November 2025: Essential Chemical Technology Standards Released

This November, the global chemical technology sector receives a significant boost with the publication of five pivotal international standards. These newly released documents address advanced analytical procedures, laboratory safety, on-site explosives manufacturing, and critical infrastructural guidance. Whether your focus is air quality analysis, laboratory design, or hazardous materials management, these standards form the foundation of compliance, safety, and innovation. In this article, we examine each standard in detail, highlight their scope, practical implications, and why your business cannot afford to ignore them.

Overview / Introduction

The field of chemical technology is central to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals to environmental monitoring, mining, and laboratory sciences. International standards in this sector drive harmonization, safety, traceability, and quality across complex operations. Adhering to updated standards ensures not only legislative compliance but also fosters operational excellence and innovation.

In this in-depth feature, you'll discover:

• The latest best practices in surface chemical analysis
• Requirements for safe explosives manufacturing on-site
• New principles for TXRF instrumentation and analysis
• Guidance for laboratory furniture design and installation
• Rigorous standards for recirculatory filtration fume cabinets

Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of all five November 2025 chemical technology standards.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 23971:2025 – X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Particulate Matter Filters

Surface chemical analysis – X-ray fluorescence analysis of particulate matter filters

ISO 23971:2025 offers authoritative guidance on preparing samples and performing both qualitative and quantitative elemental determinations on particulate matter (PM) collected using various types of filtering membranes, employing energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) techniques. It specifically excludes the sampling phase and focuses on analytical processes where the exciting source is an X-ray beam, not an electron microscope.

Key provisions include:

• Applicability to elements with atomic numbers above 11 (sodium) and for samples exceeding 10 ng deposited mass.
• Permits use of filters made from glass fibre, quartz, cellulose, nylon, polycarbonate (PC), or PTFE.
• Addresses sample handling, calibration (including use of certified reference materials), uncertainty analysis, and reporting.
• Highlights that the method is non-destructive and environmentally friendly, supporting global sustainability initiatives.

Who needs to comply:

• Environmental monitoring labs
• Occupational air quality testing facilities
• Industrial hygiene professionals
• Research institutions analyzing airborne particulate pollutants

Practical implications: Organizations must ensure robust calibration regimes, validated methodologies, and careful consideration of filter material compatibility. The move towards non-destructive XRF testing minimizes hazardous waste and speeds up analytical turnaround.

Key highlights:

• Promotes green, sustainable analytical chemistry
• Includes extensive technical definitions and calibration protocols
• Emphasizes measurement uncertainty and quality checks

Access the full standard:View ISO 23971:2025 on iTeh Standards

CEN/TS 18063:2025 – On-site Mixed Explosives Assessment

Explosives for civil uses – Assessment of on-site mixed explosives and associated manufacturing units

CEN/TS 18063:2025 is the definitive guidance for assessing the conformity of explosives manufactured directly on-site, including mobile manufacturing units (MoMUs) and their associated equipment. The standard details both design-phase requirements and structured assessment methodologies for ongoing production.

What it covers:

• Clear requirements for equipment and organizational controls in on-site explosive production
• Procedures for the assessment of explosive types such as ANFO, heavy ANFO, emulsions, slurries, and water gels
• Criteria for mobile manufacturing units, including security, labeling, risk assessment, maintenance, training, and documentation

Applicability:

• Mining operations
• Civil construction firms using explosive materials
• Mobile manufacturing unit providers
• Regulatory agencies overseeing explosive safety

Implementation considerations: Adoption of this standard demands integrating robust risk assessments, documentation controls (logbooks, calibration records), staff training, and conformance verification. Compliance ensures not only safety but also a competitive edge when bidding for infrastructure projects.

Key highlights:

• Assessment protocols for a variety of on-site explosives
• Requirements for design, equipment, and operational controls
• Includes annexes with on-site testing methods (density, detonation velocity)

Access the full standard:View CEN/TS 18063:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 16666:2025 – Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF): Principles and Requirements

Surface chemical analysis – Total reflection X-ray fluorescence – Principles and general requirements

ISO 16666:2025 sets forth the foundational physical principles, instrumental requirements, and methods required for accurate total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis. This standard is a vital reference for laboratories and manufacturers of TXRF instrumentation.

Key content includes:

• A detailed review of TXRF’s physical underpinnings, including glancing angle definitions and X-ray standing waves
• Specifications for spectrometer setup, including beam conditioning, detector configuration, and reflector materials
• Guidance on calibration, developing analytical methods, and assuring measurement quality
• Quality control and data reporting expectations

Industries impacted:

• Material science
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Environmental and biological sample analysis
• Academic and commercial research labs using advanced analytical chemistry

Implementation tips: With TXRF’s ultra-low detection limits and non-destructive capabilities, it’s essential to carefully control instrument geometry, sample preparation, and calibration protocols as outlined. Early adherence will improve both quality assurance and audit readiness.

Key highlights:

• Standardizes TXRF instrument setup and maintenance
• Defines quality control and calibration procedures
• Supports consistent high-precision surface analysis

Access the full standard:View ISO 16666:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 14056-1:2025 – Laboratory Furniture Design and Installation

Laboratory furniture – Recommendations for design and installation – Part 1: General

EN 14056-1:2025 offers up-to-date, practical recommendations for the design, installation, and refurbishment of laboratory benches and associated storage units in chemistry, biology, and physics laboratories (excluding pre-university settings). This revision is part of a planned series and features a fundamental overhaul of the previously existing requirements.

Scope and practical topics:

• Guidance for all project phases: planning, design, manufacturing, installation, and testing
• Requirements for bench design, services distribution, under-bench storage, and space utilization
• Emphasizes integration of utility services (gases, electricity, IT) and safe/ergonomic setup
• Reference to additional standards for safety cabinets and pressurized gas management

Target audiences:

• Facility managers
• Laboratory furniture manufacturers
• Architects and laboratory planners
• Laboratory safety officers

Implementation implications: Early integration of EN 14056-1:2025 into laboratory planning ensures compliance with European and international best practices, smoother project management, and safer, more efficient research environments.

Key highlights:

• Detailed recommendations for modular and fixed furniture installations
• Coverage of utility connections and services integration
• Marking, labeling, and documentation controls

Access the full standard:View EN 14056-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 17242:2025 – Recirculatory Filtration Fume Cabinets

Recirculatory Filtration Fume Cabinets

EN 17242:2025 sets modern requirements for recirculatory (ductless) filtration fume cabinets (RFFC) used to contain and filter airborne chemical contaminants before returning air to the laboratory environment. This is essential for laboratory safety, resource efficiency, and compliance in environments where external ventilation may not be feasible.

What the standard stipulates:

• Exhaust and containment requirements for airborne hazards
• Comprehensive design and manufacturing standards, including filtration system classes for particulates and gases
• On-site and type testing, including face velocity, sound pressure, and filter performance
• Guidelines for filter marking, maintenance, alarms, and operational documentation
• Recommendations for specialized usage, such as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) substances

Applicable sectors:

• Academic and industrial laboratories
• Research institutions
• Quality control labs using hazardous chemicals

Practical impact: Conforming with EN 17242:2025 ensures laboratory safety during hazardous operations, especially in settings with limited external ventilation. The comprehensive testing protocols streamline validation and routine performance checks.

Key highlights:

• Stringent standards for filter integrity and containment
• Mandates user-facing alarms and flow indicators
• Addresses both design/type testing and routine on-site validation

Access the full standard:View EN 17242:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

How These Standards Affect Your Business

With these November 2025 releases, the chemical technology sector can expect heightened expectations from regulators, insurers, and customers alike:

• Risk mitigation: Improved procedures and testing lower the chance of costly incidents or compliance breaches.
• Reputation and competitiveness: Certification to new standards signals to stakeholders an organization’s commitment to best-in-class practices and continuous improvement.
• Legal and regulatory alignment: Many standards are cross-referenced in regulatory and tender requirements. Early adoption helps anticipate and adapt to legislative changes before they become mandatory.

Compliance Considerations and Timelines

• Assess current compliance for the newly published standards and identify gaps
• Train relevant staff and update process documentation
• Engage with accredited certification bodies where certification is desired or mandated

Benefits of Adoption

• Better quality, safety, and traceability of analytical results and laboratory operations
• Improved asset value and performance of laboratory infrastructure
• Enhanced operational efficiency through harmonized procedures

Risks of Non-compliance

• Exposure to regulatory penalties or insurance premium hikes
• Increased risk of safety incidents, especially in hazardous environments
• Loss of market access or prestige if lagging in standardization

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements Across These Standards

• Rigorous calibration and validation: Both X-ray fluorescence standards (ISO 23971 and ISO 16666) and the on-site explosives specification demand exacting calibration, traceability, and method validation.
• Robust documentation practices: Effective record-keeping is emphasized in explosives manufacture, laboratory furniture installation, and fume cabinet management.
• Integration of health, safety, and quality: All standards feature provisions to mitigate occupational risks.

Implementation Best Practices

1. Gap Analysis: Map existing SOPs and facilities against the new standard requirements.
2. Training: Ensure staff are trained on the latest protocols, safety measures, and testing procedures.
3. Process Optimization: Use standard guidance to streamline laboratory workflows, procurement, and maintenance.
4. Continuous Improvement: Document routine reviews and process improvements as recommended by quality assurance frameworks (e.g., QMS).

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Analytical labs: Implement routine instrument validation and participate in interlaboratory comparisons as documented in ISO 23971 and ISO 16666.
• Manufacturing and facilities: Schedule regular audits, both internal and (where applicable) by accredited bodies, for continued certification.
• Safety-critical environments: Maintain up-to-date test logs, training records, and service reports, especially where hazardous materials or critical infrastructure are involved.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The November 2025 suite of chemical technology standards defines the new baseline for laboratory safety, analytical rigor, and industrial process integrity across a broad spectrum of technical environments. Whether you manage analytical labs, explosive manufacturing operations, or laboratory upgrades, these standards guide safe, sustainable, and high-quality outcomes.

Key takeaways:

• New standards raise expectations for competence, traceability, and safety
• Early adoption supports compliance, credibility, and business resilience
• Professional engagement with plain-language, actionable updates boosts both quality and regulatory standing

Recommendations:

• Review the full text of each standard (linked above) to determine applicability
• Update internal policies, staff training, and procurement processes in line with the new requirements
• Stay subscribed to leading standards platforms, such as iTeh Standards, to receive timely updates and practical implementation guidance

Explore the complete set of newly published chemical technology standards and ensure your operations stay at the forefront of international best practices.