PFAS Free Product Certification

Intertek is the largest tester of consumer goods in the world, with over 40,000 employees in over 1,000 locations in 100 countries. Our network of highly technically skilled individuals and teams enable global and local businesses to overcome the complex quality, safety and sustainability challenges they face, every day.

Intertek's PFAS Free Certification validates the absence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products such as textiles, food packaging, personal care products, and other consumer goods using a global network of testing labs accredited to ISO 17025. This certification can help manufacturers meet evolving requirements, enhance product transparency, and differentiate their products in the marketplace by providing a third-party, science-based verification of PFAS-free claims.

Why PFAS Free?

Most emerging regulations that address PFAS require evidence of Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) below 50 ppm or 100 ppm. Intertek’s PFAS Free certification is more stringent – TOF must fall below the detectable limit of 20 ppm.

Making a PFAS Free claim requires a thorough understanding of product chemistry and manufacturing processes. Many existing PFAS-related certifications rely solely on manufacturer affidavits. These often fail to meet the requirements of emerging regulations and do not provide consumers the confidence of third-party testing and material data audits.  

 In order to certify that products are PFAS Free, Intertek has developed a rigorous, multi-pronged approach that incorporates ALL of the following evaluation components:

• Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing. TOF is used because it offers a comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective method for screening PFAS beyond a limited list of known compounds,
• Material data audits of products/components that cannot be tested for TOF,
• A quality system review that ensures no intentional or unintentional introduction of PFAS chemicals to products, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• AND a manufacturer affidavit affirming the products do not contain intentionally added PFAS.

Once the PFAS evaluation is complete, qualifying products may be certified in the following categories:

PFAS Free: Certificate and use of PFAS Free Certification Mark

• • Confirms no intentionally added PFAS and no TOF present above limits of laboratory detection.
  • Only products in this category can use the official PFAS-Free Certification Mark and make PFAS-free claims.

Products with detectable but minimal PFAS contamination can qualify for the Made without PFAS Certification.

Made without PFAS: Certificate only

• • Confirms there is no intentionally added PFAS and minimal total fluorine levels.
  • Products meeting this threshold receive a certificate of conformance.
  • Level 1: Less than 100 ppm TOF, aligning with some regulatory limits.
  • Level 2: Less than 50 ppm TOF, aligning with some regulatory limits.

Benefits of PFAS Certification

• Independent Verification & Credibility: A third-party seal reassures consumers, retailers, and business partners that PFAS-free claims are trustworthy and verifiable.
• Provides clear and credible labeling, making it easier for consumers and buyers to identify PFAS-free products.
• Many retailers and procurement programs now prioritize or require PFAS-free certification, opening new market opportunities.
• Supports broader sustainability initiatives by reducing persistent chemical pollution and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.

By obtaining PFAS-Free Certification, manufacturers gain a powerful tool to validate product safety, build consumer trust, and differentiate themselves in a marketplace of increasingly discerning consumers.

Where do I go for more information?

If you have any questions or are interested in certifying products under the PFAS Certification Program please reach out to: sustainabilitycertification@intertek.com.