EN ISO 16189:2021 specifies a laboratory test method to quantitatively determine dimethylformamide (DMF) in footwear and footwear components made from or containing polyurethane (PU) coated materials. Adopted by CEN as EN ISO 16189:2021, this standard updates and replaces the earlier ISO/TS 16189:2013. It is intended for materials where the use of DMF is possible (PU coated material), noting that reaction‑moulded (injected) PU production typically does not require DMF.
Keywords: EN ISO 16189:2021, ISO 16189:2021, dimethylformamide, DMF, footwear testing, polyurethane coated.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Quantitative determination of DMF in footwear materials containing PU coating; materials of interest are further defined in ISO/TR 16178:2021.
- Sample preparation:
- Cut PU coated material into pieces approximately 3–5 mm edge length.
- Weigh (1.00 ± 0.10) g of sample into a sealed glass vial.
- Add 1 ml internal standard (DMF‑d7 working solution) and 9 ml methanol.
- Extraction:
- Extract in an ultrasonic bath at 70 ± 5 °C for 60 ± 5 minutes; cool and filter through a PTFE membrane (0.45 µm) if necessary.
- Analytical determination:
- Analysis by gas chromatography with mass selective detection (GC‑MS) using an internal standard (DMF‑d7).
- Calibration: at least four calibration points (example range 0.5–20 mg/l shown in the standard).
- Results expressed as a mass fraction (mg/kg) using an internal‑standard linear regression calibration.
- Reagents & apparatus: DMF (reference standard), DMF‑d7 internal standard, methanol, amber volumetric glassware (ISO 4787), GC‑MS, ultrasonic bath, PTFE filters and vials. Working and stock solutions stored refrigerated (~4 °C).
Applications and who uses this standard
- Footwear manufacturers: monitor DMF residues in PU coated components to manage product safety and process control.
- Independent testing laboratories: provide accredited screening and quantitative analysis of DMF in shoes, insoles, linings and other footwear parts.
- Material suppliers and quality control teams: verify supplier materials and ensure compliance with buyer specifications or regulatory requirements.
- Regulators and compliance officers: reference a standardized GC‑MS method for enforcement, surveillance and risk assessment related to DMF in consumer footwear.
Practical value: the standard offers a reproducible, validated extraction and GC‑MS workflow for reliable quantification of DMF, enabling consistent reporting (mg/kg) across laboratories.
Related standards
- ISO/TR 16178:2021 - defines materials concerned by this determination.
- ISO 4787 - laboratory glassware and volumetric instruments (referenced for volumetric procedures).
- Supersedes: ISO/TS 16189:2013 (previous technical specification).
For procurement or laboratory implementation search terms: EN ISO 16189:2021, ISO 16189 DMF test method, footwear DMF GC‑MS analysis, polyurethane coated footwear testing.
