What is PFAS?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom (i.e., at least one aliphatic -CF2- or -CF3 element). PFAS have been widely used in consumer products because of their specific properties, such as fire resistance and dirt and water repellency.

However, their toxicity and bioaccumulation can cause serious and widespread health risks in both humans and animals. Therefore, many countries and regions have imposed restrictions on PFAS. Many U.S. states have enacted various laws to restrict PFAS or total fluorine in consumer products. ECHA also restricts PFOS, PFOA, etc. Under REACH/POPs regulation.

Worldwide PFAS Restriction Measures:

1. United States: Multiple states have enacted regulations limiting PFAS or total fluorine content in consumer products. For instance, the Washington State Department of Ecology has adopted a new rule that restricts PFAS content in consumer products such as textiles, carpets, furniture, and decorative materials, and requires related parties to report on their compliance.
2. Europe: POPs regulations have restrictions on PFAS, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a proposal from five EU countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) to restrict the production and use of tens of thousands of PFAS substances.
3. Other countries: China and Canada etc. had issued relevant regulation to restrict the use of PFAS in products.

Intertek PFAS Green Leaf Mark Assessment Service

With the increasing global concern over PFAS issues, Intertek Group has launched the Green Leaf Mark PFAS Assessment Service to meet the market's high demand for PFAS compliance.

This service ensures the compliance of fluorine-containing polymers in products through rigorous testing processes, providing quality assurance for customers. Once a product passes the assessment and meets PFAS-related standards, it will receive the PFAS Green Leaf Mark, indicating that no target PFAS has been detected in the product.

Service Advantages:

1. Enhanced Market Competitiveness: Products with the PFAS Green Leaf Mark are more competitive in the market as they meet consumers' high demands for environmental protection and health.
2. Increased Consumer Trust: The PFAS Green Leaf Mark provides consumers with a visual and reliable basis to choose products that have not detected target PFAS, thus enhancing their trust and satisfaction with the product.
3. Compliance Assurance: Through Intertek's assessment service, customers can ensure that their products comply with domestic and international regulations and standards related to PFAS, avoiding legal risks and economic losses caused by non-compliance.

Service Applications:

Customers can use the PFAS Green Leaf Mark on products, packaging, or advertisements to visually demonstrate that the product has not detected target PFAS. This mark not only enhances the product's market competitiveness but also boosts consumer trust and satisfaction. Whether it's consumer product manufacturers, importers, or retailers, they can all utilize this service to improve the environmental performance and market competitiveness of their products.

Product Categories Covered by the Service:

1. Toy and Juvenile Products, Food Container and Packaging Products, Furniture, Carpets or Rugs, Consumer Products with Textile Components:
2. High-Risk Materials (fabrics, coating materials, leather, paper, and wood etc. that have waterproofing, stain-resistant, oil-resistant, or non-stick properties).

Contact Windows

Hotline：0755-2602 0287
Susie.su@intertek.com

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

www.intertek.com.cn