Overview
EN ISO 16190:2021 - Footwear - Test method to quantitatively determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in footwear materials - is an ISO standard adopted by CEN (EN ISO 16190:2021). It specifies a laboratory method to extract and quantify PAHs in footwear and footwear components, supporting regulatory compliance (e.g., REACH / Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1513) and brand Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs). The method replaces the earlier ISO/TS 16190:2013 and provides a harmonized approach for testing a defined list of PAHs relevant to footwear safety.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Quantitative determination of PAHs in a variety of footwear materials (see ISO/TR 16178:2021 for relevant materials).
- Target analytes: A list of 24 PAHs (including Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[e]pyrene, Chrysene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, etc.) that may be relevant for compliance and risk assessment.
- Sample preparation and extraction:
- Extraction with toluene at 60 °C in an ultrasonic bath for 1 hour (principle described in the standard).
- Instructions for sample aliquoting and optional clean-up.
- Clean-up: Optional Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) procedures to reduce matrix interference before instrumental analysis.
- Instrumental determination: Analysis by GC‑MS or GC‑MS/MS with guidance on chromatographic conditions and calibration.
- Calibration and standards: Preparation of PAH stock and working solutions, with procedures for selecting which PAHs to determine.
- Expression of results: Reporting individual PAH concentrations and optional summed PAH values; requirements for test report content and method performance metrics.
- Safety: Warnings on handling flammable solvents (toluene) and carcinogenic PAHs, and occupational safety obligations.
Applications and users
This standard is used by:
- Laboratories performing conformity and quality testing of footwear materials.
- Footwear manufacturers and suppliers implementing product safety and internal RSL compliance.
- Brand compliance teams verifying supplier declarations and product releases.
- Regulators and market surveillance bodies enforcing chemical limits in consumer products.
- Use cases include regulatory compliance (REACH), product development risk assessments, incoming material control, and supplier audits.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 16190:2021, PAHs, footwear testing, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, GC‑MS, toluene extraction, REACH compliance, restricted substances.
