Local manufacturing of surgical face masks follows strict standards set by the British Standards Institution (BSI), ensuring that masks are of good quality and safe to use.
This sets local manufacturers apart from those in other countries that may not follow such stringent standards, making local production a safer option for consumers.
In addition, having a local manufacturer of surgical face masks helps ensure a stable supply chain, even during times of crisis.
Accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies for Disposable Medical Masks in Europe
Disposable medical masks in Europe undergo an accreditation process to ensure their conformity to British Standards Institution (BSI).
This process involves the acknowledgement of competence of the product in the European conformity assessment system, which consists of conformity assessment bodies such as laboratories, inspection authorities, and certification bodies.
Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is a legal entity that conducts a conformity assessment of goods/services to check the compliance of the product.
This assessment is a set of methods to demonstrate to the market and the consumers that a product meets the requirements that are set by legal authorities.
The benefits of conformity assessment are to provide assurance to the local bodies about the integrity of the product.
However, accreditation does come with a risk, including fraudulent certification and/or corruption at the level of trading.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that there is a market surveillance going on that compares the credibility of the market product with the original accredited prototype.
Understanding BS EN 14683 Compliance for Face Masks
BS EN 14683 compliance is a set of standards established by the British Standards Institution for face masks production to ensure that masks meet specific requirements.
These standards specify the criteria for different types of masks, for instance, have a filtering layer and fit the nose, chin, and mouth of the wearer properly.
Additionally, masks must be labelled and packaged appropriately.
BS EN 14683-compliant masks are considered authentic and made according to the guidelines set by the British Standards Institution.
This ensures that masks are of good quality, reliable, and meet safety requirements.
Non-compliant masks may not meet the same standards and could pose a risk to the wearer.
Therefore, it is essential to look for BS EN 14683 certification when purchasing masks to ensure that they meet the required quality standards and are safe to use.