March 2026: New Standards Advance Sulfur Testing in Glass and Ceramics

The Glass and Ceramics Industries have reached an important milestone this March 2026, with the publication of four comprehensive international standards governing the determination of sulfur in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials and finished products. These updates, released under the EN ISO and ISO banners, introduce robust methods—including infrared measurement, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and ion chromatography (IC)—to assure accuracy and reliability in sulfur quantification. As sulfur content directly impacts product quality, process optimization, and regulatory compliance, these standards mark a crucial development for laboratories, manufacturers, compliance officers, and procurement specialists throughout the sector.

Overview

The Glass and Ceramics Industries are foundational to a broad spectrum of sectors, from construction and automotive to electronics and energy. Quality and compositional consistency are paramount, as even trace impurities can compromise performance, durability, and compliance. International standards play a pivotal role in ensuring that products meet stringent chemical specifications, fostering trust, interoperability, and global trade.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of four newly published standards from March 2026 focusing on the testing and determination of sulfur in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials. You will learn about the scope and objectives of each standard, technical methodologies, key requirements, and their implications for business operations and compliance.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 14720-1:2026 – Sulfur in Non-Oxidic Ceramic Materials – Infrared Measurement

Testing of ceramic materials - Determination of sulfur in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials and ceramic materials - Part 1: Infrared measurement methods (ISO 14720-1:2026)

This European and International standard, harmonized under CEN and ISO, prescribes a method for determining sulfur content in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials—such as silicon carbides, silicon nitrides, graphites, carbon blacks, cokes, and carbon powders. It’s applicable for materials with mass fractions of sulfur from 0.005% to 2%, and can be extended to higher concentrations with case-by-case verification.

The core methodology involves heating samples in an induction furnace under an oxygen atmosphere, triggering a reaction that releases sulfur as sulfur dioxide. The resulting gas is analyzed using highly sensitive infrared detection, correlating SO₂ absorption at characteristic wavelengths to sulfur content. The process emphasizes matrix-matched calibration, repeatability, and precise reporting.

Industries utilizing advanced ceramics for refractories, semiconductors, abrasives, and glass manufacturing must align their laboratory protocols with this method for robust, comparable results. Adoption ensures compliance with procurement specifications, reduces product variability, and streamlines supply chain audits.

Key highlights:

• Precise measurement of low-level sulfur (down to 0.005%)
• Application to a wide range of non-oxidic materials
• Supports risk management by improving detection of potentially harmful impurities

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 14720-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 14720-2:2026 – Sulfur in Non-Oxidic Ceramic Materials – ICP-OES or IC After Oxygen Combustion

Testing of ceramic materials - Determination of sulfur in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials and ceramic materials - Part 2: Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or ion chromatography (IC) after burning in the oxygen flow (ISO 14720-2:2026)

This standard introduces a two-part analytical approach for sulfur quantification after combustion in an oxygen stream. Applicable to carbon and graphite materials that oxidize fully at high temperatures, the procedure first oxidizes samples in a controlled furnace at around 1,100°C. The resulting sulfur oxides are absorbed in sodium hydroxide/hydrogen peroxide solution. Sulfur content is then measured using:

• ICP-OES (detects as low as 0.5 mg/kg)
• Ion Chromatography (detects as low as 5 mg/kg)

This approach is especially relevant for organizations engaged in the production and processing of high-performance ceramic materials, including those with demanding ash and sulfur content specifications. Laboratories, quality teams, and R&D departments benefit from traceable methodology, interference correction, and results repeatability.

Key highlights:

• Two complementary techniques (ICP-OES and IC) expand method flexibility
• Enhanced suitability for high-sulfur and complex composite materials
• Detailed protocols for blank determination reduce risk of contamination

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 14720-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 14720-1:2026 – Sulfur in Non-Oxidic Ceramic Raw Materials – Infrared Measurement Methods

Testing of ceramic materials — Determination of sulfur in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials and ceramic materials — Part 1: Infrared measurement methods

As the global counterpart to the EN ISO version, this ISO standard upholds international best practices for measuring sulfur in non-oxidic ceramics with the same infrared absorption principle. Notably, it introduces improvements over earlier editions—such as expanded scope, revised apparatus requirements, and additional guidance on suitable combustion accelerators and reference materials for calibration.

Labs and quality management systems that seek ISO alignment will find this standard indispensable. It covers aspects from sample preparation and calibration to result calculation, repeatability, and test reporting—ensuring accurate sulfur monitoring in materials for electronics, refractories, and advanced glass production.

Key highlights:

• Updated calibration guidance and result validation requirements
• Covers both infrared and ultraviolet absorption cells for SO₂ detection
• Detailed annexes support uncertainty analysis and round-robin validation

Access the full standard:View ISO 14720-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 14720-2:2026 – Sulfur in Non-Oxidic Ceramic Raw Materials – ICP-OES or IC After Oxygen Flow

Testing of ceramic materials — Determination of sulfur in non-oxidic ceramic raw materials and ceramic materials — Part 2: Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or ion chromatography (IC) after burning in the oxygen flow

This standard provides a blueprint for laboratories implementing sulfur analysis by advanced instrumental means post oxygen combustion, targeting applications with sulfur up to 10% by mass and ash content below 20%. It incorporates calibration procedures, sample preparation, blank value determination, and detailed instructions to mitigate spectral, physical, and matrix-related interferences inherent to ICP-OES and IC techniques.

The standard’s robustness makes it a critical document for those supplying or verifying high-value ceramic and glass raw materials, where sulfur impacts performance, safety, or environmental compliance.

Key highlights:

• Standardized spectrometric and chromatographic detection for trace-to-high sulfur concentrations
• Mitigates matrix effects and cross-analyte interference for enhanced data integrity
• Aligns results with regulatory and customer expectations through precise methodology

Access the full standard:View ISO 14720-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The release of these four coordinated standards signals a major shift in analytical rigor and harmonization for the Glass and Ceramics Industries. Adhering to these new specifications:

• Reduces risk by providing scientifically validated procedures to identify sulfur impurities, which are critical for maintaining product integrity in glass, ceramic, and refractory applications.
• Streamlines procurement as buyers and suppliers across borders can now reference and audit against globally accepted sulfur testing protocols.
• Supports compliance with both domestic and international regulations, ensuring that manufacturers avoid costly rejections, recalls, or reputational harm.

Transition timelines for adoption may vary by geography and sector, but proactive implementation is encouraged. Early compliance helps organizations sharpen their competitive edge, drive product consistency, and safeguard market access.

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

• All standards require representative sampling, meticulous sample preparation, and traceable calibration procedures.
• Analytical ranges support both trace (mg/kg) and bulk measurements (up to 10% sulfur).
• Methods are robust against common interferences when manufacturers' guidelines are followed—crucial for high-ash or barium-containing samples.
• Comprehensive test reports including repeatability and reproducibility metrics are mandatory.

Implementation Best Practices

1. Laboratory Preparedness: Verify equipment compatibility (infrared absorption cells, ICP-OES, IC platforms), calibrate with certified reference materials, and schedule regular proficiency testing.
2. Training: Ensure lab staff are trained on updated procedures, especially for new safety protocols in high-temperature combustion and handling of hazardous reagents.
3. Data Management: Adopt standardized reporting for seamless supplier-customer communication and auditing.
4. Supplier Collaboration: Coordinate with material suppliers to ensure alignment with the latest sulfur determination standards, reducing supply chain variability.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Employ cross-method validation (IR vs. ICP-OES/IC) wherever possible for critical batches.
• Maintain documentation for all calibration, testing, and reporting activities to enable audits and trace non-conformities.
• Engage with accredited bodies or proficiency testing schemes to uphold certification status and credibility.

Conclusion / Next Steps

This March 2026 suite of new standards for the Glass and Ceramics Industries embodies a major leap forward in chemical analysis, quality assurance, and harmonized global practice. As the industry faces increasing scrutiny and market demands, adopting these targeted standards for sulfur determination is not simply beneficial—it is essential.

Key takeaways:

• New, harmonized methods are available for precise, repeatable sulfur testing.
• Standards support regulatory compliance, trade, and product optimization.
• Early adoption streamlines quality control, reduces risk, and strengthens your value proposition in a competitive market.

Recommended actions:

• Review your current laboratory and quality control processes.
• Train personnel and update procurement clauses to reference these latest standards.
• Explore the full content and technical resources for each standard on iTeh Standards.

Stay at the forefront of quality and compliance—visit iTeh Standards to access the complete texts and ensure your operations are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.