where to test masks ?
For protective masks and other personal protective equipment, at least EU type examination is necessary (for most of the PPE concerned in this crisis also a follow-up of the production by a Notified Body is required). Only Notified Bodies can do this step - the list of Notified Bodies for PPE can be found on https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/nando/index.cfm?fuseaction=directive.notifiedbody&dir_id=155501 - you can search by type of product in this list to find a Notified Body competent for your product (our member BSIF made a video on how to use the NANDO database).
Lists of accredited laboratories for masks :
The European Accreditation organisation EA has published a list of laboratories accredited for testing of masks (both protective and medical) - click here for the list of EA (list can be downloaded towards the end of this page).
Remark :
- There are laboratories that are able to test masks but are not (yet) accredited (e.g. laboratories that typically work on research). Also, not all European accredited laboratories for protective masks are notified body for respiratory protection.
- On this page of the EA there is also a link to the list of Chinese accredited laboratories for masks published by CNAS (Chinese national accreditation body - direct link for list updated on 31/08/2020 is https://www.cnas.org.cn/english/photonews/06/903064.shtml)
Make sure to verify the scope of accreditation (for which standards) or notification (Notified Body for which legislation and for which products) as both systems are used for a wide range of products and tests.
In collaboration with Euratex and EDANA, a list is made available of laboratories that can do testing for medical and protective masks as well as those that can certify the protective masks. The list is being updated regularly. If you have information to complete this list, please inform Henk Vanhoutte at ESF (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
This list is available for download on https://www.edana.org/how-we-take-action/covid-19/testing-labs-for-masks-and-EU-standards