How do you recognise counterfeit or untested respirators?
During the coronavirus pandemic, everyone wants to protect themselves as much as possible. While mainly 3-layer face masks were used at the beginning of the pandemic, the demand for FFP2 masks continues to rise. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are capitalising on this demand and bringing untested respirators onto the market - these can sometimes be of very poor quality, which can also have a noticeable effect on protection. But how can you recognise untested masks before you buy them? We will explain this to you!
These test marks should be present on an FFP2 mask
A first indication of untested respirators can be the lack of test marks. It is a legal requirement that the test marks must always be printed directly on the respective mask. The prescribed test marks are:
- CE marking including a 4-digit identification number of the responsible test centre
- The protection class of the respirator: FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3. The specification of the protection class also includes one of the three indications NR (not reusable), R (reusable) or the suffix D (suitable for high dust levels)
- Year of publication and number of the associated European test standard EN 149
- Product and manufacturer name
The following documents must also be available for a tested FFP2 mask:
- Instructions for use
- Declaration of conformity of the manufacturer
- EU type examination certificate
Where can I find the declaration of conformity and the EU type examination certificate?
In some cases, the declaration of conformity (document in which the manufacturer confirms that the product in question complies with European standards and specifications) can be found as part of the mask's instructions for use. However, if this is not the case, the declaration of conformity should always be available on the manufacturer's website. If no declaration of conformity can be found there either, the mask should be checked for other features and the manufacturer should be asked for the missing declaration if necessary.
The EU type examination certificate (document in which an authorised inspection body certifies that a PPE product complies with the PPE Directive) can also be found on some manufacturers' websites - however, this is not mandatory. Nevertheless, it must be possible to produce the certificate on request.
What is the difference between FFP2 masks and KN95 masks?
FFP2 masks must comply with the European standard EN 149. KN95 masks, on the other hand, are approved in accordance with the Chinese standard GB 2626. In general, it can be said that KN95 masks can provide a similar level of protection to FFP2 masks. However, KN95 masks are not approved for the European domestic market without testing or regulatory action. As a rule, these masks must therefore be tested again before they can be sold in Europe. Although KN95 masks cannot yet be considered fully equivalent, they do offer proven protection against infection. However, caution is also required when purchasing these masks: Some of them also come onto the market in inferior quality or misdeclared.
Conclusion - be careful when buying masks!
The number of counterfeit or untested masks on the market cannot be precisely quantified. However, the fact is that FFP masks must be tested for compliance with the European PPE Regulation before being sold on the European market. Non-certified products can be recognised by the lack of CE marking, for example. However, protective masks can also be checked for other features before purchase to ensure that they are approved FFP masks. If masks are sold as FFP masks despite the lack of a test mark, it can be assumed that they are masks of inferior or inadequate quality - in the worst case, they may have little or no protective effect.
Tip: Further helpful information on this topic can also be found in the corresponding FAQ from the DGUV.
