STC (Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre) recently awarded “STC tested” Mark Certificates to 16 face mask manufacturers. This certification serves to confirm these face masks are in compliance with specific standards, deserving of the confidence of consumers when they purchase such face masks to protect their safety and health during the current epidemic.

The 16 “STC tested” Mark Certification manufacturers are: Ai Care Medical Technology Limited, Art Beauty Group Company Limited, Asia Pacific Industrial Safety Equipment, DongguanShingshunElectronics Plastic Company Limited,GuangdongWeisdinScience and Technology Co Ltd, GuangdongKaidiGarments Company Limited, Guangzhou Jiani Medical Technology Company Limited, Health and Beauty Medical Supplier Company Limited, Medipark Pty Ltd, Oneness Development Limited, Oxyair Mask HK, Pure Living Inc Limited, Shan Ho Asia Pacific Limited, Shang Manufacturing Limited, Top Leader Group International Limited, and Wing Ming Co(O/B Allways Health-Care Corporation Limited).

Face masks produced by the above 16 face mask manufacturers have been rigorously tested by STC according to the US ASTM F2100-19, EU EN14683:2019 and China GB 15979:2002, including the following testing items: Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)%, Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE)% at 0.1µm, Differential Pressure (Delta P) (mmH₂O/cm² or Pa/cm²), Resistance of Penetration by Synthetic Blood (mmHg), Flammability to Class 1 or Microbial Cleanliness and Total Bacterial Count, Coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Hemolytic Streptococci, and Total Fungal Count.

In the face of the global coronavirus epidemic, face masks have become an indispensable protective device in people's daily life. At present, there is a wide variety of masks on sale in the market of varying quality. The Hong Kong Customs has recently identified several makes of surgical masks exceeding the maximum permitted bacterial count limit. It is not easy for consumers to verify the accuracy of the labelled information, making it difficult for them to make a purchase decision. The “STC tested” Mark label on the packaging of certified face masks will assist the general public in picking the qualified brands, and is certain to boost their confidence when making a choice.

The “STC tested” Mark is a product quality certification scheme established in 2003 and managed by STC with the aim of helping consumers make the best shopping choice. Products certified under the Scheme have been rigorously tested by STC to verify their compliance with relevant local and international standards.