Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

• The European Union (EU) has addressed PFAS by restricting PFOS, PFOA, C9 to C14 PFCAs (perfluorocarboxylic acids) their salts and related substances as well as categorising certain PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC).

• The United States (U.S.) has started banning certain PFAS chemicals and has established reporting obligations for manufacturers and importers from 2023.

However, there is no standardised list of PFAS that must be tested, and the different approaches for restricting PFAS by the EU and U.S. legislations have created a huge burden for brands and retailers that want to minimise their chemical footprints.

With the extensive use of such persistent, bio accumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals in a wide range of products (Food Packaging, Textiles, fashion apparel and footwear, Children’s products, Firefighting foams, Chrome plating and Paint) there is an increasing global concern regarding its usage. There are potential health impacts associated with PFAS exposure. Consumers are also reducing the amount of forever chemicals reaching the environment and their bodies by trying to purchase products which are free from forever chemicals.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

• European Union (EU):

Restricted PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, C9 to C14 PFCAs (perfluorocarboxylic acids) their salts and related substances and, in near future, PFHxA its salts and related substances.

Categorized certain PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC)

• United States (U.S.) (from 2023)

Banning certain PFAS chemicals and reporting obligations for manufacturers and importers.

OUR SOLUTIONS

PFAS Testing:

• Testing for certain PFAS restricted by EU regulations according to standards such as EN 17681 Part 1 & 2 and ISO 23702 Part 1.
• Screening for Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) content by determining the Total Fluorine (TF) content to meet US state regulations.
• Testing for certain PFAS in chemical formulations, e.g. as listed in the ZDHC MRSL (A list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in facilities processing textile materials, leather, rubber, foam, adhesives and trim parts in textiles, apparel, and footwear)

PFAS consulting:

• Services to build awareness and understanding of PFAS market requirements (regulatory or financial) based on specific product types for your business.
• Complete range of chemical testing, certification, auditing and advisory services for consumer product regulations and standards.
• Global network of accredited laboratories can assess products to assure compliance with national and international regulations and standards.

ACCREDITATION

Our labs are accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard

WHY CHOOSE TÜV SÜD?

• Global Network of Experts

Benefit from our global expertise, local experience and reach through our network of labs.

• Comprehensive Suite of Services

TÜV SÜD’s test laboratories can be used for as one stop solution for complete range of chemical testing activities along with Performance, Safety and Regulatory testing.

• State-of-the-art Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities across the major sourcing locations having advance equipment.

• Timely Market Updates

Our market access teams keep a constant watch on the change in global regulations, standards, and requirements time to time.