If you’re looking for urea for AdBlue—whether for manufacture of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), automotive grade urea, or bulk export supply—then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive article we’ll cover what it is, what it does, how it works chemically, how the export process works, current pricing, documentation requirements, export lead-times, global demand, how to select quality, and how you can contact us at Agromer for supply. Our goal is to help you understand the market so you can make informed sourcing decisions.
Modern diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems require a high-purity solution commonly known under brand names such as AdBlue (Europe), AUS 32, or DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) in North America. The key raw material for that solution is high-purity urea—sometimes called “automotive grade urea” or “technical grade urea”. In our role as supplier/exporter based in France, Agromer sources, certifies and ships urea for AdBlue applications globally.
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What is “urea for AdBlue” and what does it do?
When we say urea for AdBlue, we refer to high‐purity urea (chemical name carbamide or CO(NH₂)₂) intended for use in the production of the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) solution which meets automotive and industrial emission control standards. Urea itself is a well-known chemical, but its special form and specification for AdBlue make it different to standard agricultural grade urea used as a fertiliser.
In the context of AdBlue, the urea is typically dissolved in de-ionised (or de-mineralised) water at a ratio of about 32.5% urea by mass and 67.5% de-mineralised water. This aqueous solution is then filled into vehicles’ separate AdBlue tanks or processed further.
What is Adblue?
AdBlue is an eco-friendly and non-toxic fluid specifically developed to help diesel vehicles comply with modern Euro emission standards.
It is composed of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. Despite common myths, AdBlue does not contain pig’s urine or any animal-based ingredients — it’s a synthetic, laboratory-made solution designed purely for reducing harmful exhaust emissions.
What does it do?
The function of urea in AdBlue is to help reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from diesel engine exhausts. In an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, the urea solution is injected into the exhaust stream, where it decomposes to ammonia and reacts with NOₓ to convert it into benign nitrogen (N₂) and water (H₂O).
For example:
“Urea works to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines … converting them into water vapor and nitrogen gas.”
Is AdBlue made from urea?
Yes. AdBlue is a liquid solution composed of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% demineralized water. To manufacture 1 ton of AdBlue, around 325 kg of urea is carefully mixed with 675 kg of ultra-pure demineralized water. The quality of the water is crucial — only the purest water ensures a clean, stable, and effective AdBlue solution.
How does AdBlue work?
Modern diesel engines often use a technology known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce harmful emissions. In this system, AdBlue is injected into the exhaust stream, where it mixes with the hot exhaust gases. This triggers a chemical reaction that converts harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
This process significantly reduces the level of toxic emissions, making diesel engines cleaner and safer for both the environment and human health.
Why is quality-important?
Only urea meeting strict automotive/industrial grade specifications can safely be used for AdBlue. Impurities (such as excessive biuret, aldehydes, heavy metals) can damage the SCR catalyst or vehicle system. Using fertiliser grade urea (which may have higher impurity levels) in place of automotive grade can lead to system failure.
Chemical name & specification of urea for AdBlue
Chemical name
- Urea chemical formula: CO(NH₂)₂
- Also known as carbamide, synthetic urea, etc.
- For AdBlue use, the urea is of automotive / technical grade rather than fertiliser grade.
Key specification highlights (automotive grade)
According to automotive grade urea documentation:
- Urea content (dry basis) ≥ ≈ 98% (for solid prills)
- Nitrogen (N) content ~46.2%-46.4% for the prilled urea destined for AdBlue.
- Biuret content: very low (max ~0.9% or less) as high biuret is harmful.
- Aldehydes (as HCHO) very low (mg/kg level)
- For the solution (AdBlue fluid): 32.5% urea in de-mineralised water (by mass) often mandated by standard
- Compliance with ISO 22241 standard (parts 1-3) is required for the solution and additives.
Why 32.5%?
The concentration of 32.5% urea in water is chosen because it provides optimum freezing point, stability and performance in vehicle SCR systems across climates. For example:
“Why is the concentration of Urea Solution for vehicles set at 32.5%? … the freezing point of the Automotive Urea Solution (AdBlue®/DEF) is the lowest when the urea content is 32.5%.”
How does the process work (for production of AdBlue from urea)?
The mixing/production process
- Start with automotive grade urea prills or granules that meet the required specification (low biuret, low impurities).
- Obtain de-mineralised / de-ionised water (to very low conductivity, very low impurities) – impurities in water will damage SCR system.
- Mix urea and water in ratio ~32.5% (urea) : 67.5% (water) by mass. E.g., for 1 tonne of AdBlue you need ~325 kg urea + ~675 kg water.
- Ensure the mixture is homogeneous, cooled, filtered as needed, and transferred into storage tanks or into packaging (cans, drums, IBCs, bulk tanker) depending on your logistical needs.
- Quality control tests to ensure the final fluid meets ISO 22241/vehicle manufacturer standards: correct concentration, low biuret, low ammonia, low metal content, refractive index, density.
On-vehicle operation (how it works in the engine)
- The AdBlue solution is stored in a separate tank in the diesel vehicle.
- When the engine and SCR system are ready (exhaust temperature, flow, etc), the system injects the urea solution into the exhaust stream.
- The urea decomposes into ammonia: (NH2)2CO→NH3+HNCO (NH_2)_2CO \rightarrow NH_3 + HNCO(NH2)2CO→NH3+HNCO HNCO+H2O→NH3+CO2 HNCO + H_2O \rightarrow NH_3 + CO_2HNCO+H2O→NH3+CO2
- The ammonia then reacts with NOₓ (nitrogen oxides) in the SCR catalyst to form N₂ (nitrogen gas) and H₂O (water) — significantly reducing harmful emissions.
So, from our perspective as supplier: we supply the high-purity urea (solid). The urea is then either directly used by AdBlue producers (who mix water and urea) or you might offer the full ready solution. We can work with you depending on your needs worldwide.
AdBlue Urea Price
At Agromer France, we supply high-purity Urea for AdBlue (DEF Grade Urea) that meets ISO 22241 standards — suitable for all types of diesel vehicles and industrial exhaust systems.
Our AdBlue Urea Price depends on purity level, packaging type, and global freight conditions. As of October 2025, the average AdBlue-grade urea price offered by Agromer is approximately:
| Product Type | Minimum Order | Purity | Price (EUR/ton) | Price (USD/ton)* | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdBlue Grade Urea (Prilled) | 20 Tons | 99.6% min | €540 – €670 | $575 – $710 | 10–18 days |
| Technical Grade Urea (for DEF production) | 25 Tons | 99.8% min | €560 – €700 | $600 – $740 | 12–20 days |
| Automotive Urea (DEF / AdBlue Solution Ready) | 10 Tons | 32.5% solution | €0.39 – €0.52 per litre | $0.42 – $0.56 per litre | 7–15 days |
Approximate conversion, subject to daily market fluctuations and shipping destinations.
We supply bulk and containerized shipments of urea for AdBlue to clients worldwide — including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Each consignment undergoes strict quality testing to ensure compliance with ISO 22241-1 and DIN 70070 standards.
📞 For the most accurate AdBlue Urea price quote based on your country and order quantity, please contact us directly.
Prices mentioned above are indicative and may vary depending on global market conditions. For the most accurate and updated pricing, please Contact Us 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, based in France, is one of the most trusted and competitive urea and chemical suppliers worldwide. Please request our latest price list, stock availability, and delivery options according to your country’s requirements.
Export process & documentation for worldwide supply
When you’re sourcing urea for AdBlue from a French supplier (such as Agromer) to deliver worldwide, here are the key steps and documentation you should be aware of:
Export process steps
- Inquiry → Specification confirmation (grade, purity, packaging)
- Contract/Proforma Invoice (volume, price, delivery terms)
- Quality assurance/test certificate (we provide certificate showing automotive grade, low biuret, ISO compliance)
- Packing & logistics: packaging (big bags, drums, containers), labeling for chemical export, export customs clearance from France.
- International shipping (FOB France or other Incoterm) to your destination country.
- Destination country import clearance (your local regulations).
- Delivery to your facility or onward supply.
Documentation required
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) or quality certificate showing urea meets automotive/technical grade standards (low biuret, purity, etc)
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chemical handling
- Export licence / customs documents (depending on the country)
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Any country-specific import licence or chemical registration (depending on local laws)
- Declaration of origin, if required for preferential duty.
- It is advisable you check your country’s import regulations for chemicals / urea / automotive applications.
Time required for process
- Once contract signed and product is available: lead time within typical 2-6 weeks depending on volume, packaging, shipping method, destination port, customs clearance.
- For very large volumes or custom packaging: allow extra time (4-8 weeks)
- Pre-shipment inspection may add time.
- Destination country clearance may add delay — buyer should coordinate local side.
Current pricing & market availability
Current price indicators
- The commodity urea (fertiliser grade) price per ton is tracked: for example urea reached USD 398.50/ton on 30 October 2025.
- For automotive/AdBlue grade urea (high purity), typical export price ranges from US$ 360 to US$ 460 per tonne (FOB) depending on volume and location. (Source: our internal data plus public reference)
- Some Chinese suppliers list AdBlue/automotive grade urea at US$ 330-380/ton for 20-25 ton MOQ.
- Others list US$ 200-250/ton for very large qty/low spec, though caution needed on spec differences.
Pricing for you as buyer
As a supplier, Agromer offers competitive bulk pricing. Because you’re buying automotive grade (not standard fertiliser grade) we strongly advise confirming the specification and obtaining sample or certificate.
Please contact us for a custom quote, specifying your destination, required volume, packaging, delivery term.
Availability & demand
- Demand for automotive grade urea (for AdBlue/DEF) continues to grow as diesel engine emission regulations tighten globally (e.g., Euro 6, China National VI).
- The market for technical/automotive grade urea is a growing segment of the broader urea market.
- Supply chain issues occasionally cause price volatility (e.g., in 2021 Australia faced national AdBlue shortage due to urea exports restrictions).
Industrial applications, major uses & sectors
Major uses
- Automotive / Diesel vehicles: The primary use of AdBlue is in diesel‐engine vehicles that use SCR systems to meet emission standards.
- Heavy trucks / buses / agricultural machinery / trains / ships: Many large engine applications use DEF/AdBlue solutions.
- Manufacture of AdBlue/DEF fluid: Urea is the raw material for mixing the solution.
- Industrial emission control: Some industrial boilers or generators using SCR systems may use aqueous urea solutions.
- Other chemical industries: Though for AdBlue the specification is very tight, urea is also used in other industries (fertiliser, resins, adhesives) though these typically require lower purity. (But note: fertiliser grade is different and not suitable for AdBlue)
Which sectors use it
- Automotive manufacturing and after-market
- Fleet operators (logistics, buses, trucking companies)
- Heavy equipment / construction / agriculture that run diesel SCR systems
- Chemical plants supplying AdBlue solution or consumables
- Export markets servicing global fleet of diesel vehicles
Market areas / geographies
- Europe: strong AdBlue demand due to emission laws (Euro 6, etc)
- Asia: China, India, Southeast Asia — rising diesel vehicle use and emission regulation
- Americas: North America (DEF market), Latin America (ARLA32)
- Africa & Middle East: growing heavy-duty fleet use, increasing SCR adoption
As exporter from France, we at Agromer can deliver to any country worldwide — please advise your destination and we’ll handle logistics.
How to choose the right supplier & quality check
When sourcing urea for AdBlue, here’s what to evaluate:
- Specification compliance: Ensure the urea meets automotive grade / AdBlue grade specification (low biuret, low impurities, correct nitrogen content). For example automotive grade urea prills should have biuret ≤ 0.9% etc.
- Certification / ISO standard: The product should enable the final solution to meet ISO 22241 (for AdBlue/DEF). Ask supplier for certification or test reports.
- Supplier track record: A reputable supplier with experience in export, good logistic capability, able to supply batch test certificates, willing to open for inspection. At Agromer we’ve supplied globally.
- Packaging & logistics: Proper packaging (big bags, drums, containers) to avoid contamination; shipping from a facility that handles chemical export.
- Quality control and testing: Ask for sample/COA, check biuret, aldehyde, heavy metal content, moisture, granule size.
- Price vs value: Be wary of ultra-low price offers for “automotive grade” as spec may be compromised.
- After-sales support & documentation: Ensure supplier can provide MSDS, certificate of origin, export documents.
- Compatibility with your needs: Are you buying solid urea (for mixing yourself) or ready solution? Do you require logistic assistance? Do you need local customs/import assistance?
We at Agromer can provide full specification data, packing options, and export support.
Demand, market trends & strategic value
Demand
The demand for urea for AdBlue is growing for several reasons:
- Stricter vehicle emission standards globally (Euro 6, China National VI, etc) force diesel fleets to adopt SCR systems and use AdBlue.
- Growth in heavy-duty vehicle fleets worldwide, especially in emerging markets.
- Replacement cycles for vehicles and aftermarket supply of AdBlue/DEF fluid.
- Occasional supply disruptions in urea/AdBlue markets leading to urgent procurement. For example Australia faced an AdBlue shortage due to urea export restrictions.
Market trends
- Automotive grade urea commands higher margin and tighter quality control compared to fertiliser grade.
- Volatility in feedstock cost (natural gas for urea production) impacts urea pricing.
- Export logistics, shipping costs, regulatory compliance all add to landed cost.
- Some regions encourage local production of DC solutions to avoid dependence on imports.
- As fleets transition to alternative fuels (electric, hydrogen), the long-term growth of AdBlue/urea may moderate, but for now heavy-duty diesel is still dominant.
Strategic value for you as buyer
- Securing a reliable high-purity urea supplier means you are future-proofing your production of AdBlue/DEF or your stocking of urea.
- Bulk procurement now may lock in pricing ahead of commodity feedstock jumps.
- Quality assurance avoids costly damage to SCR systems, which can cause fleet downtime and warranty issues.
- Global supplier access (like from France) gives you logistic flexibility and may reduce lead-time vs local producers depending on region.
How Agromer (France) supports you and how to contact us
At Agromer, we act as your trusted partner for supply of high-purity urea for AdBlue applications, worldwide.
What we offer
- Automotive/technical grade urea prills/granules meeting low-biuret and ISO requirements.
- Bulk export from France to any country.
- Transparent pricing and competitive terms.
- Full documentation: COA, MSDS, certificate of origin, export packing list.
- Logistical assistance: packaging, freight forwarding, customs export from France.
- Quality support: We ensure you receive product that adheres to specified standard and we stand behind our product.
- Visit our office & warehouse: feel free to book an appointment and visit our facility in France at 39 rue des Granges Galand, 37550 Saint Avertin.
How to contact us
- Email: pthary@agromer.org
- Phone: + 33 (0)2 47 80 23 78
- Or visit our Contact Us page to fill enquiry form.
- In your enquiry please specify: required quantity (tons), destination country/port, desired packaging, target delivery date, and grade specification (if you have).
- We will respond promptly with quote, spec sheet, lead-time.
Don’t delay—bulk volumes are often booked ahead. For the best pricing and secure supply of urea for AdBlue, contact us today. Visit our France office during business hours or schedule a video call. We look forward to being your reliable global supplier partner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10+ frequently asked questions about urea for AdBlue, answered in a clear, conversational tone:
What exactly is urea for AdBlue?
It’s high‐purity urea (solid) or the aqueous solution (32.5% urea in de-mineralised water) that is used in diesel engine SCR systems under trade names such as AdBlue®, AUS 32, or DEF. It is not standard agricultural urea.
Why can’t I use regular fertiliser urea for AdBlue?
Fertiliser grade urea has higher impurities (e.g., biuret, aldehydes, metals) and may not meet ISO 22241 required for SCR systems. Using it can damage the catalyst or vehicle system.
What is the concentration for the solution?
The automotive/industrial standard is about 32.5% urea in de-mineralised water by mass.
What specifications should automotive grade urea meet?
Key indicators: urea content ~98%+ for prills, nitrogen ~46%, biuret very low (≤ 0.9%), aldehydes at mg/kg levels, low metal content. Certification of conformity to ISO 22241.
How does it work in a diesel engine?
The urea solution is injected into the exhaust stream in an SCR system; it breaks down into ammonia, which reacts with NOₓ to form nitrogen and water, thus reducing emissions.
What is the current export price of automotive grade urea?
As of mid-2025, typical export bulk pricing is around US$ 360-460 per tonne (FOB) for automotive/AdBlue grade urea. For standard fertiliser grade urea prices will differ. (Note: prices vary with volume, destination, packaging)
What documentation is needed to import this product?
You’ll need the commercial invoice, packing list, COA (certificate of analysis), MSDS (safety data sheet), export licence/customs documents from supplier side, import licence (if required), certificate of origin.
What lead time should I plan for?
From contract to shipment typically 2-6 weeks for standard volume, but for buffer you should allow up to 8 weeks depending on packing, shipping, customs, and destination.
Which industries and vehicles need this product?
Heavy-duty diesel trucks, buses, agricultural/earth-moving machinery, ships/trains with SCR systems, vehicle manufacturers or aftermarket supply of AdBlue tanks.
How do I know I’m choosing the right supplier?
Evaluate their product specification (COA), certifications (ISO 22241 compatibility), packaging/logistics capability, export track record, ability to supply documentation, and of course price vs quality.
What regions are biggest demand?
Regions with heavy diesel usage and strict emission standards: Europe, China, North America, Latin America, Middle East, Africa. Global demand is rising.
Is this product a fuel additive?
No. The urea solution (AdBlue/DEF) is injected separately in the vehicle’s exhaust system—not mixed with fuel.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Urea for AdBlue is a specialised product – high-purity urea (solid) or the 32.5% aqueous urea solution — used for SCR systems in diesel engines to reduce NOₓ emissions.
Quality matters: automotive grade, low impurities, correct specification is critical.
The export-supply process requires proper documentation, quality control, and logistics.
Pricing is competitive but volatile – typical export bulk pricing today is in the region of US$ 360-460 per tonne for automotive grade for global buyers.
Global demand is growing thanks to emission regulation and diesel fleet expansion.
As your supplier and exporter based in France, Agromer offers full support: specification compliance, export logistics, global delivery, and documentation.
If you are sourcing this product (whether to manufacture AdBlue solution, distribute to fleets, or for any industrial emission control application), it’s important to visit, verify, and engage with a trustworthy supplier.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at Agromer with your requirements—volume, destination country, packaging preference, timing.
Email us at pthary@agromer.org
call + 33 (0)2 47 80 23 78.
You are also welcome to visit our France office / warehouse at 39 rue des Granges Galand, 37550 Saint Avertin—book ahead. Let us help you secure the right specification at the right price and deliver globally.