About the EU Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/403 for PPE

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic the EU has published a recommendation on conformity assessment and market surveillance procedures for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), especially face masks, but also gloves, protective coveralls and eyewear protection.

Download a copy of the EU Recommendation now >

Update 16 September 2021

The EU Commission recently issued Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/1433 which directly affect PPE products put on the market under the EU Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/403. Please visit our page to understand the changes and implications that this has on your products.

EU Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/1433 for PPE >

Why has the Commission published this recommendation?

Due to the unprecedented levels of demand for PPE in response to the COVID-19 pandemic the European Commission is encouraging Notified Bodies to process applications for CE marking swiftly and to consider non-harmonised standards for certification. This guidance has been given to enable more product to be placed on the market in the EU more quickly. It also aims to reduce the risk of medical professionals and first responders, not having access to the correct or to sufficient PPE.

What do I need to do now?

If you have product such as face masks that are manufactured following technical solutions other than harmonised standards, which are contained within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on the appropriate selection of PPE, we may, as a Notified Body, be able to use these as a potential source of reference for such technical solutions for you to place product on the European market and affix the CE marking.

Guide for PPE for those new to PPE manufacturing

If you are a school, university or other organization new to the manufacture of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) you may find this document of use.

Download the guide

Contact us

Contact our certification experts today so we can discuss the options available to you to place compliant product on the market swiftly and to support the efforts to fight this pandemic.

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