EU - Update on Targeted PFAS Analysis EN 17681-1:2025

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Vol. 1474 | 04 May 2025

Update on EU Standard EN 17681-1:2025 for Targeted PFAS Analysis in Textiles

The updated standard EN 17681-1:2025 for targeted PFAS analysis is officially published on April 30, 2025. This revision introduces significant changes particularly in the extraction method, leading to greater detection of PFAS compounds.

Specifically, EN 17681-1:2025 uses alkaline hydrolysis, which breaks covalent bonds in certain side chain fluorinated polymers, resulting in the release and detection of additional PFAS compounds such as fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) compared to previous method EN 17681-1:2022.

What it means for companies

For companies selling products into Europe and currently testing targeted PFAS analysis using EN 17681-1:2022 standard, it is recommended to transition to the updated method to ensure compliance.

For companies and brands selling into the US market only and following total fluorine testing, this update will not affect their testing protocol, as EN 17681-1:2025 pertains only to targeted PFAS analysis not total fluorine screening.

Key Differences Between EN 17681-1:2022 and EN 17681-1:2025:

	EN 17681-1:2022	EN 17681-1:2025
Sample Preparation	Methanol extraction	Alkaline hydrolysis
PFAS Targeted	Primarily loose bound or extractable PFAS	Additional PFAS released from side chain fluorinated polymers
Detection	Focused on easily extractable PFAS substances	Increased detection of degradation products such as FTOHs. Result with new method could be more than 100 times higher than old method.

If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Kathy Leung (Kathy.Leung@intertek.com) or Dr. Ben Cheng (Ben.PS.Cheng@intertek.com)

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Kathy Leung

Senior Technical Director, Global Softlines

Dr. Kathy Leung has over 20 years of experience in the quality assurance industry, specializing in hazardous restricted substances testing for consumer goods, materials, and chemical formulations. She holds a PhD in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. Dr. Leung actively contributes to industry standards as a member of LabTAC for AFIRM Group, the RSL Taskforce for AAFA, and the ZDHC Laboratory Advisory Group, sharing her expertise to enhance safety and compliance in the field.

Email: kathy.leung@intertek.com

Dr. Ben PS Cheng

Technical Manager, Global Softlines

With over 10 years of experience in the testing, inspection, and certification industry, Ben possesses extensive hands-on expertise in quality management and laboratory testing across various consumer product categories, including apparel and footwear. He has provided education and support to buyers and retailers on Restricted Substances Lists (RSL) and Manufacturing Restricted Substances Lists (MRSL), helping them develop effective product safety and compliance programs in line with industry best practices and the evolving legislative and regulatory landscape.

Email: ben.ps.cheng@intertek.com

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