Published by BENZ Packaging Compliance Team | Last Updated: April 2026
Why Certifications Matter More Than Price
When a purchasing manager at a Tier-1 automotive supplier sources VCI film, the first question from their quality team isn't "What's the price per kilogram?" It's: "Show me the certifications."
Uncertified VCI film creates three risks that far outweigh any procurement savings: corrosion failure leading to shipment rejection, port seizures in regulated markets (EU, USA), and loss of OEM supplier status. Here's exactly what each certification means and why it matters.
The Three Critical International Standards
1. MIL-PRF-22019E — U.S. Military Specification
This is the U.S. Department of Defense standard for VCI barrier materials. To achieve this, a film must pass:
- Vapor Inhibiting Ability (VIA) Test — Proving the film rapidly fills a packaging void with protective vapors
- Contact Corrosivity Test — Ensuring the film doesn't chemically react with polished metal surfaces on direct contact
- Tear & Tensile Strength Minimums — Guaranteeing the film won't puncture when wrapping sharp military hardware
Products must be on the DoD Qualified Products List (QPL). If you supply to defense contractors or ship through Houston, Detroit, or Pittsburgh, this is non-negotiable.
2. TRGS 615 — German Workplace Safety
This German regulation bans nitrites and secondary amines in VCI chemicals. Why? These substances combine under heat to form nitrosamines — confirmed carcinogens. When factory workers in Stuttgart or Munich open crates of VCI-wrapped parts, they must not be exposed to toxic off-gassing.
BENZ Packaging films are 100% nitrite-free and TRGS-615 compliant, using exclusively Propatech Italian masterbatches.
3. REACH & RoHS — EU Chemical Compliance
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the EU's chemical safety framework. RoHS restricts specific hazardous substances. Non-compliant VCI films entering Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Antwerp face seizure and disposal at the exporter's cost.
BENZ Packaging OEM Certification Portfolio
Beyond international standards, major automotive OEMs have their own VCI approval processes. BENZ Packaging holds active certifications from:
For a head-to-head comparison of European OEM requirements: BMW vs. VW vs. Daimler VCI Standards Guide.
Independent Third-Party Validation
Red Flags: How to Spot Uncertified VCI
If your VCI supplier can't provide the following on request, your cargo is at risk:
- Specific TRGS-615 compliance declaration (not just "nitrite-free" marketing claims)
- Independent BFSV or equivalent salt spray test reports with specific report numbers
- REACH registration numbers for all VCI chemical substances
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS) with clear VIA test results, film gauge specs, and MVTR data
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications should I look for when buying VCI film?
At minimum: TRGS-615, REACH registration, and RoHS compliance. For defense: MIL-PRF-22019E with QPL listing. For automotive: OEM-specific approvals.
What is MIL-PRF-22019E?
The U.S. DoD specification for VCI barrier materials. Requires VIA testing, contact corrosivity testing, and physical strength minimums with QPL listing.
Which automotive OEMs approve BENZ VCI film?
Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Renault-Nissan, and Volvo Group. See our full OEM comparison guide.
What is BFSV salt spray testing?
The German standard for VCI packaging evaluation. Metal samples are wrapped in VCI film and subjected to accelerated salt fog per ASTM B117. Our Report No. 7499-11 confirms multi-metal efficacy.
Need our certification portfolio? Contact BENZ at +91-98991-44488 or request technical data sheets.