Overview
ISO 18219-1:2021 - Leather - Determination of chlorinated hydrocarbons in leather - Part 1: Chromatographic method for short‑chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) specifies a laboratory method to determine amounts of short‑chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, C10–C13) in processed and unprocessed leathers. The standard defines sample preparation, extraction, clean‑up and chromatographic analysis (GC‑ECNI‑MS), with an optional LC‑MS(/MS) procedure in Annex B. It is intended to support product testing, regulatory compliance and reliable inter‑laboratory results.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Quantification of SCCPs (C10–C13) in leather materials.
- Principle: Ultrasonic extraction with n‑hexane at (60 ± 5) °C for 60 min, sulfuric acid clean‑up, and analysis by GC with electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC‑ECNI‑MS). An LC‑MS/MS alternative is provided for improved resolution and to reduce false positives.
- Calibration: Uses a defined calibration mix representing 59% chlorine content (prepared from two SCCP standards: 55.5% and 63% Cl) and lindane as internal standard. The calibration standard is applied for all samples regardless of actual chlorination degree.
- Integration & quantification: Peak Shape Evaluation (PSE) is used for integration (Annex C). Four ion traces are summed for quantification; linearity is checked by analysing a reference standard every ten samples (acceptable deviation ±20%).
- Clean‑up: Sulfuric acid clean‑up (replacing SPE clean‑up in earlier editions) prior to instrumental analysis.
- Interferences: Notes on potential interference from middle‑chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), sulfochlorinated paraffins and chloroalkenes; guidance on qualifier/quantifier behaviour and reporting when interference occurs.
- Sampling & sample prep: Sampling per ISO 2418 and test‑sample preparation per ISO 4044; glue residues should be removed.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: Leather testing laboratories, quality control teams in leather manufacturers, regulatory compliance bodies, import/export inspectors, environmental and public‑health laboratories, and R&D groups developing safer fatliquoring formulations.
- Why use it:
- Regulatory compliance with EU REACH and Commission Regulation 2015/2030 limits and international POPs conventions (SCCPs listed under Stockholm Convention).
- Verification of supplier materials and finished articles for restricted substances.
- Routine quality control and forensic analysis to identify contaminated batches or process issues.
- Supporting product declarations and supply‑chain due diligence.
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - Leather - Sampling location
- ISO 4044 - Leather - Preparation of chemical test samples
Keywords: ISO 18219-1:2021, SCCPs, short‑chain chlorinated paraffins, leather testing, GC‑ECNI‑MS, LC‑MS/MS, chromatographic method, sulfuric acid clean‑up, peak shape evaluation, REACH compliance.