The corona pandemic continues to pose major challenges for society. In particular, concerns about counterfeit products and incorrectly approved respirators are growing and are increasingly a major topic in the media. For example, 30,000 masks were recently recalled in Bavaria because they did not meet EU standards following an inspection.
Check the imprint on the respirator mask
Without the appropriate testing equipment, it is very difficult to identify inferior products. Nevertheless, we would like to explain to you what you should pay particular attention to when buying and how you can check the authenticity of uvex products in particular.
Respirators approved according to EN149:2001+A1:2009 and PPE Regulation 2016/425 must be printed with certain information.
Therefore, when purchasing a mask, first check the mask imprint and the packaging for completeness of this information:
Furthermore, the following points are mandatory:
- The product must be accompanied by instructions for use in the national language of the country of sale. If a product is sold to Germany, it accordingly requires German instructions for use.
- The storage conditions must be defined (e.g. on the packaging).
- The production and/or expiration date must be indicated on the packaging.
- A declaration of conformity must be issued by the manufacturer (this must either accompany the product or be made available online in the respective language – a corresponding note must be found in the instructions for use).
- The products must be approved by a NANDO listed Notified Body (also called certifier or approval body).
This means that the certifier must be authorized to test and certify personal protective equipment in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Examples of Notified Bodies that are known to uvex:
- BSI Netherlands (2797)
- Inspec (0194)
- GÉPTESZT Kft. (2233)
- IFA (0121)
- DEKRA (0158)
- APAVE (0082)
You can check the Notified Body of your present product here: Nando Databank
Specifically for uvex products, please also pay attention to the following points:
- Unless explicitly described otherwise by uvex, the products are always delivered in uvex packaging.
- On the uvex respirator you will find an imprint with uvex, the relevant standards and the CE mark (see example illustration).
- An uvex user manual is included in each package.
- uvex masks are sold in defined packaging units. uvex does not currently sell individual masks.
- Both the manufacturing and expiration dates are visibly printed on the packaging.
- Due to strict quality requirements, it is very unlikely that you will receive products that are no longer packaged, have been incorrectly assembled, or that there are misspelled words on the packaging and instructions for use.
What to do if you are not sure whether the product at hand is a fake?
- First contact the manufacturer/dealer and ask to see the type examination certificate (certificate) and the declaration of conformity. Check the Notified Body and look for possible spelling or grammatical errors. If there are several conspicuities, they could be counterfeit documents.
- If unsure, you can often check the authenticity of the certificate on the certifiers’ websites or request confirmation by email.
- In case of missing information on the mask, e.g. without European protection class information (FFP1/FFP2/FFP3), without CE mark or without 4-digit number, we advise not to buy the product.
- If possible, buy the products from well-known manufacturers who have been producing respirators for a long time.
- If you are unsure about a uvex product, we will be happy to help you assess its authenticity. To do so, contact your customer advisor or: serviceteam@uvex.de.