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In many places, the use of a mouth mask is now mandatory. Recently, colleague Vanessa Malawauw participated in the NEN standards committee for a seal of approval for face masks for public use. The purpose of the hallmark is to support consumers and (business) buyers in making a well-informed choice when purchasing face masks.
The press release below provides more information about the hallmark and the certification scheme.
NEN publishes a certification scheme for face masks for public use. This is based on the previously published NEN-spec 1-2. This describes requirements for manufacturers of face masks for public use. By having them tested according to the certification scheme, manufacturers can demonstrate that their face masks meet the set requirements. In early 2021, the first face masks can be certified and receive the seal of approval.
In all indoor public areas, wearing public-use mouth masks has been mandatory since Dec. 1. This type of masks is a new consumer product in the Netherlands. Therefore, many consumers do not know what to look for when purchasing such a mouth mask. A quality mark can help in the purchase choice.
NEN-spec 1-2 describes the requirements that face masks for public use must meet. The certification scheme ensures that all certifying bodies and laboratories test these requirements in the same way. By having masks tested according to the method described in the certification scheme, producers can demonstrate that their masks meet the requirements in NEN-spec 1-2. Once a certificate has been issued, producers may label the packaging and/or the mouth shield with the NEN seal of approval. Consumers can therefore see that they are buying a face mask that demonstrably complies with NEN-spec 1.
NEN has taken the initiative to draw up the certification scheme for face masks for public use. The scheme was drawn up by experts working for various companies and institutions. The following organizations cooperated on the scheme: Airpop / Telecom Lifestyle Fashion B.V; Modint - Brancheorganisatie Mode, Interieur, Tapijt en Textiel; Maastricht University/Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials; Kiwa Nederland B.V.; Chargeurs PCC; ISKO Vital B.V.; Little Concepts; Précon Consulting Group; and Toppoint. Together, these experts succeeded in publishing a workable certification scheme in a short period of time. Kiwa Nederland B.V. is one of the companies involved in the creation of the scheme.
To ensure equal and correct testing, certification bodies (CIs) must enter into a license agreement with NEN. This is possible as of December 15 and is necessary to be able to test and certify masks and issue the seal of approval according to the certification scheme. Manufacturers and importers can contact any CBs that have an agreement with NEN. On the scheme page is an overview of all IAs that are already affiliated. There is also an FAQ for producers interested in the scheme.
Read the post on nen.nl
Are you looking for an expert partner to advise you on this? Précon Quality Services can help you. Contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com.
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