REACH Compliance Testing of PFOA and Related Compounds

REACH Compliance Testing of PFOA and Related Compounds: Eurolabs Laboratory Testing Service

The European Unions Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation sets out the framework for the safe use of chemicals in Europe. As part of this regulation, manufacturers, importers, and downstream users are required to demonstrate compliance with specific standards for certain chemical substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as PFOA and related compounds.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

REACH is the overarching regulatory framework governing the safe use of chemicals in Europe. The regulation imposes strict requirements on manufacturers, importers, and downstream users to demonstrate compliance with specific standards for certain chemical substances. In particular, Article 95 of REACH mandates that all chemical substances placed on the EU market must comply with relevant European Union (EU) harmonized standards.

International and National Standards

The testing of PFOA and related compounds is governed by a range of international and national standards. These include:

Standard Development Organizations

Standard development organizations (SDOs) play a crucial role in the creation, maintenance, and revision of standards. These SDOs include:

Standard Evolution and Update

Standards are constantly evolving to reflect advances in technology, new scientific findings, or changes in regulatory requirements. As such, it is essential that manufacturers, importers, and downstream users stay up-to-date with the latest standards and revisions.

Specific Standard Numbers and Scope

Some specific standard numbers relevant to PFOA and related compounds testing are:

Standard Compliance Requirements

Compliance with these standards is essential to ensure that products meet specific safety requirements. Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must demonstrate compliance with relevant EU harmonized standards for certain chemical substances, including PFOA and related compounds.

Standard-Related Information Table 1: Key Standards for PFOA and Related Compounds Testing

Standard Number Title

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ISO 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

ASTM E1490-19 Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Fluorine in Water by Potassium Persulfate Digestion and Capillary Column Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection

EN 14339:2006 Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, groundwaters, surface waters, seawater, air, soil, sludge, waste, biota, foodstuffs and feedstuffs. Determination of perfluorinated compounds by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry

TSE 1:2018 Food contact materials and articles requirements for safety

The testing of PFOA and related compounds is essential to ensure that products meet specific safety requirements. This section explains the business and technical reasons for conducting REACH Compliance Testing of PFOA and Related Compounds testing.

Why this Test is Needed

Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users are required by law to demonstrate compliance with specific standards for certain chemical substances, including PFOA and related compounds. The testing of these substances ensures that products meet specific safety requirements, protecting consumers and the environment from potential harm.

Business and Technical Reasons

The business and technical reasons for conducting REACH Compliance Testing of PFOA and Related Compounds testing include:

Consequences of Not Performing this Test

Failure to conduct REACH Compliance Testing of PFOA and Related Compounds testing can result in severe consequences, including:

Standard Requirements and Needs Table 2: Key Business and Technical Reasons for Conducting REACH Compliance Testing

Reason Description

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Ensuring compliance with relevant EU harmonized standards Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must demonstrate compliance with specific standards for certain chemical substances

Protecting consumers and the environment from potential harm The testing of PFOA and related compounds ensures that products meet specific safety requirements

Enhancing product safety and reliability Compliance with relevant EU harmonized standards ensures that products are safe for use

Standard Requirements and Needs Table 3: Consequences of Not Performing this Test

Consequence Description

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Regulatory non-compliance Failure to demonstrate compliance with specific standards can result in regulatory non-compliance

Product recalls Non-compliant products may need to be recalled from the market, resulting in significant financial losses

Financial penalties Regulatory authorities may impose fines or other penalties for failure to comply with relevant EU harmonized standards

Standard Requirements and Needs Table 4: Standard Requirements and Needs

Requirement/Need Description

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Compliance with relevant EU harmonized standards Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must demonstrate compliance with specific standards for certain chemical substances

Protection of consumers and the environment from potential harm The testing of PFOA and related compounds ensures that products meet specific safety requirements

Requirement/Need Description

--- ---

Enhancement of product safety and reliability Compliance with relevant EU harmonized standards ensures that products are safe for use

Meeting regulatory requirements Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must demonstrate compliance with specific regulations

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