kSIST FprEN 14823:2026

Biological durability of wood and wood-based products - Quantitative determination of pentachlorophenol in wood - Gas chromatographic method

This document specifies a laboratory method of determining the pentachlorophenol content of wood. The method is applicable to all types of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in woods and wood-based materials as well as for the analysis of waste timber with respect to its pentachlorophenol (PCP) content.
The method described has a measurement range from 250 µg/kg up to pentachlorophenol (PCP) contents of 5 mg/kg of dry matter. These figures refer to the given example (where an aliquot of 1 ml of the extract is used for acetylation, see 9.3).
NOTE 1   If lower quantification limits are required, a higher volume of extract aliquot can be used for derivatisation.
NOTE 2   This method could have some modifications with some wood species as hardwoods. In general, in the case of complex matrix, a method using mass spectrometry can be used.

Biologische Dauerhaftigkeit von Holz und Holzprodukten - Quantitative Bestimmung von Pentachlorphenol in Holz - Gaschromatographisches Verfahren

Dieses Dokument legt ein Laborverfahren zur Bestimmung des Pentachlorphenol-Gehalts von Holz fest. Das Verfahren ist bei allen Arten von Pentachlorphenol (PCP) in Holz und Holzprodukten anwendbar sowie zur Analyse von Altholz in Bezug auf den Gehalt von Pentachlorphenol (PCP).
Das beschriebene Verfahren ist anwendbar von 250 µg/kg bis zu einem Pentachlorphenol(PCP)-Gehalt von 5 mg/kg Trockensubstanz. Diese Angaben beziehen sich auf das angegebene Beispiel (in dem ein Aliquot von 1 ml des Extraktes für die Acetylierung verwendet wird, siehe 9.3).
ANMERKUNG 1   Sind niedrigere Bestimmungsgrenzen erforderlich, kann ein größeres Extraktvolumen als Aliquot für die Derivatisierung verwendet werden.
ANMERKUNG 2   Bei einigen Holzarten, wie z. B. Laubholz, können Änderungen dieses Verfahrens erforderlich sein. Im Allgemeinen kann bei einer komplexen Matrix ein Verfahren mit Massenspektrometrie angewendet werden.

Durabilité biologique du bois et des matériaux dérivés - Analyse quantitative du pentachlorophénol dans le bois - Méthode par chromatographie en phase gazeuse

Le présent document décrit une méthode de laboratoire permettant de déterminer la teneur en pentachlorophénol du bois. La méthode s’applique à tous les types de pentachlorophénol (PCP) présents dans le bois et les matériaux dérivés du bois, ainsi qu’à l’analyse des déchets de bois quant à leur teneur en pentachlorophénol (PCP).
La gamme de mesure dans la méthode décrite spécifie une teneur en pentachlorophénol (PCP) dans la matière sèche qui s’étend de 250 µg/kg jusqu’à 5 mg/kg. Ces chiffres se réfèrent à l’exemple donné (dans lequel un aliquote de 1 ml de l’extrait est utilisé pour l’acétylation, voir 9.3).
NOTE 1   Si des limites de quantification inférieures sont exigées, il est possible d’utiliser un extrait aliquote de plus grand volume pour la dérivation.
NOTE 2   Il est possible d’apporter quelques modifications à cette méthode pour quelques essences de bois telles que des feuillus. En général, dans le cas d’une matrice bois complexe, une méthode ayant recours à la spectrométrie de masse peut être utilisée.

Biološka odpornost lesa in lesnih proizvodov - Kvantitativno ugotavljanje pentaklorofenola v lesu - Plinska kromatografska metoda

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 19-Jan-2026
• ICS: 71.040.50 - Physicochemical methods of analysis
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: LLZ - Les, lesni izdelki in zaščita lesa
• Current Stage: 5020 - Formal vote (FV) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 07-May-2026
• Due Date: 25-Jun-2026
• Completion Date: 08-May-2026
• Ref Project: FprEN 14823 - Biological durability of wood and wood-based products - Quantitative determination of pentachlorophenol in wood - Gas chromatographic method

Relations

• Revised: SIST-TR CEN/TR 14823:2004 - Durability of wood and wood-based products - Quantitative determination of pentachlorophenol in wood - Gas chromatographic method
• Effective Date: 19-Jan-2023

Overview

kSIST FprEN 14823:2026 is an international standard developed by SIST, specifying a laboratory method for the quantitative determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in wood and wood-based products using gas chromatography. This standard is essential for assessing the biological durability and safety of construction materials, especially in compliance with European regulations that limit PCP content in wood products due to health and environmental concerns.

The method is applicable to all types of PCP in wood, wood-based materials, and waste timber. It encompasses a measurement range from 250 µg/kg up to 5 mg/kg of dry matter and can be adapted to detect even lower PCP levels. For complex sample matrices, such as some hardwoods, modifications or mass spectrometry may be employed to ensure accurate quantification.

Key Topics

• Scope: Defines the applicability of the gas chromatographic method for determining PCP content in a wide variety of wood species and wood-based products, including waste wood.
• Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates adherence to European construction product regulations by providing a harmonized testing method for PCP.
• Test Method: Outlines procedures for sample collection, extraction, derivatisation, and quantitative analysis using gas chromatography with electron capture (ECD) or mass selective detection (MS).
• Quality Assurance: Emphasizes the importance of validated procedures, the use of certified reference materials, and documented quality control to ensure reliability and repeatability of the results.
• Reporting Requirements: Specifies the information to be included in test reports, such as sampling and preparation details, analytical procedures, results, and measurement uncertainty.

Applications

This standard provides significant practical value for:

• Manufacturers of Wood and Wood-Based Products
  • Ensures products meet regulatory requirements for maximum allowable PCP content.
  • Supports product certification and eco-labeling.
• Testing Laboratories
  • Delivers a harmonized and validated test procedure to accurately determine PCP contamination.
  • Facilitates inter-laboratory comparison and quality assurance.
• Environmental and Health Authorities
  • Helps monitor and control PCP levels in construction and furnishing materials, reducing potential health risks.
  • Assists in environmental impact assessments and the safe management of treated or waste timber.
• Recycled Wood Industry
  • Assesses suitability of wood waste for reuse or disposal, promoting safe recycling and waste minimization.
• Construction Sector
  • Supports sourcing and compliance documentation for wood-based materials used in building and infrastructure projects.

Related Standards

Organizations and professionals implementing kSIST FprEN 14823:2026 may also refer to the following related standards for comprehensive compliance and best practices:

• EN 212 - Guidance on sampling and preparation for analysis of wood preservatives.
• EN 351-2 - Durability of wood and wood-based products - Guidance on sampling of preservative-treated wood.
• EN ISO 3696 - Specification for water used in analytical laboratory processes.
• EN 13986 - Wood-based panels for use in construction.
• EN 14342 - Wood flooring and parquet – Evaluation and marking.
• EN 14915 - Solid wood panelling and cladding requirements.
• EN 322 - Determination of moisture content in wood-based panels.
• ISO 5725 Series - Accuracy of measurement methods and results.
• ISO 11465 - Gravimetric method for moisture and dry matter determination.

By establishing a consistent analytic framework, kSIST FprEN 14823:2026 enables efficient, accurate, and compliant assessment of pentachlorophenol content, supporting quality, safety, and sustainability in the wood products sector.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
01-januar-2026
Biološka trajnost lesa in lesnih proizvodov - Kvantitativno ugotavljanje
pentaklorofenola v lesu - Plinska kromatografska metoda
Biological durability of wood and wood-based products - Quantitative determination of
pentachlorophenol in wood - Gas chromatographic method
Biologische Dauerhaftigkeit von Holz und Holzprodukten - Quantitative Bestimmung von
Pentachlorphenol in Holz - Gaschromatographisches Verfahren
Durabilité biologique du bois et des matériaux dérivés - Analyse quantitative du
pentachlorophénol dans le bois - Méthode par chromatographie en phase gazeuse
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 14823
ICS:
71.040.50 Fizikalnokemijske analitske Physicochemical methods of
metode analysis
79.040 Les, hlodovina in žagan les Wood, sawlogs and sawn
timber
oSIST prEN 14823:2026 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN 14823:2026
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 14823
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2025
ICS 71.100.50; 79.040 Will supersede CEN/TR 14823:2003
English Version
Biological durability of wood and wood-based products -
Quantitative determination of pentachlorophenol in wood
- Gas chromatographic method
Durabilité biologique du bois et des matériaux dérivés Biologische Dauerhaftigkeit von Holz und
- Analyse quantitative du pentachlorophénol dans le Holzprodukten - Quantitative Bestimmung von
bois - Méthode par chromatographie en phase gazeuse Pentachlorphenol in Holz - Gaschromatographisches
Verfahren
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 38.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 14823:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Safety precautions . 5
5 Principle . 5
6 Reagents . 6
7 Apparatus . 6
8 Sampling and preparation of the test sample . 7
9 Procedure . 7
Table 1 — Example of calibration solutions . 8
10 Calculation and expression of results . 11
11 Quality assurance . 12
12 Test report . 12
Annex A (informative) Results of the round robin test . 13
Table A.1 – Lab test parameters and individual experimental results . 13
Table A.2 – Statistical results . 14
Bibliography . 15

oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 14823:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 38 “Biological
durability of wood and wood-based products”, the secretariat of which is held by SIS.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede the Technical Report CEN/TR 14823:2003, which was fully revised.
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
Introduction
This document has been issued to facilitate the analysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in woods and panels.
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) can be present as residues from old anti-sapstain treatment.
The EN status was adopted by the CEN/TC 38, considering the need of a European standard dealing with
this topic in particular for the wooden construction products such as wood-based panels or floorings,
which are concerned by a pentachlorophenol (PCP) content required by harmonized standards for the
Construction Product regulation.
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies a laboratory method of determining the pentachlorophenol content of wood. The
method is applicable to all types of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in woods and wood-based materials as well
as for the analysis of waste timber with respect to its pentachlorophenol (PCP) content.
The method described has a measurement range from 250 µg/kg up to pentachlorophenol (PCP)
contents of 5 mg/kg of dry matter. These figures refer to the given example (where an aliquot of 1 ml of
the extract is used for acetylation, see 9.3).
NOTE 1 If lower quantification limits are required, a higher volume of extract aliquot can be used for
derivatisation.
NOTE 2 This method could have some modifications with some wood species as hardwoods. In general, in the
case of complex matrix, a method using mass spectrometry can be used.
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.
EN 212, Wood preservatives — General guidance on sampling and preparation for analysis of wood
preservatives and treated timber
EN 351-2, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Preservative-treated solid wood — Part 2:
Guidance on sampling for the analysis of preservative-treated wood
EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
4 Safety precautions
Persons using this method should be familiar with normal analytical laboratory procedures and practice.
This method does not purport to address all the safety problems, if any, associated with its use.
It is the responsibility of the user to establish safety and health practices and to ensure compliance with
any European or national regulatory conditions.
5 Principle
Pentachlorophenol is extracted from the wood material using appropriate solvents. The extracted
pentachlorophenol is transformed to pentachlorophenol acetate by derivatisation of an aliquot of the
extract in aqueous potassium carbonate solution with acetic anhydride. The acetate derivative formed is
extracted from this aqueous solution with n-hexane and analysed by gas chromatography with electron
capture detection or mass selective detection.
Methanol, acetone or toluene are considered as convenient. Other solvents can be used. Some extraction
difficulties can occur with some wood species (e.g. hardwoods). It is recommended to crosscheck the
extraction efficiency of any other solvent or solvent mixture.
For complex mixtures, the method using mass spectrometry should be used.
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
6 Reagents
During the analysis, unless otherwise specified, use only reagents of recognized analytical grade, which
have been checked in advance as to not interfere with the analytical results, and water complying with
grade 3 as defined in EN ISO 3696.
6.1 Acetic anhydride (C H O ).
4 6 3
6.2 Methanol (CH OH).
6.3 Acetone (C H O).
3 6
6.4 Toluene (C H CH ).
6 5 3
6.5 n-Hexane (C H ).
6 14
6.6 Potassium carbonate, solution, c(K CO ) = 0,1 mol/l.
2 3
6.7 Sodium sulfate, anhydrous (Na SO ).
2 4
6.8 Pentachlorophenol (pentachlorophenol (PCP), (C Cl OH)) of GC quality.
6 5
6.9 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP, (C H Br OH)) of GC quality as an internal standard.
6 2 3
6.10 Certified Reference Material BCR-683 (PCP and PAH in wood).
6.11 Certified Reference Material BAM-U030 (PCP in wood).
7 Apparatus
Ordinary laboratory apparatus and the following.
Glassware should be thoroughly cleaned prior to use.
7.1 Analytical balance, accurate to 0,1 mg.
7.2 Ultra-sonic bath equipped with a thermostat capable of controlling and maintaining a
temperature of 40 °C.
7.3 Pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) system.
Pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) is an automated extraction technique that uses elevated temperature
and pressure.
7.4 Separating funnel.
7.5 Disposable Pasteur pipettes made of glass.
7.6 Volumetric pipettes.
7.7 Microlitre syringes.
7.8 Volumetric flasks.
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
7.9 Conical flasks, with screw caps provided with an insert of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or
alternatively with standard ground stoppers provided with PTFE standard ground sockets and conical
joint clips.
7.10 Extraction cell for PFE system.
7.11 Gas chromatograph equipped with a non-discriminating injection system and an electron
capture detector (ECD) or mass spectrometry (MS), with split/ splitless injector.
7.12 Separation column. Capillary column, with stationary phase of (5 %-Phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane.
NOTE Pre-column coated with deactivated silica could be used.
8 Sampling and preparation of the test sample
8.1 Sampling
Samples submitted to testing shall be prepared and conditioned in accordance with EN 351-2, EN 212, or
another suitable standard depending on the aim of the test, in particular the cutting area (sawdust or
shaving).
8.2 Preparation for analysis
Collect at least 5 to 10 g of the sample material taken according to e.g. EN 212. This sample material is
obtained with the appropriate cutting tools, thoroughly cleaned with acetone for example.
This sample material is cut by plane to shavings or ground under mild conditions (to avoid heating) to
sawdust with an approximate particle size ≤ 2,0 mm diameter.
Homogenize the ground sample material to obtain a representative sample and store it in a brown glass
vessel with screw caps with a PTFE insert. This is the test sample.
The mass submitted to test could be lower according to the shape and the type of the material tested.
9 Procedure
9.1 General
The analysis is carried out on duplicate. If results differ by more than 15 % an additional analysis shall be
carried out.
9.2 Standard solutions
9.2.1 Preparation of stock solutions (calibrant and internal standard)
Prepare or procure a standard solution containing the compounds in appropriate concentration
depending on the sensitivity of the system and the conditions diluted in an analytical solvent for
chromatography. By example:
Prepare the stock solutions by weighing about 12,5 mg of pentachlorophenol (PCP) (6.8) and TBP (6.9)
separately to the nearest of 0,01 mg and dissolve each in 25 ml methanol (6.2).
NOTE 1 These stock solutions with nominal concentrations of 0,5 mg/ml can be stored in the dark at –18 °C for
three months.
Given sufficient solubility and stability, the standard stock solution can be dissolved in other solvent than
methanol. Acetone and toluene are considered as suitable.
oSIST prEN 14823:2026
prEN 14823:2025 (E)
9.2.2 Preparation of working solutions
Transfer by pipette (7.6) 1,00 ml of stock pentachlorophenol (PCP) solution (9.2.1) to a 10 ml one-mark
volumetric flask (7.8) and make up to the mark with methanol (6.2) to give a solution having a nominal
concentration of 50 µg/ml pentachlorophenol (PCP). Repeat with the TBP stock solution to give a solution
having a nominal concentration of 50 µg/ml TBP.
NOTE 1 The maximum storage time of these solutions is one month at approximately 5 °C, e.g. in a refrigerator.
Given sufficient solubility and stability, the working solutions can be dissolved in other solvent than
methanol. Acetone and toluene are considered as suitable.
9.2.3 Preparation of calibration standards
To a series of 100 ml one-mark volumetric flasks (7.8), transfer 25 µl, 50 µl, 100 µl, 250 µl and 500 µl of
pentachlorophenol (PCP) working solution (9.2.2). To each of the five flasks and on
...