines – Nitrogen oxide reducing agent – AUS 32 Part 1: Quality requirements, and all other parts under ISO 22241 for test methods, filling pumps, handlin