IPC-1752B Update Adds PFAS Reporting Requirements

IPC Releases Updated Material Declaration Standard

The IPC has released an updated version of its IPC-1752B Material Declaration standard, incorporating specific provisions for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) reporting. This update represents the most significant change to electronics material declaration requirements in over a decade, driven by the European Union’s proposed universal PFAS restriction under the REACH regulation.

The update affects every layer of the electronics supply chain, from raw material suppliers and laminate manufacturers to PCB fabricators, component suppliers, and OEMs. For the PCB industry specifically, the changes are particularly impactful because PFAS compounds are present in multiple critical materials used in board fabrication.

Why PFAS Matters for PCBs

PFAS — often called “forever chemicals” due to their environmental persistence — are a class of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds. In PCB manufacturing, PFAS compounds appear in several key areas:

PTFE-based laminates: High-frequency PCB materials such as Rogers RT/duroid, Taconic, and other PTFE-based laminates inherently contain PFAS. These materials are essential for RF and microwave PCB applications operating above 10 GHz.

Surface treatments: Some conformal coatings, flux residues, and surface finish processes use fluorinated compounds for their hydrophobic and thermal stability properties.

Solder mask additives: Certain solder mask formulations contain fluorinated leveling agents and anti-wetting additives that fall under the PFAS definition.

Release agents and mold compounds: Press pads, release films, and certain mold compounds used in lamination may contain PFAS.

The EU’s proposed PFAS restriction — submitted by authorities from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden — would ban all PFAS uses except those granted specific “essential use” exemptions. The electronics industry has been actively lobbying for broad essential-use exemptions, particularly for high-frequency laminates where no viable PFAS-free alternatives exist.

Key Changes in IPC-1752B

The updated standard introduces several new data fields and reporting requirements:

PFAS Content Declaration Fields

Classification System

IPC-1752B introduces a three-tier PFAS classification:

1. PFAS-Free: No intentionally added PFAS; total PFAS content below 50 ppm
2. PFAS-Containing (Essential Use): Contains PFAS for a function where no technically viable alternative exists (e.g., PTFE RF laminates)
3. PFAS-Containing (Non-Essential): Contains PFAS where alternatives may be available

This classification aligns with the EU’s proposed exemption framework, allowing companies to begin categorizing their materials ahead of regulatory deadlines.

Supply Chain Data Exchange

The standard also updates the XML data exchange schema to support PFAS information flow through the supply chain. This includes:

• Standardized PFAS substance identifiers compatible with ECHA’s SCIP database
• Aggregation rules for reporting PFAS content at the assembly level
• Interoperability with IPC-1754 (Material Declaration Management) and IPC-1755 (RoHS Declaration)

Impact on PCB Fabricators

PCB fabricators face several immediate challenges:

Material inventory audit: Every laminate, prepreg, solder mask, surface finish chemistry, and process consumable must be assessed for PFAS content. For manufacturers working with halogen-free materials, some overlap exists with existing declarations, but PFAS reporting requires separate and more specific identification.

Supplier engagement: Fabricators must request updated IPC-1752B declarations from all material suppliers. Many chemical suppliers are still developing their PFAS analytical capabilities, creating potential data gaps.

Process documentation: For each product family, fabricators must document which materials contain PFAS, the function of those PFAS, and whether alternatives have been evaluated.

Customer communication: Major OEMs — particularly those selling into the EU market — are beginning to request PFAS declarations. Early compliance gives PCB fabricators a competitive advantage.

The PTFE Laminate Question

The most critical PFAS issue for the PCB industry is the status of PTFE-based high-frequency laminates. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is itself a PFAS substance, and it is the foundation of virtually all high-performance RF/microwave PCB materials.

Industry groups including IPC, the European PCB manufacturers’ association (EIPC), and RF material suppliers have submitted detailed technical dossiers to ECHA arguing for essential-use exemptions for PTFE in electronics. The key arguments include:

• No PFAS-free material exists that matches PTFE’s combination of low Dk (2.1), ultra-low Df (0.0004), and thermal stability
• Applications including 5G infrastructure, automotive radar, satellite communications, and defense systems depend on PTFE laminates
• The processing of PTFE into finished PCB laminates does not release PFAS into the environment under normal manufacturing conditions

While exemptions for PTFE laminates are widely expected, the timeline and conditions remain uncertain. Engineers designing high-frequency PCB systems should monitor this regulatory development closely.

Compliance Timeline

What PCB Engineers Should Do Now

1. Audit your BOM: Identify which materials in your designs contain PFAS, particularly PTFE laminates and specialty coatings
2. Request updated declarations: Ask your PCB fabricator for IPC-1752B PFAS declarations for your specific stackup
3. Evaluate alternatives where possible: For non-essential PFAS uses (certain coatings, additives), begin qualifying PFAS-free alternatives
4. Document essential uses: For PTFE laminates and other critical PFAS materials, prepare technical justification for essential-use exemptions

Atlas PCB tracks all material compliance data across our supply chain and can provide IPC-1752B declarations for any product. Upload your Gerbers for a free engineering review and discuss compliance requirements with our team.

Related: PCB Environmental Standards | PCB Halogen-Free Materials Guide | IPC Standards Updates 2026