Safety Gate (Previously called RAPEX) 2021 PPE Recalls

Safety Gate is a rapid alert system that enables quick exchange of information between EU members about products posing a risk to health and safety of consumers. The basis is established according to General Product Safety Directive 2001/95.EC (GPSD) and published in a weekly report.

From January 2021 through May 2021, Safety Gate has already issued a total of 56 notifications related to particle filter masks. The most common issue is the products have not been certified by the appropriate notified body, which accounted for 30 notifications. The next most frequent reason for failure is that the products did not perform as claimed.

This is mainly due to poor filtration performance or mask not meeting the standard.

The recall cases demonstrate the importance of testing face masks to the correct standard and ensuring the products meet the standard performance requirements.

Source: European Commission – The Safety Gate Rapid Alert System:

https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumers_safety/safety_products/rapex/alerts/
repository/content/pages/rapex/index_en.htm

Intertek offers comprehensive testing solutions for surgical face masks and particle respirators for key international standards including the US, EU, China and Taiwan standards.

Particle Respirator (FFP) Standards

• NIOSH CFR Part 84
• EN 149
• GB 32610, GB 2626
• CNS 15980,

Medical Mask Standards

• ASTM F2100
• EN 14683
• GB 19083, YY/T 0969-2013, YY0469-2011
• CNS 14774