ISO 24994:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a method for the determination of the selected metals and semi-metals migration from the internal surface of plastics pipes, fittings and joints to be used for the transport of water intended for human consumption by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This document is used to determine the selected metal and semi-metals migration values of lead (Pb), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), barium (Ba), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As). This method is suitable for all plastics pipes, fittings and joints to be used for the transport of water and raw water intended for human consumption.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 27-Jul-2026
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• ICS: 23.040.45 - Plastics fittings
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 138/SC 5 - General properties of pipes, fittings and valves of plastic materials and their accessories -- Test methods and basic specifications
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 138/SC 5/WG 22 - Thermoplastics pipes for the transport of fluids
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 28-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 03-Apr-2027
• Completion Date: 28-Jul-2026

Overview

ISO 24994:2026 is an international standard developed by ISO for plastics piping systems used in water supply, focusing specifically on the determination of selected metal and semi-metal migration values from plastic pipes, fittings, and their joints. The standard establishes a method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure migration of metals and semi-metals from the internal surfaces of components in contact with water intended for human consumption. The metals and semi-metals addressed include: lead (Pb), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), barium (Ba), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As).

This standard is applicable to all plastic pipes, fittings, and joints designed for transporting potable water, supporting quality assurance in both manufacturing and regulatory contexts.

Key Topics

• Methodology using ICP-MS: Guidance on preparing samples, running migration tests, and calibrating instruments to accurately detect trace levels of metal and semi-metal migration.
• Sample Preparation: Details on preparing pipe, fitting, and joint samples, including prewashing and stagnation steps for reliable results.
• Testing Conditions: Specification of test liquids, temperatures, and durations aligned with real-world water supply conditions.
• Metals and Semi-Metals Concerned: Identification and quantification of migration values for 12 priority elements relevant to water quality and regulatory compliance.
• Reporting Requirements: Standardized reporting for clear, comparable results including expression as both concentration (μg/l) and migration rate (μg/dm²·d), as well as the inclusion of test conditions and sample characteristics.
• Quality Control: Use of blank tests, certified reference materials, and calibration standards to ensure result validity.

Applications

ISO 24994:2026 delivers significant practical value for various stakeholders in the plastics piping system industry and the broader potable water supply chain. Key applications include:

• Product Certification and Compliance: Supports manufacturers in verifying that their systems meet regulatory thresholds for metal and semi-metal migration, a critical step for product safety and market access.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Provides water utilities, laboratories, and regulatory bodies with a scientifically robust and standardized method to assess potential contamination from plastic pipe systems.
• Material Selection and Design: Assists engineers and designers in material evaluation and system design, ensuring the longevity and safety of installations intended for human consumption.
• Routine Quality Control: Facilitates ongoing monitoring and routine testing in production or during maintenance, aiding in early detection of issues and reducing health risks.
• Regulatory Reference: Serves as a harmonized testing basis for national or regional standards, enhancing consistency across borders.

Related Standards

Understanding the broader standards landscape enhances the effective implementation of ISO 24994:2026. Relevant standards include:

• ISO 8795: Migration assessment - provides general test methods for migration from plastics piping systems, referenced for sample and migration liquid preparation.
• ISO 3696: Water for analytical laboratory use - requirements for water purity in testing, ensuring accurate results.
• Additional ISO/TC 138 Standards: Covering other material properties, installation practices, and test methods for plastics pipes, fittings, and valves.
• ISO 17456: (Example) Guidelines for laboratory performance of plastics pipes for drinking water.

By aligning with ISO 24994:2026, organizations reinforce water quality assurance and regulatory compliance, promoting safe potable water distribution through the effective assessment of metal and semi-metal migration in plastic piping systems.

International
Standard
ISO 24994
First edition
Plastics piping systems —
2026-07
Determination of selected metal
and semi-metal migration values
of plastic pipes, fittings and their
joints
Systèmes de canalisations en plastique — Détermination des
valeurs de migration de certains métaux et semi-métaux dans les
tubes, raccords en plastique et leurs assemblages
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Reagents and materials . 2
6 Apparatus . 3
7 Sample preparation . 4
8 Procedure . 4
8.1 Preparation of migration liquid .4
8.1.1 General .4
8.1.2 Stagnation .4
8.1.3 Prewashing .4
8.1.4 Migration test .4
8.2 Preparation of blank migration liquid .5
8.3 Preparation of standard working solutions .5
8.4 Preparation of internal standard solution .5
8.5 Testing .5
8.5.1 Preparation of instrument .5
8.5.2 Operational parameters .5
8.5.3 Establishment of calibration curve .6
8.5.4 Measurement of blank migration liquid .6
8.5.5 Measurement of migration liquid .6
9 Expression of results . 7
9.1 General .7
9.2 Results expressed as concentration .7
9.3 Results expressed as migration rate.7
10 Test report . 7

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 138, Plastics pipes, fittings and valves for the
transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC 5, General properties of pipes, fittings and valves of plastic materials and
their accessories -- Test methods and basic specifications.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
Migratable elements in water supply pipes, fittings and their joints, especially metal elements, can affect
water quality and endanger human health. This document provides a method for the detection of selected
metals and semi-metals in migration liquid acquiring from a series of migration periods according to
ISO 8795. The method of detection is conducive to providing a unified test method and conditions to obtain
comparative test data. This document can serve as a measure for additive monitoring and quality control.
In this document, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is used to determine the
elements' migration values in migration liquid of plastic pipes, fittings and their joints. The main advantages
of ICP-MS include multi-element measurement capability, wide linear dynamic range and high sensitivity.

v
International Standard ISO 24994:2026(en)
Plastics piping systems — Determination of selected metal
and semi-metal migration values of plastic pipes, fittings and
their joints
WARNING — Persons using this document should be familiar with normal laboratory practice, if
applicable. This document does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with
its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the determination of the selected metals and semi-metals migration
from the internal surface of plastics pipes, fittings and joints to be used for the transport of water intended
for human consumption by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
This document is used to determine the selected metal and semi-metals migration values of lead (Pb), tin
(Sn), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), barium (Ba), magnesium (Mg), aluminium
(Al), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As).
This method is suitable for all plastics pipes, fittings and joints to be used for the transport of water and raw
water intended for human consumption.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods
ISO 8795:2001, Plastics piping systems for the transport of water intended for human consumption — Migration
assessment — Determination of migration values of plastics pipes and fittings and their joints
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Principle
Test samples of plastics pipes, fittings or their joints are subjected to stagnation and prewashing with water.
Test samples are then filled with test liquid at a specified temperature and kept for a series of migration
periods. After migration periods have been completed, samples are collected into storage bottles and
preserved appropriately for analysis. The analysis of the migration liquid at the ICP-MS initiates with the
migration liquid being converted to aerosol via a nebulizer and introduced into inductively coupled plasma
(ICP) flame by a carrier gas. At elevated temperatures, the solution undergoes various processes, including
evaporation, dissociation, atomization and ionization, ultimately transforming into positively charged ions.
The ions are subsequently guided into the mass spectrometer through an ion collection system. The ions are

separated by the mass spectrometer based on their mass-to-charge ratio. Within a certain concentration
range, the signal response value corresponding to the mass number of the target element is directly
proportional to its concentration, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis.
5 Reagents and materials
Use only reagents of recognized analytical grade, unless otherwise specified. The reagents shall be of
adequate purity. If validated, reagents of other grades that achieve sufficient purity without affecting the
accuracy of the determination can also be used.
5.1 Water, grade 1 water or deionized water, for all sample preparation and dilutions. Grade 1 water
shall be in accordance with ISO 3696. The resistivity of deionized water should be greater than or equal to
18,2 MΩ·cm at 25 °C.
5.2 Chlorinated water, comprising wa
...