PFAS · what testing costs
How much does PFAS testing cost?
PFAS rules are tightening across the EU — a ban in food-contact packaging from August 2026, POPs limits already in force, and a universal REACH restriction on the way. Here is what PFAS testing costs, from a quick fluorine screen to full targeted analysis.
Why PFAS testing demand is rising
Three forces drive it at once: the PPWR ban on PFAS in food-contact packaging from 12 August 2026 (with no transition period), the POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 limits already in force on PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, and a universal PFAS restriction advancing under REACH (not expected before 2027). Brands are screening portfolios now, before the deadlines bite.
Where it applies
PFAS testing across product types
PFAS can apply to packaging, textiles, cookware and more. These accredited packages cover the relevant work; estimate your own case in the calculator.
How PFAS testing works — and what it costs
Testing is stepwise, which keeps the cost proportionate to the risk:
- +Total / extractable organic fluorine screening — a fast, low-cost first pass that flags whether PFAS are present at all.
- +Targeted PFAS by LC-MS/MS — quantifies named substances against a defined target list, run only when screening flags fluorine.
- +EN 17681-1/-2 — the reference method for PFAS in food-contact paper and board.
A targeted PFAS determination on food-contact material is indicatively from €365; running a fluorine screen first is the cheapest way to decide whether full quantification is even needed.
The limits you test against
For PPWR food-contact packaging the limits are 25 ppb for any single PFAS and 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS, from 12 August 2026. The Declaration of Conformity has to be backed by laboratory data — a supplier statement is not enough — and a full PFAS panel typically takes two to six weeks, which is why portfolios need testing now.
Questions people ask
PFAS testing cost — quick answers
- How much does PFAS testing cost?
- A fluorine screen starts from a few hundred euros; a full targeted PFAS panel by LC-MS/MS is indicatively from €365 and rises with the number of materials and the length of the target list. Screen first, quantify only if the screen flags fluorine.
- Do I need PFAS testing for packaging?
- If you place food-contact packaging on the EU market, yes — the PPWR bans PFAS from 12 August 2026 with no transition period, and the Declaration of Conformity must be backed by laboratory data (≤25 ppb for any single PFAS, ≤250 ppb for the sum).
- What is the cheapest way to test for PFAS?
- Start with total or extractable organic fluorine screening. If fluorine is below the threshold the material is considered compliant and no targeted analysis is needed — that keeps the cost down.
- Is there an EU-wide PFAS ban?
- Partly. PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS are already restricted under the POPs Regulation; the PPWR bans PFAS in food-contact packaging from 2026; and a universal REACH restriction is advancing but is not expected before 2027.