PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, long valued for their oil and water repellent properties are commonly added to many consumer products, from stain and water-resistant fabrics, carpet and paper treatments, to cosmetics, non-stick cookware and packaging.
However, in humans they may contribute to elevated cholesterol, suppressed immune responses, and cause thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancer, and once in the environment they disperse easily and do not readily degrade.
PFAS Regulation
There is legislation to restrict or prohibit PFAS in consumer products, but there is no universal approach. As the global leader in PFAS testing, we can help you address the needs of key markets, including:
US states
Legislation addressing PFAS differs by state, reflecting a complex patchwork of different states targeting PFAS in different product types. Apart from prohibitions of intentionally added PFAS, other regulatory measures include reporting or labeling requirements for products containing PFAS.
In 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the EA 1633 method. As the acknowledged best practice leaders, we developed and validated this gold standard for PFAS testing on behalf of the US EPA.
Learn more about state-specific requirements [link to: SGS-CP-HL-PFAS Testing pdf (needs uploading)]
EU
The EU operates several pieces of legislation that regulate specific PFAS or categories of PFAS:
- Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (POP)
In addition, Denmark became the first country to prohibit PFAS in food contact paper and board materials and articles.
Learn more about EU PFAS regulations [link to: SGS-CP-HL-PFAS Testing pdf (needs uploading)
PFAS testing capabilities
While compliance with EU PFAS restrictions can be established via analytical testing alone, a combination of supplier’s declaration and analytical testing is typically recommended for US PFAS legislation.
We have analytical test capabilities including:
- Total fluorine screening: combustion technique followed by ion-chromatography (IC) with reference to EN 14582
- Total organic fluorine screening (TOF): aqueous solution pretreatment and combustion technique followed by ion chromatography (IC) with reference to EN 14582
- PFAS target analysis: solvent extraction followed by detection via GC-MS or LC-MS/MS
Why choose SGS?
We are a trusted and independent third-party service provider providing tailor-made PFAS testing services using verified test methods for a wide range of product types.
Contact us today to find out more.
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