In response to the huge growth in the use of face coverings, a number of organisations have published technical guides aimed at makers and sellers of masks. These documents do not have any legal standing but are intended as a helpful guide.

• The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards has published guidance for companies making or supplying non-medical masks. This guide looks at how masks and face coverings have to meet the General Product Safety Regulations. For more click here

• CEN the European Standards body has released a new document – Community face coverings – a Guide to the minimum requirements, methods of testing and use. This guide is freely available and can be downloaded here It covers issues such as sizing, packaging, materials and labelling.

• AATCC – The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists has published Guidance on Textile Face Coverings for Adults. Again this is freely available and can be downloaded here

• Ginetex – the International Care Labelling organisation has issued advice on how to clean a fabric face mask. For further information click here

UKFT can provide extensive guidance on labelling requirements for garments and other textile products in all major markets throughout the world. For more advice and guidance about labelling, UKFT members can contact info@ukft.org.

Not a member? Find out more about UKFT membership here.