What is PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) Testing?

For those engaged in export business, a “PAHs test report” is one of the most frequently requested documents from clients. However, many people only have a vague idea about PAHs testing—what exactly it is, which products it applies to, and how the process works. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the key points of PAHs testing, helping you handle export compliance requirements with ease.

What are PAHs?

PAHs, short for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are a class of organic compounds containing two or more fused benzene rings. More than 150 types have been identified, with common ones including naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene.
Among them, benzo(a)pyrene is the most representative substance—it was the first environmental chemical carcinogen discovered and is highly carcinogenic. It accounts for about 1%–20% of all carcinogenic PAHs and is therefore often used as the key reference indicator in PAHs testing and regulation.

Where are PAHs regulations enforced?

PAHs regulations mainly apply in Europe, covering:

• EU Member States (27 countries):      France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark,      Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Cyprus,      Hungary, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia,      Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania.
       (Note: Although the UK left the EU in 2016, it still follows related      compliance standards.)

• 3 Non-EU European countries:      Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.

If your product is intended for these markets, PAHs compliance testing is essential.

Which products require PAHs testing?

Not all exported products require PAHs testing. The following categories are key focus areas and must be carefully considered:

• Electronics & electricals: such      as mobile phones, computers, home appliances.

• Rubber and plastic products:      including daily-use rubber/plastic goods and automotive rubber/plastic      parts.

• Products in contact with humans or food: e.g., food packaging materials, children’s toys, containers.

• Other potential risk categories:      depending on material and use case (consult a testing agency in advance      for confirmation).

What does PAHs testing cover?

PAHs testing targets specific compounds rather than being a general test. It primarily covers 18 major PAHs, including:
Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, Benzo(g,h,i)perylene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene.

Testing ensures the content of these compounds complies with regional regulatory limits.

PAHs certification limit requirements

Instead of a tabular layout, here are the main scenarios and their respective requirements:

• Toys (children’s sporting goods, childcare articles):

• REACH Annex XVII (8 items): ≤0.5       mg/kg for any one substance.

• GS (15 items, AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK): Bap <0.2; total of 15 items <1; naphthalene <1;       phenanthrene/pyrene/anthracene/fluoranthene total <1; other 9 items       <0.2 each.

• Long-term skin contact (adult products):

• REACH Annex XVII (8 items): ≤1       mg/kg for any one substance.

• GS (15 items): Bap <1; total of       15 items <50; naphthalene <20;       phenanthrene/pyrene/anthracene/fluoranthene total <50; other 9 items       <1 each.

• Short-term or no skin contact (adult products):

• Same limits as long-term skin contact under both REACH and GS.

• Tire oils:

• REACH Annex XVII (8 items): Bap ≤1       mg/kg or the total of 8 items ≤10 mg/kg.

• GS: No specific requirement.

What to prepare for PAHs testing?

Before starting, prepare the following three types of materials to avoid delays:

1. Test service application form (with      accurate product name, model, manufacturer, etc.).

2. Product material list (detailing      each component’s material for targeted testing).

3. Test samples (meeting required      quantity and specifications, ensuring representativeness).

PAHs testing process

1. Submit application: Fill out the      testing agency’s service application form, confirm testing needs and      standards.

2. Contract & payment: Sign      cooperation contract and pay fees as agreed.

3. Send samples: Mail prepared test      samples to the designated testing address.

4. Testing & report: The agency      conducts testing and issues the official PAHs test report upon completion.

How long is a PAHs test report valid?

The validity of PAHs test reports depends on two factors:

• No fixed expiration date: As long      as the product’s material and production process remain unchanged and      regulations are not updated, the issued report can be continuously used.

• Subject to regulatory updates: If      European PAHs regulations are revised (e.g., stricter limits or new      compounds added), retesting and an updated report are required to ensure      compliance.