Modern diesel engines cannot meet today’s emission standards without a precise chemical input known as DEF urea, the backbone of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. Whether used in heavy trucks, mining rigs, construction machinery, marine engines, or power generators, DEF has become as critical as fuel itself. For fleet operators, reliability and purity directly influence engine performance, emission compliance, and operating costs.
The global shift toward cleaner diesel operations has pushed products like AdBlue DEF diesel exhaust fluid into the spotlight, especially as demand surges across fleets ranging from 10K to 100K vehicles worldwide. At the core of this technology is DEF urea, the ultra-pure chemical foundation behind every SCR emission-control system. Whether referred to as DEF fluid urea, DEF 32.5, or the more technically precise DEF 32.5 diesel exhaust fluid, its role remains the same: converting harmful NOₓ emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. Buyers and operators increasingly pay close attention to DEF urea use, DEF urea price, and the difference between DEF urea prilled and prilled DEF urea, because purity directly influences engine reliability. Understanding the relationship between urea and DEF, and why only specific grades of urea in DEF fuel can be used, is becoming essential as emission standards tighten and global market interest grows.
As a urea supplier, commodity trader, and global exporter serving industrial buyers, I’ve seen the market for DEF grow from a niche requirement into one of the fastest-expanding chemical consumables in the diesel sector. Misunderstandings still exist around DEF fluid, urea quality, DEF 32.5 specifications, production standards, and pricing structures. This technical guide clarifies everything—from the chemistry to the commercial realities—so buyers can make informed decisions.
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What Is DEF Urea and Why Is It Essential?
DEF urea refers to the high-purity automotive-grade urea used in the production of DEF diesel exhaust fluid, a solution of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water. DEF is injected into the exhaust to neutralize nitrogen oxides (NOx), one of the most harmful emissions from diesel combustion.
Without DEF, modern diesel engines cannot meet Tier 4, Euro IV/V/VI, Bharat Stage VI, EPA 2010, or similar emission norms. Engine control units monitor DEF levels continuously; if DEF is diluted, contaminated, or unavailable, the vehicle derates, loses power, or refuses to start. That is why urea in DEF fuel must follow strict ISO purity standards.
Understanding DEF, Urea, and SCR Technology
1. What is DEF?
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is a stable, non-toxic solution consisting of:
- 32.5% high-purity urea (ISO 22241-AUS 32 grade)
- 67.5% deionized water
This mixture is precisely engineered so it freezes at –11°C and vaporizes efficiently inside the SCR system.
2. What Is Urea in the DEF Context?
Urea used in fertilizers is not suitable for DEF. Automotive DEF requires:
- Very low biuret
- Minimal heavy metals
- No aldehydes
- No insoluble particles
- No oil contamination
To produce high-quality DEF diesel exhaust fluid, manufacturers rely on industrial-grade, low-biotin, prilled DEF urea, often called prilled DEF urea or urea prilled.
3. The SCR Reaction
SCR systems inject DEF into the exhaust stream at high temperature. The process is as follows:
- DEF enters the injector (dosing module).
- High temperature converts DEF into ammonia (NH₃) and CO₂.
- Ammonia contacts NOx gases inside the catalytic chamber.
- A chemical reduction converts NOx into:
- Harmless nitrogen (N₂)
- Water vapor (H₂O)
This process reduces NOx by more than 90%, enabling compliance with the world’s toughest emission regulations.
How DEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid Works in Vehicles
Inside any modern diesel vehicle equipped with SCR:
- A tank stores DEF, separate from diesel.
- A dosing pump precisely meters DEF into the exhaust based on engine load, temperature, and NOx sensor readings.
- DEF atomizes and decomposes into ammonia in the hot exhaust gas.
- The catalytic converter completes the NOx reduction.
Critical facts for operators:
- DEF is NOT a fuel additive.
- It never enters the engine block or fuel lines.
- Contaminated DEF can destroy the SCR catalyst—an expensive repair.
Thus, the purity of fluid urea used to produce DEF is directly related to engine protection.
Understanding DEF 32.5, Composition, and Global Standards
What Does DEF 32.5 Mean?
The “32.5” refers to the concentration:
32.5% high-purity urea + 67.5% DI water.
This formulation is mandated globally because:
- It freezes at –11°C, making logistics predictable.
- It has the lowest possible crystallization temperature.
- It ensures effective vaporization and ammonia formation.
- It remains chemically stable across climates.
Standards Governing DEF 32.5
DEF must comply with:
- ISO 22241
- DIN 70070
- AUS 32
- API-certified Diesel Exhaust Fluid guidelines
These standards regulate:
- Urea concentration
- Water conductivity
- Heavy metal content
- pH levels
- Particulate matter
- Packaging safety
Non-compliant DEF can lead to injector clogging, catalyst poisoning, and warranty voidance.
Why 32.5% Urea Concentration Is Required
The def urea concentration at 32.5% is chemically ideal. Research shows that:
- It decomposes into ammonia with maximum efficiency.
- It minimizes leftover residue in the catalyst.
- It maintains stable viscosity for proper dosing.
- It prevents over-heating in the SCR system.
Higher or lower concentrations reduce effectiveness and can trigger NOx sensor errors.
Prilled DEF Urea vs Industrial Urea: Why Purity Matters
Urea is produced in two common forms:
- Granular urea – used mostly in agriculture
- Prilled urea – finer, lower impurity, more suited to chemical solutions
For DEF, only specific grades of prilled DEF urea are acceptable.
Why prilled DEF urea is required:
- Very low biuret levels
- Minimal heavy metals (iron, copper, zinc)
- No formaldehyde residues
- No anti-caking additives
- Higher dissolving rate
Comparatively, agricultural urea contains impurities that can destroy SCR catalysts. This is why urea and DEF production must maintain strict separation from fertilizer-grade plants.
DEF Manufacturing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
As a supplier involved in the full chain—from urea procurement to final packaging—here is the accurate industrial process used globally for DEF production.
1. Raw Urea Selection
High-purity, low-biuret prilled DEF urea is sourced directly from specialized plants. Key parameters checked:
- Purity > 99.7%
- Biuret < 0.3%
- Insolubles < 20 ppm
- Aldehydes < 5 ppm
- Heavy metals < 0.2 ppm
2. Water Treatment
Deionized water (DI water) is critical. It must meet:
- Conductivity < 5 µS/cm
- No chlorides, sulfates, or minerals
- No biological contamination
Most plants use:
- Reverse osmosis (RO)
- Mixed bed polishing
- UV sterilization
3. Urea Dissolution
The DEF urea is dissolved in DI water under controlled temperature:
- Typically 30–35°C
- Agitation tanks of stainless steel
- Automated urea feeders
Dissolution continues until a perfect 32.5% concentration is achieved.
4. Filtration
The solution passes through:
- 5-micron filters
- Then 1-micron filters
- Optional 0.5-micron polishing filters for premium DEF
This ensures no particulates can damage vehicle SCR systems.
5. Quality Testing
DEF is tested for:
- Density
- pH
- Conductivity
- Urea concentration
- Heavy metals
- Insolubles
6. Packaging
Packaging is done in:
- 10L, 20L, 25L cans
- 200L drums
- 1,000L IBC tanks
- Bulk tankers (for large customers)
All packaging is sealed, UV-protected, and ISO-compliant to prevent contamination.
This entire process ensures consistent def diesel exhaust fluid quality suitable for global markets.
DEF Urea Price: Understanding Market Structures
Prices vary based on:
- Urea market conditions
- Container size
- Local taxation
- Transport costs
- Import duties
- Certification requirements
Below is a typical price breakdown (indicative, varies by region):
1. Bulk DEF Urea Price
Large industrial users get the most competitive pricing. Bulk DEF is typically supplied in:
- ISO tankers
- Flexi-bags
- Dedicated chemical tankers
Bulk buyers pay far below retail rates.
2. DEF Drum Price (200L)
Suited for:
- Mining sites
- Marine operators
- Fleet workshops
Drum prices depend on availability and drum quality (HDPE vs steel).
3. DEF Urea Price 20 Liter
The def urea price 20 liter pack is the most common retail unit.
Typical uses:
- Truck stops
- Highway service stations
- Agriculture tractors
- Small fleet garages
This pack remains in high demand for domestic markets and export trade.
What is the DEF Urea Price?
Worldwide, DEF urea prices generally follow global urea market trends and logistics costs. As of current international trading levels, DEF-grade prilled urea typically ranges between USD 430–560 per metric ton FOB from major export hubs such as China, Oman, Egypt, and the UAE. In regional wholesale markets, DEF-ready fluid (32.5%) usually sells at USD 0.35–0.60 per liter in bulk, depending on freight and purity certification (ISO 22241/API). Retail-pack DEF (20 liters) ranges from USD 8–18 per can worldwide, varying by country, taxes, and import duties. Prices move monthly with fertilizer urea benchmarks, natural gas costs, production availability, and shipping rates, but DEF-grade urea consistently trades above agricultural urea because of its stricter purity requirements.
Current Global Price of Urea (Base Raw Material)
- World-Bank Data
- Technical / Automotive Grade Urea
- For high-purity urea (i.e., the kind used in DEF), Agromer indicates a typical export price of US$ 360–460/ton (FOB) depending on specs and volume. Agromer+1
- On the Agromer urea powder page, industrial (automotive, AdBlue) grade urea is listed in the range of US$ 800 – US$ 1,200 / ton. Agromer
- Regional Variations
Calculating DEF Urea Price Specifically
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is made by dissolving urea (32.5 %) into de-ionized water. Because DEF-grade urea needs very high purity (ISO-grade), the raw urea used for DEF often costs significantly more than ordinary fertilizer urea.
One market analysis from BCInsight / CRU suggests that when you back-calculate from DEF solution retail prices:
- DEF solution in the U.S. is about US$ 2.80 per gallon.
- If you assume most of the cost comes from urea, that implies a urea equivalent cost of over US$ 2,000 per ton under some DEF-production cost models.
My Estimate (As a Urea / DEF Supplier)
Putting together the data above and considering real-world margins, purity premiums, and packaging:
- For bulk high-purity automotive-grade urea (prilled, ISO 22241 spec) used to produce DEF: US$ 360–460 / ton (FOB) is a reasonable current benchmark.
- But if you’re calculating the effective cost of urea in the final DEF fluid (considering processing, water, dilution, filtration, packaging), the “urea-equivalent cost” can be much higher — in some commercial models even > US$ 2,000 / ton equivalent, depending on how you allocate costs.
- For end users (DEF fluid buyers), part of this urea cost is embedded in the DEF price, not all directly visible as raw urea.
Important Caveats
- These are indicative prices, not guaranteed quotes. Real pricing depends on contract size, purity specification, shipping terms (FOB, CIF), and market conditions.
- DEF-grade urea is more expensive than agricultural-grade urea because of stricter impurity control (e.g., low biuret, metals, aldehydes).
- Transport costs, local taxes or import duties, and currency fluctuations can substantially change final landed prices.
- Raw urea (global average): ~US$ 394 / ton currently.
- DEF-grade urea (high purity): ~US$ 360–460 / ton FOB (common trading range). Agromer+1
- Implied urea cost in DEF fluid (when you model from DEF retail): potentially > US$ 2,000 / ton equivalent in some scenarios.
Prices for DEF urea can fluctuate based on global urea markets, freight conditions, and regional demand. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please contact us directly at +33 (0)2 47 80 23 78 or send your enquiry through our contact form to receive a detailed quotation within a few hours.
Agromer, headquartered in France, is recognized as one of the most reliable and competitive suppliers of DEF-grade urea and chemical products worldwide.
We also manufacture high-purity cosmetic-grade urea for the health, beauty, and wellness industry. Our cosmetic urea is refined to meet strict dermatological and pharmaceutical standards, making it suitable for use in skincare formulations, moisturizers, exfoliating products, hair treatments, and therapeutic creams. With controlled particle size, exceptional purity, and consistent quality, our cosmetic urea supports brands and manufacturers seeking reliable ingredients for premium personal-care applications.”
You are welcome to request our latest price list, urea powder Industrial, Agricultural & Cosmetic Grade Supplier stock availability, and delivery options tailored to your country and volume requirements.
Global Demand for DEF and Role of Suppliers
Demand for DEF is rising exponentially because:
- Diesel vehicles remain essential for freight, agriculture, mining, and construction.
- Emission norms are tightening worldwide.
- SCR technology is now standard in almost all heavy-duty engines.
A reliable DEF urea supplier plays a crucial role in ensuring:
- Consistent purity
- On-time delivery
- Global compliance
- Competitive pricing
Agromer ensures end-to-end supply of urea for DEF, including:
- Sourcing from certified plants
- Quality-controlled DEF production
- Export logistics
- Customs compliance
The reputation of a urea def supplier directly impacts fleet uptime and engine life.
Why Choose Agromer as Your DEF Urea Supplier
Agromer positions itself as a premium, globally trusted supplier for several reasons:
1. Certified Quality
We supply ISO 22241-compliant DEF meeting all global automotive standards.
2. Reliable Sourcing
Our DEF-grade prilled urea comes from world-class plants with continuous QC monitoring.
3. Export Expertise
We handle shipments to:
- South Asia
- Middle East
- Africa
- Europe
- Latin America
- Southeast Asia
With deep logistics experience, we ensure safe delivery across all ports.
4. Tailor-Made Packaging
Options include:
- 10L, 20L, 25L cans
- 200L drums
- 1,000L IBCs
- Bulk tankers
5. Competitive Pricing
We leverage global trading networks to offer the best def urea price, especially for repeat orders.
Industries Using DEF
DEF is now indispensable in:
- Trucking & logistics
- Mining and off-road machinery
- Agriculture tractors
- Construction equipment
- Marine engines
- Diesel generators
- Rail locomotives
Wherever diesel engines operate under emission regulations, DEF is mandatory.
Major Export Markets for DEF Urea
Agromer exports DEF and prilled urea to:
- India
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- South Africa
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Bangladesh
- Turkey
- Europe (select buyers)
Demand keeps rising as more countries enforce SCR technology.
Packaging Options for DEF and Urea Supply
Agromer offers versatile packaging for global buyers:
1. 20L Jerricans
Ideal for retail and roadside sale.
2. 200L Drums
Suitable for workshops and industrial clients.
3. IBC Tanks (1,000L)
Preferred by fleet depots.
4. Bulk Tanker Loads
Most economical for:
- Fuel stations
- Large mining sites
- OEM workshops
5. Prilled DEF Urea Bags
Supplied in:
- 25 kg bags
- 50 kg bags
- 1-ton jumbo bags
Top 10 FAQs on DEF Urea
1. What is DEF urea used for?
It is used to manufacture DEF diesel exhaust fluid, which reduces NOx emissions in diesel engines.
2. Can agricultural urea be used for DEF?
No. Only high-purity prilled DEF urea is allowed.
3. Why is DEF 32.5%?
The def 32.5 formulation provides optimal freezing point and ammonia generation.
4. What happens if DEF is contaminated?
It damages SCR injectors and catalysts, leading to costly repairs.
5. How much DEF does a truck use?
Typically 3–5% of diesel consumption.
6. Does DEF expire?
Yes. Around 1–2 years depending on storage temperature.
7. What is the def manufacturing process?
It includes dissolving high-purity urea in DI water, filtering, and packaging under controlled conditions.
8. Is there a difference between DEF and urea?
Yes. Urea is a raw material; DEF is a finished fluid containing 32.5% urea.
9. What affects def urea price?
Urea market trends, logistics, packaging, and regional demand.
10. Does DEF freeze?
Yes, at –11°C. Both DEF and pure urea solutions expand when frozen but return to normal after thawing.
Conclusion
DEF urea is not a commodity that can be treated casually. Its purity directly affects engine performance, emission compliance, operational costs, and equipment life. With SCR technology now universal, consistent supply of def fluid urea and high-quality DEF diesel exhaust fluid is indispensable for fleets and industries worldwide.
Agromer’s integrated sourcing, manufacturing, and export capability ensures global buyers receive reliable, ISO-certified, and competitively priced DEF and urea supplies. For importers, distributors, fleet operators, and industrial users, partnering with the right def urea supplier is the key to minimizing downtime and maximizing compliance.
If you need premium-quality DEF 32.5 diesel exhaust fluid, prilled DEF urea, or bulk contracts, Agromer is positioned to meet your requirements with technical precision and commercial efficiency.
DEF urea is a highly specialised, high-purity grade of prilled urea designed exclusively for producing DEF / AdBlue® and other AUS 32 solutions used in SCR emission-control systems for modern diesel engines. Only automotive-grade material with extremely low impurities, controlled biuret levels, and strict ISO 22241 compliance can be used—purity is essential to protect SCR injectors and catalysts.
The global export and supply chain for DEF urea requires precise documentation, batch testing, and controlled logistics to preserve quality from plant to end-user. Pricing remains competitive but sensitive to global urea markets, energy costs, and freight conditions. At present, bulk export prices for DEF-grade urea generally range between USD 360–460 per metric tonne, depending on origin and specification.
Demand continues to rise worldwide as emission standards tighten and diesel fleets expand across transport, off-road, marine, and industrial sectors.
As your DEF urea supplier and exporter, Agromer—based in France—provides complete support, including specification certification, QC supervision, export documentation, and reliable global delivery. For buyers manufacturing DEF 32.5%, supplying fleets, or operating any application requiring strict NOₓ reduction, working with a trusted supplier is essential.
For enquiries—volume, destination, packaging, or shipment schedule—contact us at pthary@agromer.org or call +33 (0)2 47 80 23 78. You are also welcome to visit our France office and warehouse at 39 rue des Granges Galand, 37550 Saint-Avertin (appointment recommended).
Agromer is ready to secure the right DEF-grade specification at the right price and supply worldwide.