PFAS Testing on Electrical Products for Australian Market
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What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroakyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse and expanding group of synthetic chemicals that do not degrade, leading to the name ‘forever chemicals’. Their key properties, including flame retardancy, chemical inertness, hydrophobicity, and dielectric strength, make them widely used throughout the electronics industry.
What are some common examples of PFAS in Electronic Products?
PFAS are used in a wide variety of electrical and electronics (EE) products and their raw materials, including:
| Product Category | PFAS Function |
| Printed Circuit Boards | Structure/Insulation Protective coating |
| Capacitors | Liquid impregnate, Dielectric films |
| Wiring and Cables | Insulation |
| Lithium-Ion Batteries | Binder, Separator, Electrolyte |
| ICT Equipment | Lubricants for O-rings, Coatings for specifically low friction |
What is Australia's policy on PFAS?
Australia regulates the manufacture and importation of PFAS (including those that may break down to form perfluorinated substances such as PFOS and PFOA). Importers and manufacturers (introducers) of these chemicals must comply with legal obligations under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019. This includes registering their business with us and categorising their chemical importation or manufacture (introduction) before they can lawfully introduce these chemicals into the country.
Australia also enforces import and export controls on PFOS, PFOA, and related chemicals listed under the Rotterdam Convention. These controls prohibit the introduction or export of these chemicals unless an importer or exporter obtains our approval. The regulation of the use, release, and disposal of PFAS in Australia is primarily a state and territory responsibility.
How can SGS help?
With our unrivaled global network of laboratories and a dedicated team of experts, we are the global leader in PFAS testing, helping stakeholders in the Electronics industry to meet different PFAS regulations and buyer requirements, mitigate risk, and enhance credibility in global markets with our comprehensive compliance solutions.
Our PFAS testing scope for the Australian market:
| Regulation | Substance | Requirement |
| Industrial Chemicals Environment Management (Register) Amendment (2023 Measures No.1) Instrument 2023 amending Industrial Chemicals Environment Management (Register) Instrument 2022 (IChEMSRegister) | PFHxSand its salts | ≤ 0.025 mg/kg |
| PFHxS-related compounds | ≤ 1 mg/kg (individually and sum) | |
| PFOA and its salts | ≤ 0.025 mg/kg | |
| PFOA-related compounds | ≤ 1 mg/kg (individually and sum) | |
| PFOS, its salts, and PFOS-F | ≤ 0.025 mg/kg | |
| PFOS-related compounds | ≤ 1 mg/kg (individually and sum) |
Sample Size:
3 samples of the complete product
Turnaround Time (working days):
- For Small appliances and electronics: 11 days
- For Medium appliances: 14 days
- For Complex appliances and other electronics: 16 days
How do I know which category my product falls into?
According to SGS guidelines, electrical and electronic products fall into the below categories:
What happens if an incorrect category is selected during order submission?
If an incorrect category is selected, our customer service team will notify you, and additional arrangements for the payment difference in pricing will be confirmed.
