Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Testing in a Laboratory
PFAS Analysis : regulatory compliance and chemical characterization
What are PFAS?
PFAS (Per- and PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances) are a large family (several thousand) of molecules containing at least one highly fluorinated carbon motif (C–F bonds), which are very stable. This stability explains their persistence in the environment and often in the body, hence their nickname “forever chemicals”. These are chemical compounds with non-stick, waterproofing and heat-resistant properties.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now subject to major regulatory restrictions in France and Europe, impacting many industrial sectors: cosmetics, textiles, plastics, coatings, technical materials, industrial equipment, etc.
FILAB’s PFAS expertise
FILAB is an independent laboratory specialzing in analytical chemistry and material characterization, with particular expertise in the analysis of regulated substances, especially in complex matrices.
Our approach is not limited to simple dosing : we combine several complementary analytical techniques to identify, quantify and interpret the presence of PFAS, including in their polymeric forms.
Our PFAS Analysis Services
Targeted PFAS analysis: 20 substances
1 to 10 ppb depending on the matrix
- Regulatory overview
- Product compliance verification
- Supplier control
- PFAS pre-audit
Advanced PFAS analysis: 36 substances
1 to 20 ppb depending on the matrix
- Cosmetics
- Plastics industry
- Technical textiles
- Surface treatments
- Composite materials
Total Fluorine Testing
- Combustion + ion chromatography (IC)
- Furnace fusion (bead) + IC
- Comprehensive evidence in the event of an inspection by the authorities
- Guidance tool for further analysis
Demonstration of compliance with ‘fluorine-free’ requirements
Critical case : Polymeric PFAS
Total fluorine > 50 ppm & targeted PFAS < 25 ppb ?
This suggests the probable presence of polymeric PFAS that cannot be detected by conventional targeted methods.
Our solution : Qualitative screening by Pyrolysis GC/MS (Py-GCMS)
This technique makes it possible to :
identify signatures of fluorinated polymers
differentiate between polymeric PFAS and non-PFAS
- provide scientific evidence in the event of an audit or inspection
Why choose FILAB ?
PFAS testing in finished cosmetic products (emulsions, make-up products, lotions, etc.) and cosmetic raw materials.
Total fluorine testing by IC after combustion
Quantification of fluorinated molecules by LC-MS
Search for traces of elemental impurities (contamination, pollution, residues)...
Analysis can be validated according to ICH Q2
Analysis of APIs, excipients, raw materials, reagents and solvents in the pharmaceutical sector
PFAS : what is the current status of regulations ?
Since French Law No. 2025-188 of 27 February 2025 (Environmental Code, Art. L.524-1), the use of products containing PFAS has been gradually banned, with key deadlines :
- Since 1 January 2026: ban on the marketing of certain products containing PFAS (including cosmetic products).
- From 2030: extension to textiles and other industrial uses (with exemptions for essential uses).
- REACH Regulation (EU) : a ‘universal’ PFAS restriction is currently being evaluated by ECHA, strengthening control and traceability requirements in supply chains.
Firefighting foams : gradual ban in the EU, with a regulatory threshold of 1 mg/L for the sum of PFAS.
Please contact us to find out the thresholds applicable to your product and to discuss their interpretation with our experts in relation to your matrix 📞📧.
Our FAQ
A PFAS analysis aims to detect and quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances present in a matrix (liquid, solid, powder, polymer, etc.) using chromatography techniques coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
These substances are used for their non-stick, waterproof and heat-resistant properties in :
- non-stick coatings (kitchen utensils, technical textiles);
- cosmetics and food packaging;
- industrial additives (paints, varnishes, lubricants).
What types of samples can be tested for PFAS ?
The FILAB laboratory analyses PFAS in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, solvents, food packaging and polymer materials.
Analysis are mainly performed by LC-MS/MS or combustion ionisation (IC) for total fluorine determination. These methods enable detection at thresholds of 1 to 10 ppb depending on the matrix.
The FILAB laboratory offers analysis of 36 PFAS, including the 20 substances mentioned in the European Water Directive, such as PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA, PFNA and PFDA.
Since February 2025, French law has provided for the gradual ban of PFAS in cosmetics, clothing textiles and ski waxes from 1 January 2026.
In the event of regulatory non-compliance, process improvement or product failure, manufacturers may be required to carry out analyses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Subject to significant regulatory constraints, monitoring their presence is therefore essential.
Performing these substance checks requires precise tools, capable of measuring at the ppm or even ppb level. At FILAB, they are performed using LC-MSMS, and we are able to achieve a quantification limit of 1 to 10 ppb depending on the matrices.
PFAS analysis in a laboratory involves several analytical steps depending on the matrix and regulatory objective.
A typical PFAS laboratory testing workflow includes:
- Sample preparation adapted to the matrix (cosmetic, polymer, liquid, powder, pharmaceutical, packaging material).
- Extraction of fluorinated compounds using validated protocols.
- Targeted PFAS quantification by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry).
- Total fluorine determination by combustion followed by ion chromatography (IC), when global fluorinated content needs to be assessed.
- Polymeric PFAS screening by Pyrolysis GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) if non-target PFAS are suspected.
- Scientific interpretation in accordance with European and French regulatory frameworks.
A specialized PFAS laboratory selects the appropriate analytical strategy based on detection limits, matrix complexity and compliance requirements.
PFAS laboratory testing is required by manufacturers, importers and suppliers who must ensure regulatory compliance or assess contamination risks.
PFAS analysis is particularly relevant for:
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Polymer and plastics producers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Packaging manufacturers
- Textile and technical material producers
- Industrial equipment manufacturers
Companies typically require PFAS testing for:
- Regulatory compliance verification
- Market access (EU restrictions, REACH)
- Supplier qualification and quality control
- Product reformulation
- Environmental or contamination investigations
An independent PFAS laboratory provides reliable analytical data to support audits, inspections and technical decision-making.
The detection limit for PFAS analysis depends on the analytical method and the matrix.
In a specialized PFAS laboratory:
- Targeted PFAS analysis by LC-MS/MS typically achieves limits of quantification (LoQ) between 1 and 10 ppb, depending on the matrix.
- In complex matrices (cosmetics, polymers), LoQ may reach 1 to 20 ppb.
- Total fluorine testing generally provides results at the ppm level.
Low detection limits are essential for ensuring compliance with European regulatory thresholds and for identifying trace contamination.
Targeted PFAS analysis and total fluorine testing are complementary but fundamentally different approaches.
Targeted PFAS analysis :
- Identifies and quantifies specific PFAS molecules (e.g. PFOA, PFOS, PFHxA).
- Performed mainly by LC-MS/MS.
- Provides precise concentration values in ppb.
- Used for regulatory compliance with defined substance lists.
Total fluorine testing :
- Measures the overall fluorine content in a sample.
- Performed by combustion followed by ion chromatography.
- Detects both known and unknown fluorinated compounds.
- Used as a screening tool or to verify “fluorine-free” claims.
A PFAS laboratory often combines both methods to obtain a complete chemical characterization.
