Overview
EN ISO 22517:2021 (identical to ISO 22517:2019) - titled Leather - Chemical tests - Determination of pesticide residues content - specifies a quantitative GC‑MS method for determining pesticide residues in leather. The standard covers the analysis of 24 pesticide compounds (listed in Annex A) and is applicable to all types of leather that could release pesticides. It was prepared by IULTCS in collaboration with CEN and adopted as a European standard in 2021.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and principle: A quantitative method using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) with external standard calibration.
- Sample extraction: Ultrasonic extraction using n‑hexane : ethyl acetate (1 + 1, volume).
- Reagents and standards: Requirements for chromatographic‑grade solvents; preparation of pesticide standard solutions (example concentrations given: 100 µg/ml working, 1 µg/ml stock, calibration range 10–1 000 ng/ml).
- Apparatus: GC with mass‑selective detector (electron impact ionization), analytical balances, vortex, ultrasonic bath (40 kHz, 200 W), rotary evaporator, etc.
- Procedure elements: Extraction, purification, preparation of blanks, calibration solutions, GC‑MS analysis, and system checks.
- Data evaluation: Calculation of concentrations, recovery, precision and reliability assessment.
- Safety: Emphasis on high toxicity of pesticides and POPs; follow material safety data sheets and good laboratory practice.
- Supporting annexes: Detailed lists and GC‑MS parameters are provided - e.g., chromatographic conditions, retention times, ions for quantitation/confirmation, recovery ranges and precision data.
Practical applications
- Routine and confirmatory testing of leather products (raw, semi‑finished, finished) for pesticide contamination.
- Quality control in leather manufacturing to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.
- Analytical service and environmental laboratories performing GC‑MS pesticide residue analysis.
- Compliance testing for import/export, consumer safety, occupational exposure and environmental monitoring where leather may release pesticide residues.
Who should use this standard
- Leather testing laboratories and QA/QC teams in tanneries.
- Third‑party testing and certification bodies.
- Regulatory agencies overseeing chemical safety in textiles and leather goods.
- R&D groups developing extraction and analytical workflows for multi‑residue GC‑MS methods.
Related standards
- ISO 2418 - Leather: sampling location for chemical, physical and fastness tests.
- ISO 4044 - Leather: preparation of chemical test samples.
Keywords: EN ISO 22517:2021, ISO 22517:2019, pesticide residues, leather testing, GC‑MS, gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry, analytical method, leather chemical tests.