WG 3 - TC 111/WG 3

IEC 62321-3-4:2023 specifies procedures for the screening of di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in polymers of electrotechnical products by using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TD-MS).
High performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TD-MS) techniques are described in the normative part of this document. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is described in the informative annexes of this document.

IEC 62321-12:2023 specifies a reference test method for the simultaneous determination of polybrominated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and four phthalates: di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in polymers of electrotechnical products.
The extraction technique described in this document is the ultrasonic-assisted extraction used for simultaneous extraction for sample preparation.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is considered as the reference technique for the measurement of the simultaneous determination of analytes in the range of 25 mg/kg to 2 000 mg/kg.
The test method using ultrasonic-assisted extraction followed by GC-MS detection has been evaluated by the tests of polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylate rubber (ACM), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene (PE) materials.
This document has the status of a horizontal publication in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-3-3:2021 specifies the screening analysis of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in polymers of electrotechnical products using the analytical technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using a pyrolyser/thermal desorption accessory (Py/TD-GC-MS).
This test method has been evaluated through the analysis of PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) materials containing deca-BDE between 100 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg and individual phthalates between 100 mg/kg to 4 000 mg/kg as depicted in Annex J. Use of the methods described in this document for other polymer types, PBBs (mono deca), PBDEs (mono-deca) and phthalates or concentration ranges other than those specified above has not been specifically evaluated.
This document has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-9:2021 specifies two techniques for the determination of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in polymers of electrotechnical products.
The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test method is described in the normative part of this document. The GC-MS method is suitable for the determination of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD).
A method using high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is given.
These test methods have been evaluated for use with EPS (expanded polystyrene foam), XPS (extruded polystyrene foam) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) within the concentration ranges as specified. The use of this method for other types of materials or concentration ranges outside those specified below has not been evaluated.
This document has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-2:2021 provides strategies of sampling along with the mechanical preparation of samples from electrotechnical products. These samples can be used for analytical testing to determine the levels of certain substances as described in the test methods in other parts of the IEC 62321 series. Restrictions for substances will vary between geographic regions and can be updated on a regular basis. This document describes a generic process for obtaining and preparing samples prior to the determination of any substance of concern.
This document does not provide:
– full guidance on each and every product that could be classified as electrotechnical product. Since there is a huge variety of electrotechnical parts, with various structures and compositions, along with the continuous innovations in the industry, it is unrealistic to attempt to provide procedures for the disjointment of every type of part;
– guidance regarding other routes to gather additional information on certain substances in a product, although the information collected has relevance to the sampling strategies in this document;
– safe disassembly and mechanical disjointment instructions related to electrotechnical products (e.g. mercury-containing switches) and the recycling industry (e.g. how to handle CRTs or the safe removal of batteries). See IEC 62554 for the disjointment and mechanical sample preparation of mercury-containing fluorescent lamps;
– sampling procedures for packaging and packaging materials;
– analytical procedures to measure the levels of certain substances. This is covered by other standards (e.g. other parts of the IEC 62321 series), which are referred to as "test standards" in this document;
– guidelines for assessment of compliance.
This document has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.
IEC 62321-2:2021 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Reference to the IEC 62321 series instead of to a list of individual parts of the IEC 62321 series.
b) Update of the flow chart in Figure 1. Restructure of Clause 4 and update of examples in Annex A.
c) Adjustment of the risk levels of certain parts and materials to reflect the recent technology development and material change. Update of Table B.1 to include the risk levels of phthalates. Creation of Table B.2 for other substances (e.g. HBCDD, PAH) in polymeric materials.

IEC 62321-3-2:2020 is available as IEC 62321-3-2:2020 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
IEC 62321-3-2:2020 specifies the screening analysis of fluorine, chlorine and bromine in polymers and electronics using combustion-ion chromatography (C-IC). IEC 62321-3-2:2020 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2013. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) In the previous edition, a screening test method for bromine (Br) content only was provided. In this edition, a screening test method by C-IC for fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) has been added to the normative part of the document.
b) A screening test method by C-IC for iodine (I) has been added in Annex D (informative).
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-10:2020 specifies one normative technique for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in polymers of electrotechnical products. These PAHs can especially be found in the plastic and rubber parts of a wide range of consumer articles. They are present as impurities in some of the raw materials used in the production of such articles, in particular in extender oils and in carbon black. They are not added intentionally to the articles and do not perform any specific function as constituents of the plastic or rubber parts.
The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC MS) test method is suitable for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
These test methods have been evaluated for use with plastics and rubbers. These test methods have been evaluated for use with ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) containing individual PAHs ranging from 37,2 mg/kg to 119 mg/kg and rubbers containing individual PAHs ranging from 1 mg/kg to 221,2 mg/kg.
WARNING – This document does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
This horizontal standard is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of standards in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108.
One of the responsibilities of a technical committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal standards in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal standard will not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications.

Specifies the requirements for individual types of sheets of non-impregnated densified laminated wood produced from beech veneer defined in IEC 61061-1.

IEC 62321-7-2:2017 describes procedures to measure hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), quantitatively in samples of polymers and electronics. This method employs organic solvent to dissolve or swell the sample matrix, followed by an alkaline digestion procedure to extract Cr(VI) from samples. Studies have shown that organic/alkaline solution is more effective than acidic solution in extracting Cr(VI) from soluble and insoluble samples. Minimal reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) or oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) occurs under alkaline conditions. The first edition of IEC 62321:2008 was a ‘stand-alone’ standard that included an introduction, an overview of test methods, a mechanical sample preparation as well as various test method clauses. This first edition of IEC 62321-7-2 is a partial replacement of IEC 62321:2008, forming a structural revision and generally replacing Annex C. IEC 62321-7-2 is the final replacement part of the corresponding clauses in IEC 62321:2008.
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-8:2017 specifies two normative and two informative techniques for the determination of di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-iso-decyl phthalate (DIDP) in polymers of electrotechnical products.
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC TR 62936:2016(E) provides guidelines for the selection of substances for the development of test method standards. The substances and substance groups listed in the IEC 62474 database are the primary source of candidate substances. Other substances that are under regulatory roadmap and market requirements can also be considered for this filtering and selection process.

IEC 62321-7-1:2015 describes a boiling water extraction procedure intended to provide a qualitative determination of the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in colourless and coloured corrosion-protection coatings on metallic samples. In this procedure, when Cr(VI) in a sample is detected below the 0,10 g/cm2 LOQ (limit of quantification), the sample is considered to be negative for Cr(VI). Since Cr(VI) may not be uniformly distributed in the coating even within the same sample batch, a "grey zone" between 0,10 g/cm2 and 0,13 g/cm2 has been established as "inconclusive" to reduce inconsistent results due to unavoidable coating variations. In this case, additional testing may be necessary to confirm the presence of Cr(VI). When Cr(VI) is detected above 0,13 g/cm2, the sample is considered to be positive for the presence of Cr(VI) in the coating layer.
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-6:2015 specifies one normative and two informative techniques for the determination of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in polymers of electrotechnical products. The test methods are:
- The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS);
- The ion attachment mass spectrometry (IAMS) technique and
- The high-pressure liquid chromatography technique. This first edition of IEC 62321-6 is a partial replacement of IEC 62321:2008, forming a structural revision and generally replacing Annex A.
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-5:2013 describes the four test methods for lead, cadmium and chromium in polymers, metals and electronics, namely AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry), AFS (atomic fluorescence spectrometry), ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), and ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) as well as several procedures for preparing the sample solution from which the most appropriate method of analysis can be selected by experts.
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-2:2013 provides strategies of sampling along with the mechanical preparation of samples from electrotechnical products, electronic assemblies and electronic components. These samples can be used for analytical testing to determine the levels of certain substances as described in the test methods in other parts of IEC 62321. Restrictions for substances will vary between geographic regions and from time to time. This Standard describes a generic process for obtaining and preparing samples prior to the determination of any substance which are under concern.
IEC 62321-2:2013 has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-3-1:2013 describes the screening analysis of five substances, specifically lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), total chromium (Cr) and total bromine (Br) in uniform materials found in electrotechnical products, using the analytical technique of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry.
IEC 62321-3-1:2013 has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-4:2013 describes the use of four test methods for mercury in polymers, metals and electronics, namely CV-AAS (cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry), CV-AFS (cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry) ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), and ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) as well as several procedures for preparing the sample solution from which the most appropriate method of analysis can be selected by experts.
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-3-2:2013 specifies the screening analysis of the total bromine (Br) in homogeneous materials found in polymers and electronics by using the analytical technique of combustion ion chromatography (C-IC).
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321-1:2013 refers to the sample as the object to be processed and measured. The nature of the sample and the manner in which it is acquired is defined by the entity carrying out the tests and not by this standard. It provides guidance on the disassembly procedure employed for obtaining a sample. This first edition of IEC 62321-1 is a partial replacement of IEC 62321, forming a structural revision and replacing Clauses 1 to 4.
IEC 62321-1:2013 has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.

IEC 62321:2008, which is an International Standard, specifies the determination of the levels of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contained in inorganic and organic compounds, and two types of brominated flame retardants, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) contained in electrotechnical products. This standard refers to the sample as the object to be processed and measured. The nature of the sample and the manner in which it is acquired is defined by the entity carrying out the tests and not by this standard. It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.