EN ISO 23702-1:2023 PDF

Overview - EN ISO 23702-1:2023 (Leather, PFAS, LC-MS/MS)

EN ISO 23702-1:2023 specifies a laboratory test method for the detection and quantification of extractable non‑volatile PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in leather and coated leather. The method uses solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS) and evaluates PFAS concentration with respect to leather mass while accounting for the three‑dimensional distribution of fibres. This 2023 edition supersedes the 2018 version and is published by CEN/ISO in collaboration with IULTCS.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Detection/quantification of extractable, non‑volatile PFAS in leather and coated leather via solvent extraction + LC‑MS/MS.
• Sampling & sample handling: Procedures to ensure representative leather sampling that accounts for fibre distribution (see Clause 7).
• Analytical procedure: Solvent extraction followed by LC‑MS/MS analysis (Clauses 8–9); calibration and expression of results are defined.
• Substance lists:
  • Annex A - PFAS categories and typical applications (Table A.1).
  • Annex B - Regulated PFAS classes (acids, telomers, sulfonates, sulphonamide alcohols; Table B.1).
  • Annex C - Non‑regulated PFAS that can be determined (Table C.1).
• Instrumental guidance: Annex D gives usable ions and possible quantification limits for LC‑MS/MS; Annex E provides chromatographic conditions.
• Quality & interferences: Annex F addresses method interferences; Annex G covers accuracy and precision information.
• Method limitations: Note that free fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH) can be released from certain perfluoropolymers by transesterification with methanol during extraction, preventing correct quantification of native FTOH. For polymers that may release FTOH (e.g., 8:2 FTOH moieties), additional alkaline hydrolysis may be necessary to determine intentional polymer-bound FTOH.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Leather and coated leather manufacturers for raw material control, supplier verification and product safety.
• Accredited testing laboratories performing regulatory compliance testing or customer specifications.
• Environmental, health & safety and regulatory bodies assessing PFAS restrictions (e.g., PFOS/PFOA and related substances).
• Quality assurance teams implementing product declarations, chain‑of‑custody testing and conformity assessments.
• R&D departments evaluating alternative, low‑PFAS water‑ and oil‑repellent treatments.

Related standards

• This document is Part 1 of the ISO 23702 series; refer to other parts of ISO 23702 for complementary PFAS testing approaches. It aligns with international leather testing practice and complements regulatory test requirements for PFAS in consumer goods.

Keywords: EN ISO 23702-1:2023, PFAS testing, leather PFAS, solvent extraction, LC-MS/MS, non‑volatile PFAS, coated leather, fluorotelomer alcohol, PFOS, PFOA.