Intertek
About us
Through advanced analytical testing and global regulatory guidance, we help organisations manage risk, achieve compliance, and confidently bring safe, high-quality products to market.
With over 30 years of experience, we deliver data-driven scientific solutions across REACH testing and compliance support, PFAS analysis and regulatory guidance, chemical and contamination analysis, and food contact materials compliance. Our combination of scientific excellence, regulatory expertise, and collaborative partnership enables clients to navigate the evolving challenges of the global industry sectors with confidence, including:
• Polymers and plastics
• Specialty and industrial chemicals
• Packaging and food contact materials
• Healthcare and medical devices
• Nanomaterials and advanced materials
• Consumer and agricultural chemicals
REACH Testing and Compliance Support
Our REACH testing and compliance support services provide end-to-end technical and regulatory assistance, enabling organisations to meet their obligations efficiently while minimising unnecessary testing costs.
REACH Analytical Testing Services
We design tailored testing programmes that include:
• Substance identification and sameness testing
• Physico-chemical property testing
• Structural and compositional analysis
• Analytical method development and validation
• Data gap analysis and testing strategy design
REACH Regulatory Consultancy
Our regulatory specialists provide:
• Strategy planning for multiple jurisdictions
• Only Representative Services in the UK, EU Turkey and other global jurisdictions
• IUCLID dossier preparation and submission
• Lead and joint registrant dossier preparation
• Exposure scenario development
• Chemical safety assessments and reports
• PBT and vPvB assessments
• Intelligent testing strategies and read-across justifications
Our experience across multiple registration deadlines, substance types and global regulatory jurisdictions enables clients to maintain compliance while controlling regulatory costs and timelines.
Products
Science-Led Testing Excellence Supporting Industry Innovation, Production and Problem Solving
Our laboratories deliver advanced chemical and materials analysis designed to identify, characterise, and quantify substances within complex materials and formulations. These capabilities allow clients to understand product composition, confirm specification compliance, detect impurities, and address contamination or failure issues. We work across the full product lifecycle, from early R&D through manufacturing, supply chain evaluation, market launch, and post-market performance investigations. Key analytical capabilities include: • Structural and compositional analysis • Trace level contamination analysis • Formulation and deformulation investigations • Migration and extractables/leachables studies • Failure and root cause investigations • Performance and durability testing • Surface chemistry and adhesion studies • Thermal, mechanical, and imaging analysis Our multi-technique approach enables the accurate identification of both intentionally added substances and trace unknown components that may affect safety, compliance, or product performance.
REACH Regulatory Consultancy
Our regulatory specialists provide: • Strategy planning for multiple jurisdictions • Only Representative Services in the UK, EU Turkey and other global jurisdictions • IUCLID dossier preparation and submission • • Lead and joint registrant dossier preparation • Exposure scenario development • Chemical safety assessments and reports • PBT and vPvB assessments • Intelligent testing strategies and read-across justifications Our experience across multiple registration deadlines, substance types and global regulatory jurisdictions enables clients to maintain compliance while controlling regulatory costs and timelines.
Polymers, Plastics and Materials Testing Expertise
Our analytical and materials science expertise supports innovation across polymers, coatings, adhesives, and nanomaterials. We apply advanced characterisation techniques to evaluate structure-property relationships and support product development and failure analysis. Testing capabilities include: • Mechanical and physical performance testing • Thermal analysis and weathering studies • Surface chemistry and adhesion analysis • Barrier property testing • Microstructural and morphological characterisation • Chemical imaging and deformulation analysis These services support industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and consumer products.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Contamination and Materials Support
Our analytical services support pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers through: • Raw material characterisation • Extractables and leachables testing • Chemical Characterisation (ISO 10993-18) • Corrosion and degradation analysis • Counterfeit and impurity identification • Failure and fracture investigations Our multidisciplinary teams provide rapid troubleshooting support for manufacturing challenges and regulatory investigations.
Food Contact Materials and Sustainable Packaging Compliance
Ensuring the safety and compliance of food contact materials and packaging requires a combination of advanced analytical testing and regulatory expertise. We support manufacturers and supply chains in meeting the requirements of global food contact legislation, including (EU) No 10/2011, emerging Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements, and other international regulatory frameworks. Our services help organisations demonstrate material safety, assess potential risks, and support sustainable packaging development through comprehensive testing and regulatory guidance. Food Contact and Packaging Testing Services We deliver targeted analytical programmes designed to support compliance, product development, and risk assessment, including: • Overall and specific migration testing • Non-intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) identification and risk assessment • Extractables and leachables investigations • Additive, contaminant, and recycled material screening • Barrier, durability, and performance testing • Recyclability and sustainability material assessments
Global Chemical Regulatory Support and Notification Services
Chemical regulation varies significantly between regions, requiring manufacturers to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Our global regulatory support services assist companies in achieving compliance across major international jurisdictions. Our capabilities include: EU REACH, UK REACH, Turkish REACH (KKDIK) compliance and representative services • US TSCA notification and compliance • Canadian New Substances Notification Regulations (NSNR) • Canada Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) • Asia Pacific regulatory acompliance and representation (China (detail), Korea (detail), Taiwan (detail) • Biocide and pesticide registration, Global fertiliser registration • Hazard classification and communication including SDS authoring and labelling • Environmental toxicological risk assessments • Government liaison and compliance training We leverage strong relationships with international regulatory agencies and trade associations to accelerate regulatory approvals and support efficient market entry strategies.
PFAS Testing and Regulatory Support
Our scientists apply a range of PFAS analysis methods to identity and determine levels of PFAS in samples. Targeted PFAS analysis offers superior sensitivity and chemical specificity, enabling the precise quantification of the analytes at trace levels. However, this approach is inherently constrained by its scope, as it fails to account for unidentified and polymeric fluorinated compounds. To partially mitigate this limitation, the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay is frequently integrated into analytical workflows. By utilizing an oxidation process, the TOP assay converts polyfluorinated precursors into measurable perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), thereby providing a more representative estimate of the total PFAS environmental load in a sample. ISO 21675: - Water quality: Determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water using solid phase extraction and LC MS/MS DIN 38414-14 - Determination of selected polyfluorinated compounds (PFC) in sludge, compost and soil DIN 38407-42 - Determination of selected polyfluorinated compounds (PFC) in water EN 17681-1 - Textiles and textile products - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis of an alkaline extract DIN 3608 - Determination of perfluoroalkanoic acids by LC-MS/MS after oxidative digestion (TOP-Assay) Long chain PFAS chemical testing (C9-C21 LC-PFCAs) Custom semi-quantitative LC-MS/MS methods for selections of PFAS in multiple substances. Can be adapted to meet specific needs and sample types (examples include: hydrogen sector, electronics, personal care, polymers, foams). Non-targeted PFAS Analysis: This addresses the inherent limitations of (non-)targeted analyses, which fail to detect polymeric PFAS species. Non-targeted PFAS screening using LC-QTOF ASTM D7359 - Total Fluorine by Oxidative Pyrohydrolytic Combustion followed by Ion Chromatography Detection (Combustion Ion Chromatography-CIC) UOP 991 - Trace Fluoride by Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC)
Materials Analysis
Our materials analysis and testing knowledge spans various industry sectors, including aerospace, automotive, nuclear, chemicals, oil and gas, polymers and plastics, packaging, adhesives, medical devices, textiles and apparel, building materials, electronics, composites, consumer products, and nanomaterials. With a global network of laboratories and over 1,000 industry experts, we can support customers worldwide with prompt testing and consulting. Materials Analysis Core Services Material Quality Assurance: Our materials analysis expertise ensures the quality of your materials, supporting product development and guaranteeing performance. Failure Investigation: We investigate and help rectify failure issues by delving into the composition, structure, chemical, mechanical, or physical properties of your materials. Reverse Engineering and Deformulation Studies: Gain valuable insights into the construction and properties of products and materials through our in-depth studies. Performance and Environmental Testing: Assess a product's useful lifetime with accurate predictive information derived from performance and environmental durability testing. Materials Analysis Techniques Our experts use a wide range of materials analysis techniques to provide Total Quality Assurance to your business. Our laboratories work to ISO 17025 accreditation to test to a variety of standards, including ASTM, SAE, UL, IEC, ISO, BIFMA, EN, MIL and OEM-specific. We also provide advanced and routine materials and mechanical testing characterisation, data interpretation and expertise. Materials analysis techniques include microscopy, surface analysis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR analysis, thermal analysis, rheological analysis and spectroscopy techniques including FTIR analysis or Raman analysis.
Elemental analysis expertise
Elemental analysis, including screening and quantification of trace metals, heavy metals, anions, and cations, enables businesses to detect and quantify race levels of elements in a variety of matrices. We use techniques such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and ion chromatography to implement precise methodologies supporting the healthcare, specialty chemicals, materials, and consumer products industries.
Nanomaterials Analysis
Intertek analytical nanotechnology laboratories measure nano-particle size, morphology, dispersion, uniformity, optical and physical properties, and chemical composition. We support regulatory compliance across REACH, Cosmetics Regulation and more. We also support R&D and innovation through to production and production problem solving. Intertek nanoscale nano-material research helps clients understand the use of inorganic fillers for the toughening of plastics, the incorporation of conductive particulates such as carbon nano-tubes to produce antistatic or electrically conductive composites, and the use of nano-clays to improve the barrier properties of films or coatings, among many other applications. Nano-scale materials research and development: Nano-particles analysis: Analysis of particle size and morphology using electron microscopy Application of image analysis to generate quantitative information on size and shape distributions Carbon nanotubes analysis using raman spectroscopy to monitor tube diameter and sample purity, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as elemental analysis to provide information on sample purity or catalyst residue content Coating analysis using spectroscopic techniques, or by surface analysis Scratch Testing Nano-dispersions analysis: Optimum properties are dependent on achieving uniform dispersion (lack of aggregation), and sometimes on the control of orientation Use of techniques such as electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods to characterise the composite morphology and quantify aspects of homogeneity or orientation Development of on-line measurements, as part of a manufacturing process Processing of nano-materials: Polymer matrix, filler content, physical properties and processing conditions investigations Mechanical properties (e.g., toughness, scratch resistance or impact strength) Optical performance (e.g., clarity, reflectance, refractive index)
Packaging Testing Services
Intertek provides comprehensive packaging testing services designed to support product safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability across the packaging value chain. Our global laboratories and technical experts help businesses develop, validate, and optimise packaging materials for performance, regulatory approval, and environmental impact. Services span analytical, physical, and chemical testing supported by regulatory expertise to evaluate packaging durability, migration safety, and material integrity across industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. Intertek also supports circular economy goals through recycled material evaluation, chemical assessments, and lifecycle testing to enable sustainable packaging development. Key Packaging Testing Services Include: Food contact and migration testing, including NIAS and substances of concern such as PFAS, BPA, metals, and phthalates Physical and mechanical testing including strength, durability, barrier properties, and adhesive performance Extractables and leachables studies for pharmaceutical and medical packaging Chemical analysis, material characterisation, and failure investigation Sustainable packaging and circular economy support including recycled content verification and lifecycle assessment Regulatory compliance support across global packaging and food contact standards
Chemical Composition Analysis and Testing
Our global network of chemical analysis laboratories test samples, materials and products for chemical composition and impurities. Our chemical analysis scientists have considerable expertise in determining the chemical composition of a sample, trace analysis, reverse engineering, elemental analysis, trace metals testing, REACH substance ID testing and advanced research support. We regularly develop and optimise (and validate, if necessary) analytical methods to make them suitable for your requirements and the industry sector within which you operate. Intertek also provides composition analysis - first identifying the unknown substances (via the deformulation process) and then quantifying them in the sample. We apply our Total Quality Assurance expertise to provding composition analysis serving a wide range of industry sectors and sample types including chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, polymers, medical devices, consumer products, packaging materials and more.
Contamination Testing
Our contamination testing experts provide a strategic response to resolving a contamination incident, which incorporates both a stringent risk assessment methodology and investigational insight, with focus on accurate identification of the nature of the contaminant, determination of its source and on swift resolution via key techniques including spectroscopy and microscopy. We detect, isolate and identify suspected contaminants down to trace and ultra-trace levels, to quickly understand the contamination problem and are typically experienced in dealing with various sample types such as liquids, solids, gases, surfaces, powders & particles, metals, polymers, formulated chemical products, silicones, greases, lubricants, cleaning agents, organic and inorganic materials. We understand that time is critical in any contamination situation that you face, and as such, we specialise in rapid response problem solving, lasting solutions and client support via contamination control and decontamination across many manufacturing sectors, products and markets. Our laboratories are staffed by industry-experienced personnel who provide an independent, specialist resource using a wide range of proven and advanced analytical techniques, guiding you through the issues which you may be facing. Related Contamination Services: Contamination Identification and Problem Solving Contamination Risk Assessments Chemical Residue Analysis Testing Analysis of Poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
REACH Testing Support
Based on our extensive knowledge of global chemical regulatory issues and considerable experience gained during the EU REACH registration deadlines, we continue to offer regulatory chemical testing programs to clients around the world as they look ahead to the UK REACH registration deadlines and the forthcoming revision of the EU legislation REACH Regulation 1907/2006. We deliver high quality REACH testing data for structural and compositional information (including information on impurities) as part of your substance identity requirements and sameness testing and relevant technical guidance to ease your registration process. With strengths in data assessment we identify any data gaps in the information to complete a dossier and then put in place efficient strategies to address these gaps whilst minimizing unnecessary testing costs. REACH Substance Identity REACH Sameness Testing REACH Testing for Nanoforms Polymers Under REACH Petroleum UVCBs Testing for REACH UK REACH Testing Testing for REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) We adapt our REACH services to your specific needs. We can manage the entire process for you or we can provide you with support for the specific areas where you need assistance. REACH registration dossiers are live documents and are expected to be maintained and updated promptly upon changes or new data.
Polymer Science
Enabling polymer innovation and sustainable polymer technologies through proven regulatory assurance, advanced testing, and supply chain expertise, Intertek Polymer Science helps businesses accelerate development, optimise production, and achieve global compliance. With over 40 years of experience, our global network of chemists and engineers supports organisations across the full polymer lifecycle, from R&D and formulation to processing, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. Our laboratories operate to internationally recognised standards including ISO 17025, UKAS, and A2LA, delivering reliable, high-quality testing supported by regulatory and toxicological expertise. We provide comprehensive polymer characterisation, processing and performance testing, contamination and degradation investigations, and quality assurance for virgin and recycled materials. Our services also include method development, process monitoring, wastewater and emissions testing, including PFAS and microplastics analysis, helping clients meet evolving environmental and safety requirements. Our regulatory and compliance support spans global chemical notifications, toxicological and safety assessments, Safety Data Sheet development, and supply chain compliance. Through SupplyTek, we strengthen supply chain resilience with supplier mapping, risk assessments, trade impact analysis, and traceability solutions. We support sustainable innovation through carbon footprint verification, lifecycle analysis (LCA), biodegradation, and compostability testing, enabling credible eco-claims and supporting regulatory submissions. Our specialised expertise extends to packaging, automotive, aerospace, construction, and energy sectors. Services include migration and NIAS testing for food contact materials, OEM-approved automotive testing, VOC and weathering studies, accelerated durability testing, and support for regulated substance compliance such as GADSL.
News
Case Study: REACH Substance Identity for an Organic Mono-Constituent Substance
A real-world example of substance identity for an organic mono-constituent substance to provide robust data for REACH compliance using the most appropriate techniques. Get the right Substance ID strategy from the start.
Webinar: PFAS - Regulatory Developments and Monitoring in Polymer Samples
Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and discover how Intertek can help your organisation navigate these challenges effectively.
Intertek launches Polymer Science solutions
Bringing global polymer services together to accelerate sustainable innovation
XRF analysis and mapping for swift and reliable insights into material composition
Our scientists support global innovators and producers across various industries to help resolve these common concerns using XRF elemental analysis:
Plastics Recyclers Europe recognise Intertek for proficiency in contaminant detection for recycled food contact materials
Intertek has been recognised by Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) as a successful participant in the DRRR Proficiency Testing programme: Contaminants in recycled plastic material – Phase 2 (RVEP 259599).