PFA rules drive massive increase in testing demand says TÜV Rheinland

The German-headquartered testing provider’s spokesman Steffen Tümptner said stricter rules imposed in Europe, the US and elsewhere meant more firms were concerned to pre-empt further legislative changes by ensuring products were subject to accurate chemical analysis.

"This enables companies to adapt to changes in the legal situation at an early stage, establish responsible action as a quality feature and thus remain competitive," he explained.

PFAs comprise more than 10,000 substances and their use is embedded across many sectors such as textiles, food packaging.

Under its REACH and POP regulations, the European Union imposes wide restrictions on certain classes of PFAS.

Last year its EU regulation 2024/2462 introduced a phased five year ban on C6 PFAS, starting in October 2026 with clothing, footwear and paper/board in contact with food or cosmetics.

The same ban will then be extended to other textiles and leather products from October 2027. Further PFAS restrictions are also under consideration in Europe.

The United States likewise introduced limitations last year, during the previous Biden administration’s tenure. The Trump administration has yet to outline any change in its stance.

TÜV Rheinland operates testing laboratories in Germany and the USA but also Turkey, China, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam.