About
The National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission oversees a cooperative and voluntary program for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel called BQ-9000®. The program is a unique combination of the ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D6751, and a quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices.
BQ-9000® is open to any biodiesel manufacturer, marketer, distributor, or laboratory handling biodiesel and biodiesel blends in the United States and Canada.
Key Points about BQ-9000
What It Covers:
- Producers: Biodiesel manufacturers
- Marketers: Companies that blend and sell biodiesel
- Laboratories: Facilities that test biodiesel fuel and blends
Purpose:
- Helps ensure biodiesel meets ASTM D6751 fuel quality standards
- Promote best practices in production, handling, blending, and testing
- Minimize contamination and degradation risks in the fuel supply chain
Certification Process:
- Companies voluntarily apply for BQ-9000 certification
- They undergo an annual audit to verify compliance with quality system requirements
- Accreditation must be maintained and renewed periodically
Benefits of BQ-9000 Certification:
- Improves customer confidence in fuel quality
- Enhances marketability of biodiesel products
- Reduces operational risks related to fuel performance
- Often required by fleet managers, government contracts, and distributors
Managed By:
- The National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission (NBAC) administers and revises the programs
- Supported by Clean Fuels Alliance America