With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) banning the use of firefighting foams containing concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) greater than 10 mg/kg from January 1, 2026, ship operators must now urgently transition to PFAS-free alternatives. We stand ready to support this critical shift with world-leading PFAS testing, compliance services and regulatory insight.
PFAS, including PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS, are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence and toxicity. Widely used in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), these “forever chemicals” pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Global regulations are rapidly evolving: the IMO’s ban preceded EU Directive 2020/784 and national efforts, such as those by the US Department of Defense (DoD) and Federal Aviation Administration, plan to meet extremely stringent limits in PFAS-based firefighting agents.
We offer advanced, accredited PFAS analysis for firefighting foams, water, air and soil. Our global laboratories provide both targeted and non-targeted screenings, including total organic fluorine (TOF), total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay and ultra-short chain PFAS detection to ensure your foam meets regulatory limits. We also verify fluorine-free alternatives, helping clients transition with confidence.
Operating globally in all major ports, our teams deliver rapid turnaround, technical consultation and end-to-end compliance support. Our methods, developed with the US EPA, DoD and industry coalitions, exceed global standards for environmental safety and data accuracy.
This initiative exemplifies our IMPACT NOW strategy, that delivers sustainable and scalable solutions that help clients operate safer, greener and smarter while protecting public health and marine ecosystems.
Read about our Environmental PFAS Sampling and Testing Solutions.
For further information, please contact:
Luca Fagiuoli
Global Business Development Manager – Environmental Testing
Industries & Environment
t: +49 151 23 47 55 96
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
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