Technical cleanliness is a key quality factor for function-critical components, assemblies and systems. Particulate contamination can significantly affect the function, service life and safety of products – particularly in the automotive industry, e-mobility, electronics, hydraulics, medical technology and other sensitive industrial sectors.
TopQM-Systems supports companies in the practical implementation of technical cleanliness and TecSa according to VDA 19.1 and VDA 19.2 – from the assessment of existing requirements and GAP analyses to training, auditing and integration into existing quality management systems.
VDA 19.1: current edition VDA 19.1:2026, 3rd revised edition, February 2026
VDA 19.2: still 1st edition, 2010
VDA 19.1 describes the testing of technical cleanliness and the evaluation of particulate contamination on function-critical components. VDA 19.2 complements this perspective with requirements relating to assembly, the production environment, logistics, personnel and assembly equipment.
For companies, this means that technical cleanliness should not be regarded solely as a laboratory test, but as a holistic quality and process topic along the entire value chain.
Technical cleanliness describes the defined and verifiable cleanliness condition of components, assemblies, systems or production environments. The focus is particularly on particulate contamination, which can lead to malfunctions, increased wear, leaks, short circuits or failures.
It is not only about cleaning individual components. What matters is a holistic cleanliness concept that connects product requirements, manufacturing processes, assembly, logistics, packaging, employee behaviour, testing procedures and documentation.
TecSa is associated with the structured implementation of technical cleanliness in practice. Companies must ensure that cleanliness requirements are not only checked once, but are controlled and maintained on a long-term basis.
This includes, among other things:
TopQM-Systems supports companies in integrating technical cleanliness requirements into existing processes and management systems in a clear, audit-ready and practical way.
VDA Volume 19.1 describes the testing of technical cleanliness and the evaluation of particulate contamination on function-critical automotive parts. The current edition, VDA 19.1:2026, forms the basis for determining, analysing and documenting the cleanliness condition of parts and components.
Key areas include:
For companies with technical cleanliness requirements, it is important to regularly review existing testing processes, customer specifications, internal requirements and documentation to ensure they remain up to date.
While VDA 19.1 describes the testing of technical cleanliness, VDA 19.2 focuses on technical cleanliness in assembly. It addresses the prevention of particle contamination caused by the environment, logistics, personnel and assembly equipment.
Relevant topics include, for example:
VDA 19.2 therefore complements the testing requirements of VDA 19.1 with process-related measures for the sustainable control of technical cleanliness.
VDA 19.1 and VDA 19.2 share the same objective: the reliable control of technical cleanliness. However, their focus differs.
VDA 19.1 describes how the technical cleanliness of components is tested, analysed and documented.
VDA 19.2 describes how technical cleanliness is ensured from an organisational and process perspective in assembly, logistics, the production environment and employee behaviour.
For effective implementation, both perspectives should be considered together. Only when testing, processes, assembly conditions, the supply chain and employees work together can technical cleanliness be ensured in the long term.
Requirements for technical cleanliness are increasing significantly in many industries. Reasons include tighter component tolerances, higher functional density, sensitive electronic components, e-mobility, automated systems and rising customer expectations regarding reliability and traceability.
Even the smallest particles can cause significant problems in sensitive systems. As a result, technical cleanliness is increasingly becoming an integral part of quality management, supplier development, process validation and complaint prevention.
Companies benefit from a structured approach when they:
TopQM-Systems supports companies in the practical implementation of technical cleanliness according to VDA 19.1 and VDA 19.2. Our approach combines quality management, process understanding, audit expertise and many years of experience in the automotive and supplier industries.
We provide clear and practical training on the fundamentals and requirements of technical cleanliness. Participants learn which requirements from VDA 19.1 and VDA 19.2 are relevant, how cleanliness requirements can be assessed and how technical cleanliness can be implemented within the company.
Together with you, we assess how well your existing processes, test plans, documentation and responsibilities meet the requirements of technical cleanliness. Based on this assessment, we derive specific measures for improvement.
We support you in evaluating manufacturing, assembly, logistics and testing processes. In doing so, we consider both technical and organisational aspects of cleanliness control.
Technical cleanliness does not end within your own company. Many requirements also affect suppliers, external service providers, packaging, transport and incoming goods. TopQM-Systems supports the qualification, assessment and development of suppliers in the field of technical cleanliness.
Technical cleanliness requirements should not be viewed in isolation. We help you integrate technical cleanliness into existing quality management systems, processes, work instructions, test plans and audit programmes.
Many companies know that technical cleanliness is important, but face challenges when it comes to practical implementation. Common issues include unclear customer requirements, missing or outdated test plans, inconsistent cleanliness limits, unclear responsibilities, insufficient employee awareness or assembly and packaging processes that are not designed in line with cleanliness requirements.
TopQM-Systems helps you analyse these topics in a structured way and develop practical solutions – from GAP analysis and process assessment to integration into existing quality management processes.
Technical cleanliness is particularly relevant for companies that develop, manufacture, assemble, clean, test or supply function-critical components, assemblies or systems.
This includes, among others:
TopQM-Systems supports companies in the safe and practical implementation of technical cleanliness and TecSa. We combine methodological expertise with experience in quality management, automotive, supplier development and auditing.
Our goal is to ensure that technical cleanliness is not only tested, but controlled on a long-term basis – with clear processes, trained employees, reliable evidence and an implementation approach that fits your company.
Finally, someone who really understands our industry.
That's exactly what TopQM-Systems stands for.
Technical cleanliness describes the defined cleanliness condition of components, assemblies or production environments. The focus is on particulate contamination that can affect the function, service life or safety of a product.
TecSa is associated with technical cleanliness and the structured implementation of the corresponding requirements within a company. This includes processes, testing, documentation, training, awareness and continuous improvement.
VDA 19.1 describes the testing of technical cleanliness and the evaluation of particulate contamination on function-critical components.
VDA 19.2 addresses technical cleanliness in assembly. The focus is on the environment, logistics, personnel and assembly equipment.
VDA 19.1 focuses on the testing and analysis of technical cleanliness. VDA 19.2 focuses on process-related control in assembly, logistics, the production environment and employee behaviour.
This depends on your products, customer requirements and processes. In many cases, a combined approach is useful: VDA 19.1 for testing and VDA 19.2 for process-related control.
Yes. TopQM-Systems supports companies with training, consulting, GAP analyses, process assessments, audits and the integration of technical cleanliness requirements into existing management systems.
Would you like to review your requirements for technical cleanliness according to VDA 19.1:2026 and VDA 19.2, improve your processes or qualify employees in TecSa and technical cleanliness?
TopQM-Systems supports you with practical training, consulting, GAP analysis, auditing and implementation.
