ISO 16861:2015 specifies the characteristics of DME used as fuel of which the main component is the dimethyl ether synthesized from any organic raw materials.

ISO 16861:2015 is applicable for DME used as heating fuel, industrial fuel, and to replace diesel fuel or gas oil. It does not deal with the possible additives necessary for specific end-use applications, for example, odorant typically added to heating fuel and lubricity improvers for DME used as replacement of diesel. Such additives are typically specified for the different end-use applications, at an appropriate level ? national, regional, or international.