Targeted PFAS Analyses in Accordance with the PPWR: Full Compliance with Regulations Through the Identification of Specific Compounds

While total fluorine analysis allows for a comprehensive screening of the organofluorine content in a packaging material, targeted PFAS analyses are the next mandatory step to identify the source of a positive finding and demonstrate compliance with legal limits. The European Union’s PPWR Regulation and related legislation (e.g., the REACH Restrictions List, the Plastics Regulation 10/2011/EU) establish clearly defined limits and bans for certain PFAS compounds. To confirm a packaging product’s compliance with the law, it is therefore essential to quantitatively determine which specific PFAS compounds are present in the sample and at what concentrations. To meet this requirement, Nano-Test offers targeted PFAS analyses in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) in our LC-MS/MS laboratory, which operates in accordance with ISO 17025 accreditation and GLP principles.

Scope of Targeted PFAS Analysis and Regulatory Context

A targeted PFAS analysis refers to the quantitative determination of specific PFAS compounds listed in a predefined list, using a validated analytical method. The standard PFAS panel offered by Nano-Test covers the compounds most commonly found in packaging materials and those that are the focus of regulatory agencies:

• Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA): PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid), PFUnDA (perfluorundecanoic acid), and compounds with other chain lengths.
• Perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSA): PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), PFBS (perfluorobutanesulfonic acid).
• Other regulated PFAS compounds: Short-chain alternatives such as PFHxA (perfluorohexanoic acid), GenX compounds (HFPO-DA and its salts), and PFHpA (perfluoroheptanoic acid).

These compounds were selected taking into account not only the PPWR but also the restrictions set forth in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation, the list of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, and national regulations governing materials that come into contact with food (e.g., the national PFAS limits in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands).

Depending on our customers' specific requirements, the scope of the analysis can be expanded to include additional compounds.

Analytical Methodology: High Selectivity and Sensitivity with LC-MS/MS

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered the gold standard for targeted PFAS analysis. This technique enables the determination of target compounds with high selectivity and sensitivity, even in complex packaging matrices. The analytical procedure used by Nano-Test includes the following steps:

1. Sample Preparation and Extraction: After the packaging sample has been homogenized, it undergoes a solvent extraction procedure optimized to ensure the quantitative recovery of the target PFAS compounds from the matrix. During this phase, isotope-labeled internal standards (e.g., ¹³C-PFOA, ¹³C-PFOS) are added to correct for extraction efficiency and matrix effects separately for each sample.
2. LC-MS/MS Analysis: After the extract has been separated on a reverse-phase liquid chromatography column, it is introduced into a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer (QQQ). Each target PFAS compound is monitored via a unique precursor ion and two different product transitions. One transition is used for quantitative determination, while the other serves as a qualifier. This multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) strategy ensures the highest level of analytical reliability by minimizing the risk of false-positive results.
3. Quality Control and Validation: For each analytical run, the method parameters—including recovery rate, sensitivity (LOD/LOQ), and repeatability—are continuously monitored using procedural blank samples, spiked samples, and certified reference materials (CRMs). Our laboratory uses validated methods that meet the performance criteria defined in the EURL guidelines.

From Total Fluorine Results to Targeted Analysis: An Integrated Testing Strategy

At Nano-Test, the PPWR PFAS compliance strategy we recommend to our customers is based on structuring total fluorine and targeted PFAS analyses as a two-step, complementary process. A positive result from the total fluorine analysis serves as a trigger to determine which specific PFAS compounds need to be analyzed. This integrated approach enables our customers to avoid unnecessary and costly analyses while ensuring the completeness required by the PPWR. The results of the targeted analysis are compared with the relevant regulatory limits to assess compliance, and our final report clearly interprets the implications of the results within the regulatory context.

To fully and verifiably document the PFAS compliance of your packaging intended for export to the European market, please contact our team of experts to learn more about Nano-Test’s specialized PFAS analysis services and integrated PPWR consulting.