The united States Air Force has stated its intention to turn the writing and management of penetrant specifications over to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This process is ongoing. When it is completed there will be changes in how penetrant materials become qualified for purchase by the U. S. Defence Department and its contractors. There will also be changes in how specifications governing penetrant usage will be written. Since prime aerospace manufacturers often adjust their specifications in accordance with U. S. military standards, changes in how the standards are written will have global implications.

Meanwhile, internationally sanctioned efforts to eliminate the use of ozone depleting solvents have accelerated. The elimination of such solvents has implications which will affect how parts are cleaned prior to penetrant inspection, as well as how penetrants are packaged. Penetrant users must be aware of the alternative solvent replacements becoming available as well as their respective advantages and shortcomings.

Increasingly, the treatment and disposal of penetrant effluent has become an issue. Penetrant users must be aware of alternatives to flushing penetrant effluent down the drain. Trends in recycling, biodegradability, and filtration will affect how penetrant materials are handled in the future. What these trends are and their potential effects will influence penetrant usage throughout the world.