Knowledge base
PFAS in soil: what applies to sampling and classification
PFAS has moved from special topic to standard parameter in soil handling. Here is the state of the guideline values, the new requirements and how to handle PFAS-containing soil without stalling the project.
Guideline values: preliminary values apply
The Swedish EPA has not yet decided on generic guideline values for PFAS in soil, and the timing of that decision is open. Pending a decision, the Swedish EPA and SGI recommend that the preliminary values from 2015 be applied: 0.003 mg/kg DW for sensitive land use and 0.020 mg/kg DW for less sensitive. It is the sum of seven PFAS (PFBS, PFHxS, PFOS, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA and PFOA) that is compared against the values, not PFOS alone. Guideline values are not legally binding limit values, but the preliminary values are the assessment basis recommended by the Swedish EPA and SGI and used by supervisory authorities. See also our guide on KM and MKM guideline values. The line to hazardous waste follows its own rulebook, and the EU POP Regulation can bite regardless of other assessments.
Pressure is increasing from several directions
Since 1 January 2026 new drinking water limits apply under the Swedish Food Agency's regulations: 4 nanograms per litre for PFAS 4 and 100 nanograms per litre for PFAS 21. That indirectly tightens requirements on soil near water sources. At EU level the watch list in the Soil Monitoring Directive, covering relevant PFAS, must be established by 16 June 2027, the first step toward systematic PFAS monitoring in soil. The direction is unambiguous: more sampling, lower acceptance, stricter documentation requirements.
Sampling: what makes PFAS different
PFAS calls for specific sampling procedures because the substances are present in everyday materials. Field crews need to avoid contamination from, for example, water-repellent clothing and certain sample containers, and the laboratory needs the right analysis package: PFAS analyses are ordered as sum packages where knowing which substances are included is critical.
What do you do with PFAS-containing soil?
The options depend on concentration and receiver: reuse within the site, a facility permitted for PFAS-containing soil, or at high concentrations, treatment. Acceptance criteria vary greatly between facilities, so verify the receiver's permit before transport instead of taking a chance at the gate.
Frequently asked questions
Are there guideline values for PFAS in soil?
Yes, preliminary ones. The Swedish EPA and SGI recommend that they be applied pending a decision on generic guideline values: 0.003 mg/kg DW for sensitive land use (KM) and 0.020 for less sensitive (MKM), where the sum of seven PFAS is compared against the values.
What are PFAS 4 and PFAS 21?
Sum groups of PFAS substances used in limit values and analyses. PFAS 4 (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA) has a limit of 4 nanograms per litre in drinking water and PFAS 21 has 100 nanograms per litre, both in force since 1 January 2026.
Do I always have to analyse for PFAS?
Not always, but where PFAS sources are suspected, such as fire training grounds, landfills and certain industries, it is effectively a requirement, and more and more clients require it as standard.
What does the EU Soil Monitoring Directive require regarding PFAS?
That relevant PFAS are included on the watch list of new substances of concern that must be established by June 2027, see our guide on the EU Soil Monitoring Directive for more.
Want the guide as a PDF?
Download the full guide as a PDF, handy to share internally or bring to the next project meeting. The PDF is in Swedish.
Classify against always-current guideline values
Pinpointer's classification module is a decision-support tool with version-controlled guideline-value rules: when the Swedish EPA changes a value you see it immediately, and every classification is saved with the rule version in force. You always make the final decision.