Overview - EN ISO 14389:2022 (Textiles / Phthalates / THF method)
EN ISO 14389:2022 (adopted by CEN) specifies a laboratory method for the determination of phthalate content in textiles using the tetrahydrofuran (THF) extraction and analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). The standard is intended for textile products where there is a risk of phthalates being present (for example coatings, plastisol prints, buttons and other plasticized components). This edition supersedes EN ISO 14389:2014 and updates analytes, internal standard selection and procedural details.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applicable to textile articles at risk of phthalate contamination; method for a defined list of phthalates (examples: DEHP, DINP, DIDP, DBP, DIBP, BBP, DCHP).
- Principle: Ultrasonic extraction of the specimen with THF, precipitation of dissolved polymer using a precipitating solvent (e.g., acetonitrile or n‑hexane), centrifugation, and analysis of the organic phase by GC‑MS.
- Internal standard: Benzyl 2‑ethyl‑hexyl phthalate is specified as the internal standard; laboratories may use other validated internal standards (e.g., deuterated phthalates) after validation.
- Quality and validation: Laboratories must prepare stock and calibration solutions, control cross‑contamination, and follow calculation procedures (corrected mass or total mass) as defined in the standard.
- Annexes and support: Includes normative calculations and informative annexes with example GC‑MS parameters, PVC mass fraction determination methods, and statistical data to support implementation.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it: Textile testing laboratories, manufacturers, product safety and compliance teams, regulatory bodies and retailers performing chemical safety screening of textile products.
- Use cases:
- Compliance with chemical restriction regulations and supplier control.
- Screening of coated fabrics, prints, elastomeric trims and other plasticized components for regulated phthalates.
- Supporting risk assessments and product safety documentation for textiles placed on the EU and international markets.
Related information
- This document is the ISO standard adopted by CEN as EN ISO 14389:2022 and replaces the 2014 edition.
- Laboratories wishing to extend the method to additional phthalates must perform appropriate validation as stated in the standard.
- Refer to the standard’s annexes for calculation examples, GC‑MS parameters and statistical guidance.
Keywords: EN ISO 14389:2022, textiles phthalates, tetrahydrofuran method, GC‑MS, phthalate content determination, textile testing, plasticizers, CEN.