Dedicated Face Mask Laboratory Opens at European PPE Competence Center

COVID-19 has increased demand for a variety of face mask types – from basic community mask to filtering facepiece respirators (FFP). Choosing the right face mask for the environment in which it is going to be used affords the wearer and those around them considerable protection from this and other viruses.

However, increased demand has also led to large quantities of poor-quality face masks arriving on European markets. Whether they supply community, medical, or FFP masks, businesses need to be sure their products are safe and conform to internationally recognized standards.

Accredited by the Finnish Accreditation Service (FINAS) at the beginning of July 2021, our new state-of-the-art European face mask laboratory offers testing solutions for a broad range of face mask types. Services cover a variety of internationally recognized standards, including:

• EN 149:2001+A1:2009 – Respiratory protective devices. Filtering half masks to protect against particles. Requirements, testing, marking
• EN 14683:2019 – Medical face masks. Requirements and test methods (benchmark for providing conformity to CE marking requirements)
• CWA 17553:2020 – European Committee for Standardization (CEN) workshop agreement for reusable, non-medical, community face coverings

Ivan Chan, Global Head of Medical PPE: “SGS has a long history of providing accurate and fast testing and certification services to operators across the PPE sector. With our new fully accredited face mask laboratory in Helsinki we are able to offer manufacturers and suppliers a one-stop solutions for all their testing needs. It is a clear indication that we remain committed to supporting PPE operating in markets around the world. After all, a product is only trusted because it is tested.”

In addition, our experienced team can support manufacturers and suppliers of face masks with a variety of complementary services for compliance and risk assessment.

Our one-stop solution helps businesses bring their products quickly and effectively to markets across Europe and the rest of the world.

For more information, please contact:

Florent Trilles
Business Manager
Hardlines / Softlines
t: +358 9 6963641
www.sgs.com/PPEinEU

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.