Phthalates

Phthalate analysis is the determination of the amount of phthalate esters used as plasticizers in PVC printing, coating or plastic components. The sample is extracted with the appropriate solvent and measured by GC-MS.

The aim is to determine whether phthalates restricted under REACH Annex XVII are present in the product above the limit. The restriction is particularly strict on children's products and mouthable items.

• PVC printed t-shirts and textiles
• Coated fabrics and oilcloth
• Children's clothing and baby products
• Raincoat and faux leather products
• Textiles with plastic accessories

• TS EN ISO 14389 (tekstilde ftalat tayini — GC-MS)
• EN 14372 / EN 71-3 (applications within the scope of children's products)
• CPSC-CH-C1001 (US market)

Extraction

With a suitable organic solvent, under the conditions defined in the standard

Measurement

GC-MS

Unit

percent by mass or mg/kg

• GC-MS
• Soxhlet or ultrasonic extraction device
• Analytical balance
• Rotary evaporator

• Plastic/printing area should be sampled separately
• Fabric and printing are analyzed separately
• Approximately 0.5–1 g of sample
• Phthalate is a common laboratory contaminant; The sample should not come into contact with plastic packaging

The extraction and GC-MS measurement determine the analysis duration; results are typically available within a few working days.

1. 1The print or plastic component is separated from the fabric.
2. 2The sample is weighed and extracted with a suitable solvent.
3. 3The extract is filtered and concentrated.
4. 4With GC-MS, phthalate esters are identified and quantified.
5. 5The result is calculated as percent by mass or mg/kg.

REACH Annex XVII articles 51 and 52 define limits by mass for restricted phthalates; The limit changes if the product is a child care item or a toy. The current list and limit are confirmed from the legislation text.

Each phthalate is reported separately; The restriction is defined individually for some phthalates and in total for some. A low value measured in the fabric can mask a high value in the print zone — that's why the components are analyzed separately.

• Specimen identification and component analysed
• Standard applied
• Result and detection limit for each phthalate
• Regulatory limit compared against

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• (EC) 1907/2006 REACH Annex XVII articles 51 and 52
• 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive

The section below describes the field that the Phthalates test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Formaldehyde
• Azo Dyes
• Heavy Metals
• PFAS
• Flammability
• REACH
• Antibacterial
• Fiber Composition
• GSM
• Tear
• Bursting
• Pilling