What exactly are PFAS?

Perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (perfluorinated compounds, PFCs) are straight or branched chain hydrocarbons with all hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, and are a large group of synthetic chemicals consisting of thousands of individual substances. Among them, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are the two representative substances of carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid among PFCs.

Why is PFAS testing important? 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are widely used in consumer products, including food packaging, textiles, and apparel due to their water, stain, and oil-repellent properties. However, the persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic nature of these chemicals has raised concerns over their impact on human health and the environment. As a result, governments around the world are taking measures to restrict and regulate the use of PFAS.

Brands and retailers that use PFAS in their products must understand the market requirements and take appropriate actions to mitigate regulatory and financial risks associated with these chemicals. This includes establishing proactive and reactive controls for testing to estimate exposure and risk.

Requirements of PFAS-related policies and regulations

PFAS substances have been acceded to the Stockholm Convention at various times and are strictly regulated globally due to their simultaneously persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic hazard characteristics. Except for specific exemptions or specific uses, they are gradually being phased out in the market. Below we will briefly analyze its control in mainstream countries or regions around the world.

Worldwide management of PFAS

• Since 2021, the EPA has taken various actions to strengthen the management over PFAS substances. EPA also published the Framework for TSCA new chemicals review of PFAS premanufacture notices (PMNs) and significant new use notices (SNUNs).
• As key global players, the EU and USA, are making significant inroads towards minimizing the manufacture, import, sale, and use of PFAS. In the EU, the PFAS restriction proposal for firefighting foams, which restricts the formulation, marketing, and use of all PFAS-containing firefighting foams, is likely to be effective in 2025.
• In Australia, regulatory, policy, and voluntary approaches for import, use, waste disposal, and remediation of PFAS are developed. Australia has also assessed the risks of more than 200 PFAS available for use in Australia, with a focus on PFOS and PFOA and their precursors.
• New Zealand's Environmental Protection Authority published new restrictions on 21 December 2022 for AFFF which was effective from 1 January 2023. Under this new restriction, the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS in uncontained systems has been prohibited. The prohibition applies to AFFF that contain PFOA-related compounds. New Zealand plans a complete ban on PFAS-containing firefighting foams after 3 December 2025.
• Several Asian countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea, are moving to restrict management of (mostly PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS) as per the Stockholm Convention on POPs. For example, in March 2023, China added PFOA and PFOS to its List of New Pollutants for Priority Control to manage/restrict their production, use, import, and export. In October 2022, Japan and South Korea enacted new export requirements for PFOA. In January 2021, South Korea announced its plan for the management of POPs.

PFAS Testing and consulting service

CIRS C&K Testing offers a comprehensive range of PFAS testing services to help brands and retailers meet regulatory requirements and mitigate risks associated with PFAS. Our services include testing for certain PFAS restricted by EU regulations according to standards such as REACH SVHCs, REACH Annex XVII & POPs. We also offer determination of total organic fluorine (TOF) content to meet US state regulations in anticipation of passing the proposed state law into action.

At CIRS C&K Testing, we are committed to helping brands and retailers mitigate the risks associated with PFAS. Our global network of accredited laboratories can assess products to ensure compliance with national and international regulations and standards. Contact us today to learn more about our PFAS testing and consulting services.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us at test@cirs-group.com.

Further Information

US EPA Finalizes a Rule on Inactive PFAS under TSCA Inventory

Global Regulatory Dynamics of PFHxS