EN 12974:1999

Surface active agents - Determination of the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products by GLC/head space procedure

This European Standard specifies a gas-liquid chromatography (GLC)/head space method for the determination of 1,4-dioxane in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products. The method is applicable to samples containing 1,4-dioxane in the range from 5 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg.

Grenzflächenaktive Stoffe - Bestimmung des Gehaltes von 1,4-Dioxan in Alkylethoxysulfatprodukten durch ein GLC/Head-Space-Verfahren

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Gas-Flüssig-Chromatographie GLC/Head-Space- Verfahren für die Bestimmung von 1,4-Dioxan in Alkylethoxysulfatprodukten fest.Das Verfahren ist anwendbar auf Proben mit einem Massenanteil an 1,4-Dioxan im Bereich von 5 mg/kg bis 100 mg/kg.

Agents de surface - Détermination de la teneur en 1,4-dioxane dans les alkylsulfates éthoxylés par CGL/Espace de tête

La présente norme européenne spécifie une méthode par chromatographie gaz- liquide (CGL) avec espace de tête pour la détermination de la teneur en 1,4- dioxane dans les alkylsulfates éthoxylés. La méthode est applicable à des échantillons présentant une concentration en dioxane-1,4 comprise entre 5 mg/kg et 100 mg/kg.

Površinsko aktivne snovi - Določevanje 1,4-dioksana v alkil-etoksi-sulfatnih proizvodih z GLC/metodo vzorčenja v plinski fazi

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Dec-1999
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Jun-2000
• ICS: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 276 - Surface active agents
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 276/WG 1 - Methods of analysis
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 31-Oct-2024
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12974:2001 - Surface active agents - Determination of the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products by GLC/head space procedure

Relations

• Refers: ISO 1042:1983 - Laboratory glassware — One-mark volumetric flasks
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 3696:1995 - Water for analytical laboratory use - Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 14960:2006 - Inflatable play equipment - Safety requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 12974:1999 is a European standard published by CEN, focused on the determination of 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products using a gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and head space procedure. This standard is essential for manufacturers and laboratories working with surface active agents, providing clear guidelines to accurately measure the concentration of 1,4-dioxane in products within the range of 5 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg. Its implementation supports product safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance in the chemical and detergent industries.

Key Topics

• Surface active agents: The standard applies specifically to alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products, a crucial category of surfactants used in cleaning and personal care products.
• Detection of 1,4-dioxane: 1,4-dioxane is a by-product of ethoxylation processes and is regulated due to its potential health risks. Accurate quantification ensures products remain within safe and acceptable limits.
• GLC/head space procedure: The document outlines a precise methodology using gas-liquid chromatography combined with head space techniques, ensuring sensitive and reliable detection.
• Concentration range: Applicable for samples containing 1,4-dioxane concentrations between 5 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, covering typical levels of concern in commercial products.

Applications

EN 12974:1999 is widely used in sectors that manufacture, formulate, or test surface active agents, particularly those relying on alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate compounds. The standard enables:

• Quality control: Laboratories and manufacturers use this method to monitor and control 1,4-dioxane content during and after production, helping to maintain product consistency and safety.
• Regulatory compliance: Adherence to EN 12974:1999 supports compliance with European Union regulations and international requirements pertaining to impurities and contaminants in consumer and industrial chemicals.
• Product safety assessments: Testing for 1,4-dioxane is crucial for risk assessment, supporting claims of low or controlled impurity levels in detergents, shampoos, and other household products.
• Market access: Demonstrating compliance with this standard is often necessary for market approval in the EU and other regions that reference EN standards for chemical safety.

Related Standards

Organizations and laboratories working with EN 12974:1999 may also need to consult related standards to ensure comprehensive quality and safety management, such as:

• EN 12729 - Backflow preventers for use in water supply
• EN 12671 - Surface active agents - Determination of free alkalinity
• EN ISO 607 - Surface active agents and detergents - Methods of sample division
• ISO 6782 - Test methods for surface active agents

Following EN 12974:1999 alongside related standards helps companies meet both sector-specific and cross-industry regulatory obligations while ensuring high standards of product safety and performance in the surfactants sector.

By utilizing this standard, organizations can achieve improved product reliability and consumer trust, reduce the risk of regulatory violations, and foster safer formulations in the chemical and detergent industries.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.LVXOIDWQLKGrenzflächenaktive Stoffe - Bestimmung des Gehaltes von 1,4-Dioxan in Alkylethoxysulfatprodukten durch ein GLC/Head-Space-VerfahrenAgents de surface - Détermination de la teneur en 1,4-dioxane dans les alkylsulfates éthoxylés par CGL/Espace de teteSurface active agents - Determination of the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products by GLC/head spa
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