Go Beyond Compliance: Unlock the "No PFAS Detected" Advantage

In an era of tightening global regulations, meeting minimum safety standards is no longer enough to lead the market. The SGS No PFAS Detected scheme under the Environmental Claims Certification Scheme (ECCS) is a rigorous protocol designed to verify the absence of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging, raw materials, and finished products. By moving beyond simple regulatory adherence, businesses can leverage the SGS No PFAS Detected green marks to build radical transparency and consumer trust.

To help you more easily understand the fundamentals of this scheme, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Q: What are PFAS, and why are they regulated?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated substances containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom. Essentially, any chemical with at least a perfluorinated methyl group or a perfluorinated methylene group is classified as a PFAS.  Several international regulations and conventions, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and EU REACH Annex XVII, restrict these substances because they are persistent in the environment and may pose health risks.

Q: What is the "No PFAS Detected" certification scheme?

It is a certification under the SGS Environmental Claims Certification Scheme (ECCS), which ensures that products, raw materials, or packaging do not contain detectable levels of PFAS through rigorous testing and documentation review.

Q: Which products can be certified?

The scope covers three main categories:

• Packaging materials (including food-contact packaging).  
• Raw materials (substances or mixtures within a product).  
• Finished products.

Q: How does SGS define "Not Detected"?

For this scheme, it means the concentration is below the Method Detection Limit (MDL). Specifically, total fluorine content must be less than 20 ppm (mg/kg), or total PFAS must be less than 25 ppb (µg/kg), depending on the testing approach.

Q: What are the core testing requirements for certification?

Applicants must pass two primary criteria:

• Negative total fluorine content screening.
• Negative results for specific regulated PFAS substances (such as PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxA).

Q: Is there a difference between food and non-food packaging requirements?

Yes. For food packaging, PFAS screening by pyrolysis-gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometer is mandatory at the homogeneous material level. For non-food products, applicants can choose between specific regulated substance testing or broader screening.

Q: Is testing the only requirement?

No. Businesses must also provide:

• A Declaration of no intentionally added PFAS in any production process.
• Evidence of a valid Quality Management System (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or IECQ QC08000).

Q: How does this scheme help with regulatory compliance?

The protocol is based on current global regulations, including EU 2019/1021 (POP Recast), US California Proposition 65, and REACH Annex XVII. Obtaining certification demonstrates that a product meets these stringent legal thresholds.

Q: How can this certification attract potential customers?

The SGS No PFAS Detected green marks scheme can be used on products (for finished goods) or in marketing and advertising. This visible proof of environmental responsibility builds trust with eco-conscious consumers and professional buyers seeking "clean" supply chains.

Q: Does the certification cover the entire production chain?

The applicant must declare that no PFAS were intentionally added during procurement, reagent usage, or production. This ensures the "No PFAS" claim applies to the manufacturing process, not just the final item.

Q: How long is the certificate valid, and what happens if a product is modified?

The certificate is generally valid for 3 years. However, to maintain it, businesses must undergo surveillance testing between the 11th and 12th months and the 23rd and 24th months.  Moreover, SGS reserves the right to perform additional testing if changes are made to the product or if third-party complaints are reported. Significant changes may require a new assessment to ensure ongoing compliance.

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