PFAS testing (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to impart water-, stain-, and heat resistance to consumer products such as textiles, cookware, cosmetics, and coatings. Their strong bonds make them durable and persistent in both the environment and among humans. As regulations tighten, credible PFAS testing is essential to identify and manage PFAS risks in textiles, apparel and footwear. Eurofins Sustainability Services provides advanced PFAS test strategies that detect listed PFAS where required and screen for potential PFAS indicators across complex supply chains.
For organisations wondering how to test for PFAS, our experts provide structured testing programmes, compliance support, and access to accredited PFAS lab networks worldwide.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used to impart water-, stain-, and heat resistance to consumer products such as textiles, cookware, cosmetics, and coatings. Their strong bonds make them durable and persistent in both the environment and among humans. As regulations tighten, credible PFAS testing is essential to identify and manage PFAS risks in textiles, apparel and footwear. Eurofins Sustainability Services provides advanced PFAS test strategies that detect listed PFAS where required and screen for potential PFAS indicators across complex supply chains.
For organisations wondering how to test for PFAS, our experts provide structured testing programmes, compliance support, and access to accredited PFAS lab networks worldwide.
Global PFAS regulations are evolving
PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. U.S. states are targeting consumer product categories, including textiles, apparel, and footwear, with some banning the intentional use of PFAS, subject to limited exemptions. In the EU, many substances are now classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) due to their toxicity and persistence.
As scrutiny from regulators, NGOs, consumers, and industry partners intensifies, PFAS testing for consumer products has become a critical tool for identifying and managing risks. Proactive management of PFAS in your supply chain isn’t just best practice — it’s essential for compliance, sustainability, and long-term brand protection.
Our PFAS Testing: Ensuring Safety and Compliance Across Textile, Apparel, and Footwear Supply Chains
Comprehensive PFAS Testing Methods
Eurofins Sustainability Services offers four specialised testing approaches to help you navigate the complex landscape of PFAS regulations. Our solutions are designed to support reliable, value-driven PFAS testing for consumer products, from textiles to apparel and beyond. Whether you’re aiming for compliance, transparency, or risk reduction, our experts are here to guide you with the right testing strategy for your business needs.
Understanding what is the detection limit for PFAS testing is critical when interpreting results. Detection limits vary by method and matrix, which is why selecting the correct approach is essential for regulatory compliance and risk assessment.
| Test Type | What It Detects | Ideal Use Case | Standards Referenced |
| Total Fluorine (TF) | All fluorine (organic + inorganic) | Broad early screening to flag potential fluorine sources in unknown or mixed materials | EN 14582:2016, ASTM D7359:2023 |
| Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) | Organic fluorine only | Compliance-aligned screening that excludes inorganic salts, giving a clearer indicator of potential PFAS | EN 14582:2026 or ASTM D7359:2023 modification |
| Targeted PFAS Analysis | Specific regulated PFAS compounds | Confirmatory testing against regulations or buyer RSLs; source tracing and verification | EN 17681-1:2025, ISO, AFIRM |
| Chem-ST™ | A large list of restricted substances, including PFAS | Integrated chemical-risk programme aligned to RSLs and regulations | AFIRM RSL +++++ |
Find the Right Testing Strategy for Your Brand
Products and markets differ. Our regulatory and technical experts will help select the most suitable approach for your materials and goals.
Understanding PFAS Testing: Why Each Method Matters
PFAS testing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each method plays a distinct role in helping brands identify, assess, and manage PFAS risks across their supply chain:
Total Fluorine (TF) provides a wide initial picture of fluorine in a material. It is ideal for working with new suppliers or on complex construction projects because it flags the presence of fluorine. Since TF includes both organic and inorganic fluorine, it is a useful early screen but not a PFAS-specific measurement. Brands typically use TF to decide whether further investigation is needed.
Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing focuses only on organic fluorine, which is directly relevant to PFAS. This makes TOF more meaningful for compliance checks and risk assessments because it excludes inorganic fluorine, which is not regulated. TOF helps brands determine whether detected fluorine is likely related to PFAS and whether targeted testing is required.
Targeted PFAS testing delivers the most detailed insight. It identifies specific PFAS chemicals specified in certain regulations, such as those used in water-repellent finishes, enabling brands to trace contamination sources, verify supplier claims, and take corrective action.
Chem-ST™ Chemical Smart Testing supports a wider chemical risk management approach. It covers restricted substances, emerging chemicals of concern, and PFAS. This method is best suited for brands seeking a comprehensive view of chemical inputs across their supply chain, rather than just PFAS. Learn more about Chem-ST™ here.
To help businesses navigate the complexities of PFAS testing and the evolving regulatory landscape, Eurofins Sustainability Services offers dedicated PFAS training programmes. These sessions are designed to equip teams with a clear understanding of the various testing methods, such as TF, TOF, targeted PFAS analysis, and chemical screening tools, and how to apply them effectively across different product categories and supply chain stages. By undertaking training, businesses benefit from improved internal capability, more confident decision-making, and stronger alignment with global compliance requirements. It also supports supplier engagement and risk mitigation, ultimately enhancing brand reputation and operational resilience.
How to Reduce PFAS Risk in your Supply Chain
- Screen materials early: Use appropriate fluorine screening methods, such as Total Fluorine (TF), Total Organic Fluorine (TOF), targeted PFAS testing, or chemical screening tools to assess raw materials, components, and finished goods for potential fluorinated compounds.
- Investigate elevated results: If fluorine levels exceed regulatory thresholds, conduct targeted PFAS testing to identify specific substances and trace their origin. This helps determine whether corrective actions or supplier engagement are needed.
- Audit chemical inputs: Review and manage chemical formulations used in water-repellent, stain-resistant, or oil-repellent treatments. Align with standards and industry guidelines, such as the ZDHC MRSL, to eliminate hazardous substances.
- Engage suppliers: Work closely with suppliers to ensure transparency and regulatory alignment. Provide training and resources to support responsible production practices and improved chemical management.
- Re-test regularly: Establish a routine testing schedule to monitor PFAS levels and ensure ongoing compliance with evolving global regulations.
Why Eurofins Sustainability Services?
Experts in chemical testing
Leverage world-class chemical expertise and scientific rigour to solve complex PFAS challenges with accuracy, speed, and confidence.
A partner for Innovation & sustainability
We don’t just test – we collaborate to pioneer innovative lower-fluorine alternatives that future-proof your products and accelerate your sustainability goals.
A global network of accredited labs
A worldwide network of accredited labs and experts ensures consistent PFAS testing, guidance, and support wherever your supply chain operates.
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Get tailored advice on PFAS testing and compliance for textiles, apparel and footwear.
Frequently asked questions about PFAS
What are PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and why is PFAS testing important for sustainability?
What PFAS testing services does Eurofins Sustainability Services provide?
What is Total Fluorine (TF) and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening, and why is it useful for PFAS assessment?
TF and TOF are broad-spectrum screening methods used in PFAS testing to detect the total amount of fluorine in a sample, an effective way to assess potential PFAS presence in consumer products. This is especially valuable as global regulations increasingly target all PFAS compounds rather than a limited list of known substances.
TF testing measures all fluorine in a sample, including both organic and inorganic forms. While this provides a useful early indication of contamination, it may also detect fluorine from unregulated sources, such as inorganic fluorine salts. This can lead to false positives or unnecessary concern if the goal is to assess PFAS-related risk.
TOF testing, on the other hand, focuses specifically on organic fluorine, the type found in PFAS compounds. This makes TOF a more targeted and relevant tool for businesses aiming to understand actual PFAS exposure and make informed decisions about compliance and supplier risk. It helps brands determine whether further investigation is needed, such as targeted PFAS testing, based on regulatory thresholds.
Choosing TOF over TF is often a strategic decision: TF is ideal for broad screening, especially when working with new suppliers or unknown materials, while TOF provides more actionable insights when assessing compliance risk or preparing for regulatory audits.
How can Eurofins Sustainability Services support compliance with global PFAS legislation through its testing services?
How do I know which testing method is right for my product?
Can PFAS be present unintentionally in my supply chain?
What are the acceptable PFAS limits in textiles and footwear?
How often should I test for PFAS in my products?
Are there alternatives to PFAS in water-repellent finishes?
Does Eurofins Sustainability Services offer PFAS training and awareness programmes?
Are PFAS-free claims reliable, or is there risk of greenwashing?
PFAS-free claims are increasingly under scrutiny, and rightly so. While they may sound appealing, such statements can be misleading if not backed by rigorous testing and transparent documentation. PFAS are highly persistent and can enter products unintentionally via contaminated raw materials, recycled content, water, or even manufacturing equipment. Even if a brand doesn’t intentionally add PFAS, trace contamination remains a real possibility.
Whether you can legally make a PFAS-free claim depends heavily on the jurisdiction. In the United States, there are provisions for using this term, but they come with caveats. In the European Union, however, brands face a high risk of being accused of greenwashing, which can lead to reputational damage and potential legal consequences.
It’s also important to understand the technical limitations. The detection limit for Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) is around 20 ppm, meaning it’s impossible to categorically confirm that a product is PFAS-free. Targeted testing may confirm the absence of specific regulated PFAS, but with over 12,000 known PFAS compounds, most of which are not covered by targeted methods, absolute claims are rarely defensible.
To avoid misleading claims and legal exposure, companies should:
- Conduct comprehensive PFAS testing, including both targeted and total fluorine methods.
- Maintain clear documentation of testing protocols and results.
- Avoid absolute statements like “PFAS-free” unless supported by robust evidence; instead, use qualified language such as “tested and verified to meet applicable PFAS limits”.
Without these steps, PFAS-free claims risk being perceived as deceptive, which can lead to litigation and long-term brand damage.
- White paper: Managing PFAS in the Supply Chain
- On-demand webinar: Strategies for measuring total PFAS content in consumer products
- On-demand webinar: Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) – The future of PFAS compliance testing
- Article: 2025 PFAS Regulations: A Year of Rapid Change in Europe
- Article: 2025 PFAS Regulations: The Global Landscape
- Article: France Adopts New Decree to Ban PFAS in Consumer Products
- Article: California PFAS Regulations: A Compliance Checklist for Consumer Products
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Why Eurofins Sustainability Services?
We are a leader in providing sustainability metrics and measurements in the form of testing, audits and analysis across a variety of business sectors.
We have expertise across sectors that includes food, agriculture, environment, materials, engineering, life sciences, construction, electronics, consumer products, cosmetics, packaging, clothing and footwear.
Our sustainability services are offered globally through our team of around 63,000 employees working out of more than 950 laboratories in over 1,000 companies and 60 countries