The European Committee for Standardization officially released the new standard EN 17681-1:2025 (originally drafted as prEN 17681-1:2023) on April 30, 2025. Compared to the previous version EN 17681-1:2022, the new standard introduces significant technical changes.
The new standard specifies an extraction test method using an alkaline hydrolysis solution of methanol/sodium hydroxide. This extraction solvent not only extracts residual PFAS components from samples but also breaks down ester-based polymers with side chains derived from polymeric hydrocarbon acids (e.g., acrylic acid) and n:2 fluorotelomer alcohols (n:2 FTOHs). As a result, the detection rate of PFAS components in textiles is significantly increased, particularly for n:2 FTOHs (n = 4, 6, 8, 10).
1. Differences Between the Old and New Methods
| Method | EN 17681-1:2022 | EN 17681-1:2025 |
| Extraction Solvent | Methanol | Methanol/Sodium Hydroxide Mixed Solution |
| Detectable PFAS | Extractable PFAS components | Extractable PFAS +PFAS released from Side-Chain Fluorinated Polymers |
Since the new method can detect side-chain fluorinated polymers, which are restricted under EU regulations and are related to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), it may also indirectly affect the detection of PFOA or C9-C14 PFCA-related substances. For example:
- The following compounds will hydrolyze and release PFOA, meaning the test results will include PFOA and related side-chain fluorinated polymers.
- The following compounds will hydrolyze and release 8:2 FTOH (n=4, 6, 8, 10), meaning the test results will include n:2 FTOH and related side-chain fluorinated polymers.
2. Impact of the New Standard on Enterprises
With the new method, the detection rate of PFAS will significantly increase. There is a high risk that products that previously passed testing under the old method (EN 17681-1:2022) may now fail under the new method (EN 17681-1:2025).
If relevant enterprises are still using the old EN 17681-1:2022 method for PFAS testing, it is recommended to transition to the new method as soon as possible to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
