NSF Certifies First RO Membranes Manufacturer in the World to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 + PFAS Tested

NSF, a global human health organization, has certified the first RO/NF membranes manufacturer to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 + PFAS Tested. Toray Advanced Materials Korea Inc. has earned the certification for its RO/NF membranes for meeting the requirements of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, which evaluates the health effects and safety of drinking water-related products, materials and components, and demonstrating that the product does not extract per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds above health-based criteria.

“PFAS exposure and its negative health impacts are increasingly becoming a daily concern, with countries around the globe introducing regulations to set limits in drinking water,” said Jinhee Kim, Senior Director, Water, NSF APAC. “Toray Advanced Materials Korea Inc. is leading by example by being the first to earn NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 + PFAS Tested, demonstrating a commitment to safer drinking water and international compliance.”

The certified RO/NF membranes are now listed in NSF’s official certified products database as complying with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 + PFAS Tested and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, which covers lead content requirements for drinking water system components.

The certified RO/NF membranes are products under CSM, the filter brand of Toray Advanced Materials Korea and a global leader in membrane technology. Since pioneering commercial production of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in 1994, CSM has expanded its portfolio to include nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), microfiltration (MF), and ion exchange membranes—positioning itself as a comprehensive membrane solution provider. Renowned for innovation and reliability, CSM’s proprietary membranes deliver exceptional performance across diverse applications—from seawater desalination and ultrapure water production to wastewater recycling. Its advanced polyamide RO membranes deliver superior salt and TDS removal with high efficiency and low energy costs.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 + PFAS Tested certification earned by CSM’s RO/NF membranes evaluates whether PFAS leach from products and materials used in drinking water systems. The certification mark is awarded to products for which testing confirms that the specified PFAS compounds do not leach at levels exceeding the health-based criteria established under NSF/ANSI/CAN 600.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 is one of the most respected drinking water standards in the world and establishes minimum health-effects requirements for the chemical contaminants and impurities that are indirectly imparted to drinking water from products, components and materials used in drinking water systems, such as pipes, valves, filters, coatings and water treatment products. Rather than assessing a product’s water purification performance, the standard focuses on drinking water contact safety and the potential for chemical leaching.

Mr. Taeyong Ryu, Marketing Head of Filter Division for Toray Advanced Materials Korea recognizes the importance of various environmental regulations, and we expect that, as the first RO membrane to receive the U.S. “NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 + PFAS Tested” certification, it will contribute to supplying safe water while also playing a major role in securing a large-scale drinking water reference in the future.”

Available for all products certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, whether or not they require testing for PFAS under the standard, NSF’s PFAS testing allows manufacturers to make it clear that their product complies with the latest PFAS requirements for drinking water system components.