Services / PFAS
PFAS Testing and Compliance
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a group of thousands of chemicals commonly used for water/oil repellency in textiles, packaging, coatings, and some electronic components. It matters most for manufacturers using these coatings or treated surfaces: a broad EU restriction is progressing, and some PFAS types (like PFOS and PFOA) are already restricted. We test the PFAS risk in your product and help you prepare for what's coming.
Key Facts
- Proposal submitted
- January 2023 (5 EU member states)
- Scope
- 231 use sectors: textiles, coatings, electronics, cosmetics, food contact materials
- Current stage (2026)
- ECHA's scientific committees (RAC/SEAC) completed their assessment; final opinion expected by year-end
- Expected timeline
- Commission decision not before early 2027; actual restrictions would not apply before 2029
- Already restricted
- PFOS (banned under the POPs Regulation), PFOA (restricted under REACH Annex XVII since 2020)
Official source:ECHA — PFAS
Who needs this?
Relevant for textile and outerwear manufacturers using water/oil-repellent coatings, food-contact packaging producers, some electrical/electronic component manufacturers, and any producer using treated or coated surfaces. Restrictions aren't fully in force yet, but early preparation is an advantage in product development and supplier selection.
Which Products Are Affected?
- Water/oil-repellent textiles and outerwear
- Food-contact packaging (including paper-based fast-food containers)
- Carpets and upholstery fabrics
- Coated/treated electronic components
- Automotive and industrial sealing elements
- Cosmetics and personal care packaging
We don't treat PFAS as loose just because it isn't fully restricted yet. Your result is your result; we hand you a risk picture built on real measurement, not a "PFAS-free" label.
What TICQA Provides
Choosing the right method is half the job in PFAS testing. We decide which analysis you need, run it, and interpret the result for you. You work with the same team throughout, so you're not re-explaining your case to a new contact each time.
How the Process Works
Risk Screening
We identify where PFAS is likely used in your product (water/oil-repellent coatings, seals, packaging).
Laboratory Testing
Targeted PFAS analysis (LC-MS/MS) or Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening is carried out, with results delivered in a detailed report.
Reporting and Roadmap
We evaluate the results and give you a clear roadmap for preparing your product for upcoming restrictions.
What We Need From You
- Product sample (including the coated/treated surface)
- Information on coatings/chemicals used (supplier SDS, if available)
- Target market information
- Previous PFAS or TOF test results, if any
What You'll Receive
- Targeted LC-MS/MS PFAS analysis report or TOF screening report
- Risk assessment summary
- Roadmap for preparing for upcoming restrictions
- Supplier/material substitution recommendations, if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PFAS testing mandatory right now?
A broad PFAS restriction isn't in force yet, but some types like PFOS and PFOA are already restricted. Early testing reduces your supply-chain risk against upcoming restrictions.
Which test method is used?
Targeted LC-MS/MS analysis measures specific PFAS compounds; Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening gives a broader preliminary assessment. We decide together which fits your case.
How do I know if my product contains PFAS?
Materials with water/oil-repellent coatings or treated surfaces carry risk. We can run a preliminary assessment based on a sample and your current supplier information.
Let's assess your PFAS risk
If your scope is clear, go straight to sending a sample — otherwise, request a quote first.
Or email us directly:[email protected]