PFOS Testing for Marine Firefighting Foams
Supporting Compliance with New SOLAS Regulations
From 1 January 2026, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) prohibits the use of firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) onboard all commercial vessels above 5,000 gross tonnes.
Intertek Lintec provides accredited PFOS testing services to help shipowners and operators achieve compliance with confidence.
PFOS is a persistent organic pollutant with significant environmental and human health concerns. Its use in firefighting foams has been restricted globally, and the maritime sector now faces a firm deadline for removal and replacement.
Testing your firefighting foams enables you to:
- Demonstrate compliance with SOLAS requirements.
- Avoid costly port delays and non-compliance penalties.
- Protect the marine environment from harmful pollutants.
- Safeguard crew and passengers with compliant firefighting solutions.
Intertek laboratory testing can demonstrate that the firefighting foam kept onboard does not contain PFOS in concentrations above 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight).
Intertek Lintec PFOS Testing Capabilities
With increasing demand from the maritime industry, Intertek Lintec delivers reliable and timely PFOS analysis through our laboratories in Geleen (Netherlands), Taiwan, and Fürth (Germany).
Our services include:
- Accredited PFOS analysis in line with international standards.
- Rapid turnaround to support urgent compliance needs.
- Experienced technical support for interpreting results and advising on next steps.
Total Quality Assurance for the Marine Industry
Intertek Lintec combines technical expertise with decades of experience supporting the maritime sector. From fuels and lubricants to firefighting foams and safety compliance, our solutions provide shipowners and operators with the clarity they need to operate with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) is a man-made chemical historically used in firefighting foams for its fuel suppression properties. It is banned due to persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation in wildlife, and human health risks.
From 1 January 2026, firefighting foams containing PFOS are prohibited onboard all commercial vessels above 5,000 GT. Testing is the first step to demonstrate compliance.
All shipowners and operators responsible for vessels over 5,000 GT. Smaller vessels may also choose to test in alignment with best practice.
Intertek Lintec typically provides results within a few business days, depending on sample volumes and logistics.
Testing is available at Intertek laboratories in Geleen, Taiwan, and Fürth, with sample logistics support for global fleets.
Non-compliant foams must be replaced with approved alternatives before the regulation deadline. Intertek experts can advise on next steps.
