PFAS Free Product Certification

PFAS, or forever chemicals, are a broad class of synthetic chemicals used for their water-, stain-, and grease-resistant properties commonly found in textiles, nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foams, and industrial coatings. PFAS is the acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are highly persistent in the environment and human body, meaning they do not break down easily and can accumulate over time, which is why they are referred to as forever chemicals (Source).

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences PFAS are linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system impacts. Due to their widespread use and persistence, PFAS contamination has become a global environmental and public health issue.

There are thousands of PFAS compounds (EPA), which makes detecting each chemical challenging. But all of these compounds contain fluorine – so testing for the presence of fluorine is a laboratory test that can detect if any PFAS are present.

The methods for ensuring products are PFAS free is a rapidly changing science, which includes laboratory testing, auditing, and affidavits. To align with current best practices and emerging industry knowledge we regularly update our certification criteria and testing requirements. The requirements for Intertek’s PFAS Free certification are listed below and (here) is information about both current and historic version program criteria.

To be able to claim a product PFAS Free, with Intertek, laboratory testing, auditing, and an affidavit are required. Making a PFAS Free claim requires a thorough understanding of product chemistry and manufacturing processes. In order to certify that products are PFAS-Free, Intertek has developed a rigorous, multi-pronged approach that incorporates ALL of the following evaluation components:

• Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing. TOF is a comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective method for screening for the presence of organofluorine compounds, allowing identification of potential PFAS beyond a limited list of known substances. Intertek's PFAS Free certification requires that TOF be below the detectable limit of 20 ppm.
• Update on Targeted PFAS Analysis EN 17681-1:2025.
• Material data audits for products or components that cannot undergo TOF testing, ensuring supplier transparency and chemical disclosure across the supply chain.
• A quality system review that evaluates manufacturing controls and safeguards to prevent both intentional and unintentional introduction of PFAS into products, materials, components, or processes.
• A manufacturer affidavit affirming that the products do not contain intentionally added PFAS.

Yes, qualifying products may be certified in the following categories:

Requirements of different conformance levels of Intertek PFAS claims.  Note: only when PFAS is below the detection limit may PFAS Free be claimed.

• Independent Verification & Credibility: A third-party seal reassures consumers, retailers, and business partners that PFAS-free claims are trustworthy and verifiable.
• Provides clear and credible labeling, making it easier for consumers and buyers to identify PFAS-free products.
• Many retailers (such as these), multi-attribute certifications, and procurement directives now prioritize or require PFAS-free certification, opening new market opportunities.[
• Supports broader sustainability initiatives by reducing persistent chemical pollution and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.
• All products with active sustainability certifications, including PFAS certification, can be found in Intertek’s Sustainability Directory.  

By obtaining PFAS-Free Certification, manufacturers gain a powerful tool to validate product safety, build consumer trust, and differentiate themselves in a marketplace of increasingly discerning consumers.

Intertek is one of the largest Assurance, Testing, Inspection, and Certification (ATIC) organizations in the world, with over 40,000 employees in over 1,000 locations in 100 countries. Our network of highly technically skilled individuals and teams enable global and local businesses to overcome the complex quality, safety and sustainability challenges they face, every day.

Please check out our FAQs to help answer any related questions (here)

If you have any questions or are interested in certifying products under the PFAS Certification Program please reach out to: sustainabilitycertification@intertek.com.