ISO 23702-1:2023

Overview

ISO 23702-1:2023 - Leather - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - Part 1 specifies a laboratory test method for the detection and quantification of extractable non‑volatile PFAS in leather and coated leather. The method uses solvent extraction (methanol) with ultrasonic heating (60 °C) followed by analysis with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS). The standard evaluates PFAS on a mass basis, taking into account the three‑dimensional fibre distribution in leather. Annexes list regulated and non‑regulated PFAS, recommended ions, chromatographic conditions and guidance on interferences and accuracy.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Measurement of extractable, non‑volatile PFAS in leather and coated leather using solvent extraction + LC‑MS/MS.
• Extraction: Ultrasonic methanol extraction at 60 °C; notes on limitations (e.g., methanol can cause transesterification of perfluoropolymers releasing fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH), which can bias results).
• Analysis: High‑performance LC coupled to tandem MS (LC‑MS/MS); Annex D provides usable ions and possible quantification limits; Annex E gives chromatographic conditions.
• Calibration & quality control: Use of at least five calibration levels, internal standards (example: 13C‑labelled PFOA and PFOS), preparation and storage instructions (materials stored at 4 °C).
• Reporting: Procedures for expression of results, calculation of sums, and precision (Clause 9).
• Annexes: Annex A-PFAS categories/applications; Annex B-regulated PFAS (acids, telomers, sulfonates, sulphonamide alcohols); Annex C-other detectable compounds.

Practical applications

• Compliance testing for regulatory limits or procurement specifications for leather goods (footwear, upholstery, automotive interiors).
• Routine laboratory testing to screen for restricted compounds such as PFOS, PFOA and related long‑chain PFAS.
• Supplier quality assurance and environmental, health & safety (EHS) audits to verify absence or levels of extractable PFAS in finished leather and coated materials.
• Research and product development teams assessing alternative water/oil‑repellent chemistries for leather finishing.

Who should use this standard

• Analytical and commercial test laboratories performing PFAS testing in leather.
• Leather manufacturers, finish formulators and quality managers.
• Regulatory authorities and certification bodies verifying compliance with PFAS restrictions.
• Environmental and occupational health professionals monitoring PFAS in consumer products.

Related standards

Normative references cited include ISO 2418, ISO 3696, ISO 4044 and EN 15987 for specimen preparation, water quality, sample prep and terminology used in leather testing.

Keywords: ISO 23702-1:2023, PFAS testing, leather, LC‑MS/MS, solvent extraction, methanol extraction, non‑volatile PFAS, perfluoroalkyl, polyfluoroalkyl.