IEC 62321-11-2023 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 62321-11:2023 — Determination of certain substances in electrotechnical products — Part 11: Tris(2‑chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) in plastics by gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) and liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry (LC‑MS. This part of IEC 62321 specifies two quantitative techniques (GC‑MS and LC‑MS) for the determination of TCEP in selected plastic matrices and describes an optional Py/TD‑GC‑MS screening technique in Annex A.

Abstract

This standard defines methods for extracting, detecting and quantifying tris(2‑chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) in plastics such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene using GC‑MS or LC‑MS, with an additional Py/TD‑GC‑MS screening procedure described in an informative annex. Applicable concentration range, matrix limitations and thermal‑stability considerations are specified.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 15 December 2023.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 13.020.01; 43.040.10 (environment and electrical/electronic equipment categories).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2023).
• Number of pages: 73 pages (PDF/printed editions available).

Core bibliographic details and publication metadata are taken from the IEC publication record.

Scope

Specifies two laboratory test procedures (GC‑MS and LC‑MS) for quantitative determination of TCEP in plastics, intended for use with polyurethane, PVC and polyethylene containing TCEP in the approximate range 200 mg/kg to 2 000 mg/kg. The methods exclude plastic materials with processing temperatures above about 230 °C because TCEP undergoes thermal decomposition near that temperature. Annex A describes Py/TD‑GC‑MS as a screening option. The standard is part of the IEC 62321 series and refers to sample preparation and disassembly guidance in other parts of the series.

Key topics and requirements

• Target analyte: tris(2‑chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) — identification and quantification criteria.
• Analytical methods: detailed GC‑MS and LC‑MS procedures for extraction, chromatographic separation and mass‑spectrometric detection.
• Screening technique: Pyrolyser/thermal desorption GC‑MS (Py/TD‑GC‑MS) described in Annex A for screening applications.
• Applicable matrices: polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene; matrix suitability and concentration range (≈200–2 000 mg/kg).
• Limitations: not applicable to plastics processed above ~230 °C due to TCEP thermal decomposition; users must consider polymer processing temperatures and thermal stability of the analyte.
• Quality requirements: calibration, blank controls, recovery checks, method validation and reporting of measurement uncertainty and results.
• Normative cross‑references: linkage to IEC 62321 series parts for sample preparation, disassembly and related analytes.

Typical use and users

Used by analytical testing laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, electronics and electrical equipment manufacturers, environmental compliance teams, product designers and regulators for RoHS/chemical‑restriction compliance evaluation, material screening and supplier verification. Laboratories apply the standard when quantitative confirmation of TCEP content in plastic components is required.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 62321 series (chemical determination in electrotechnical products). Relevant cross‑references include IEC 62321‑1 (introduction/overview), IEC 62321‑2 (sample preparation and disassembly), and other parts covering specific substances and methods (for example parts addressing phthalates, flame retardants, PAHs and halogenated substances). Users should consult the full IEC 62321 family for complementary test methods and procedural guidance.

Keywords

TCEP; tris(2‑chloroethyl) phosphate; plastics; GC‑MS; LC‑MS; Py/TD‑GC‑MS; IEC 62321; chemical compliance; RoHS; analytical method; polymer testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62321‑11:2023 is an international standard that specifies laboratory procedures for detecting and quantifying TCEP in certain plastics using GC‑MS and LC‑MS, with an optional Py/TD‑GC‑MS screening method.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample applicability (polyurethane, PVC, polyethylene), extraction and instrumental analysis steps, calibration and quality controls, applicable concentration range (approximately 200–2 000 mg/kg) and limits related to thermal stability (not for plastics processed above ~230 °C). Annex A provides a screening Py/TD‑GC‑MS procedure.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited chemical‑analysis laboratories, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, compliance officers, regulators and product designers who need to verify TCEP levels for regulatory or internal compliance reasons.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 62321‑11:2023 was published on 15 December 2023 and is the current edition (Edition 1.0). Users should monitor the IEC catalogue or national standards bodies for amendments or future revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the IEC 62321 series on determination of certain substances in electrotechnical products; the series contains multiple parts covering sample preparation, specific analytes and various analytical techniques. Refer to other parts (for example IEC 62321‑1 and IEC 62321‑2) for complementary procedures and context.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: TCEP, tris(2‑chloroethyl) phosphate, GC‑MS, LC‑MS, pyrolysis/thermal desorption, plastics testing, IEC 62321, RoHS compliance, analytical method, polymer matrix.