PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly and vary significantly by market. Key frameworks include PPWR (EU) 2025/40 Article 5, CA AB 1817, French PFAS restrictions, and REACH Annex XVII, with continuing uncertainty around scope, specific limits and timelines.
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, electronic products, batteries 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 regulations
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.
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.
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), and Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR). In addition, Denmark prohibits PFAS in food contact paper and board materials and articles and France’s Decree No. 2025-1376 sets requirements stricter than those set by the EU for consumer products.
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 provide a range of analytical tests.
Total fluorine screening
Combustion technique followed by ion-chromatography (IC) with reference to EN 14582, or combustion-ion chromatography (C-IC) with reference to IEC 62321-3-2 or ISO 20999.
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 and/or LC-MS/MS with reference to EN 17681-1:2025, EN 17681-2:2022 and ISO 23702-1:2023.
‘No PFAS Detected’ green mark
The SGS 'No PFAS Detected' green mark is an independent certification for products tested and found to contain no detectable levels of PFAS. Developed to address growing regulatory and market demands, it provides a credible, science-based way to substantiate no PFAS detected claims, helping you demonstrate compliance and build trust across the supply chain.
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.
PFAS testing services expanded in Fairfield
In Fairfield, New jersey, USA, our state-of-the-art chemical testing laboratory offers per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing services across a wide range of consumer goods including, food packaging, cookware, furniture, juvenile products, electrical and electronic equipment, and raw materials.
FAQ
We test finished goods, components, materials and packaging to deliver clear, unambiguous outcomes – so you know exactly where you stand.
The right approach depends on what you need to know. We can advise on total organic fluorine (TOF) screening versus targeted PFAS analysis, screening versus confirmation testing, and whether content or migration testing is appropriate for your product type.
We provide 'No PFAS Detected' certificates and ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test reports suitable for use with retailers, OEMs, customs authorities and auditors.
We can advise on pricing, sample requirements and turnaround times, with the ability to scale testing across entire product portfolios. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
