Vinyl chloride dosage

Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is a volatile organic compound used as a base material for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Classified as a known carcinogen (CMR 1A), it is subject to strict regulatory monitoring, particularly in materials in contact with food, medical devices, packaging, and engineering polymers.

Vinyl chloride analysis allows for verification of residual VCM (vinyl chloride) levels in PVC or polymer materials, as well as for assessing the risks of migration into food, water, or sensitive environments. This analysis is essential for demonstrating compliance with European and international regulatory requirements.

Why analyze vinyl chloride?

VCM analysis is required in several industrial contexts:
• quality control of PVC resins and copolymers
• verification of regulatory migration limits
• compliance of materials intended for food contact (EU Regulation 10/2011)
• control of packaging materials: films, bottles, gloves, containers
• risk assessment for sensitive applications (pharmaceutical, medical)
• detection of residual traces in plasticized or extruded elements

Its presence beyond the permitted thresholds may lead to a batch recall, regulatory non-compliance or significant toxicological risks.

Analyzed matrices

YesWeLab supports the analysis of vinyl chloride in:
• rigid PVC and plasticized PVC
• plastic films and sheets
• food packaging (jars, trays, stretch films, bags)
• pharmaceutical containers and materials
• engineering polymers containing recycled PVC
• seals, coatings, composite materials
• solid samples, granules, powders or finished products

The analysis can be performed on raw material or final product.

Analytical techniques used

Since vinyl chloride is a volatile compound, reference methods are based on gas chromatography:
• HS-GC-MS (Headspace GC coupled with mass spectrometry)
– the most commonly used method for quantifying VCM residues
– excellent sensitivity for traces and ultratraces
• GC-FID or GC-ECD depending on regulatory requirements
• specific thermal desorption methods for certain rigid matrices

Partner laboratories apply standardized methods when available (ISO, EN, validated internal methods), with limits of quantification compatible with the requirements of the European Regulation.

Regulatory requirements

Vinyl chloride is strictly regulated, notably in:
• Regulation (EU) 10/2011 – plastic materials intended for food contact
→ Specific migration limit (SML) = 0.01 mg/kg
• directives on recycled plastic materials
• regulations relating to medical devices
• codes of good practice in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries
• REACH (monitoring of residual monomers)

The proposed dosage allows compliance to be demonstrated or risks to be documented in case of residual presence.

Industrial applications

This analysis is particularly relevant for:
• film and packaging manufacturers
• PVC converters (extrusion, injection molding, calendering)
• food processing companies
• pharmaceutical packaging material manufacturers
• recycled polymer producers
• distributors and engineering firms specializing in materials safety

It helps to secure production chains, anticipate non-conformities and guarantee consumer safety.

YesWeLab Service

At YesWeLab , we work with a network of laboratories specializing in chemical analysis of materials, most of which are certified or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC). We select the most suitable laboratory based on your matrix, the required quantification threshold, and applicable regulatory constraints.
Our experts assist you in defining the appropriate scope of analysis, interpreting the results, and integrating the data into your technical documentation. Since 2020, over 200 industrial companies have trusted us for their plastics testing and regulatory analyses.