UV STANDARD 801 Textile Certification

Clothing and sun shades don't wash off.

With the right design, they can provide much better protection than even the strongest sun cream.

But, not all UV claims or standards are created equal. UV STANDARD 801 is the strictest certification for textile UV protection.

Certification Details

Compare Standards

Certification Process

two kids wearing UV protective clothing, playing on a sunny beach — Certified apparel and sunshades provide durable UV protection - that doesn’t wash off.

Dependable UV Protection

UV protection cannot be determined by visual examination or feeling the material. Nor can UV protection effect be reliably calculated without considering use conditions.

pink children's hat labeled with UV STANDARD 801 certification for 80 UPF — Hohenstein is a founding member of the International Testing Association for Applied UV Protection.

UV STANDARD 801 is an independent label that shows reliable proof of protection against UV radiation and the tested sun protection factor (UPF = Ultraviolet Protection Factor).

In addition the product in new condition, UV STANDARD 801 considers real-life use situations. Use factors that affect the UPF include how the textile stretches when worn, changes when wet and ages due to wear, weather and washing.

UV STANDARD 801 calculates UPF based on the worst-case scenario for the solar radiation and human skin type. The UV STANDARD 801 label indicates that textiles have been measured to the strictest specifications.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

T-shirt and sunshade versions with "Protect 80" — The UV STANDARD 801 label is available with tested UPF values of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80.

UPF is a multiplier for natural protection time based on skin type. It indicates how long the textile lets you stay in the sun while effectively protecting your skin from damage.

Young, elderly and fair-skinned people need a higher UPF to stay protected for as long as healthy adults with darker skin.

Other risk factors include altitude, exposure repetition and length, UV index (UVI), and immune deficiencies.

Tough Criteria - Reliable Protection

UV STANDARD 801 can test any shade or clothing materials that protect skin from any form of UV radiation.

Technician in lab with tent to be tested — UV STANDARD 801 tests with the strongest UV intensity, most sensitive skin and in wet/stretched condition.

To determine a reliable Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), every factor in the use of textiles must be considered.

UV STANDARD 801 uses the most stringent criteria based on simulation of realistic conditions:

Maximum UV ray intensity based on the Australian/New Zealand solar spectrum (Solar radiation on January 1 in Melbourne, at the peak of the Australian summer)
Assumption of most sensitive human skin type
Testing of product in new condition
Testing after product use with validated measurement procedures for simulating typical usage conditions
- Clothing: stretching, wetting, abrading, cleaning, washing
- Shading: stretching, wetting, artificial aging/weathering

Testing UV Protective Products and Materials

Clothing
Clothing - EU Regulation
Shading

Clothing

UV protection clothing such as sportswear, outerwear, beach wear, swimsuits, hats/headgear, workwear and PPE

Textiles specifically designed for UV protection can be especially effective. However, clothes are subject to stretching, sweat and use that can reduce the protective effect. UV STANDARD 801 tests for the highest level of consumer protection with the worst-case scenerio.

In the new state: Material's UV transmittance measured at several points over 1 m² area
In both the stretched and wetted states: UV protection factor determined on random samples of the material
Abraded and washed samples: Remaining samples are abraded and cleaned (using the manufacturer's specifications) then measured
UPF rating for consumer protection: The lowest determined value in the worst-case scenario
Certification is granted to the lowest UPF ≥ 10

Testing Scope

New material
Stretched
Wetted
After abrasion
After washing

Clothing - EU Regulation

All UV protective clothing = PPE

EU Regulation 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment

When sold in the EU, any UV protective clothing is considered PPE, which must also carry a CE Mark. UV STANDARD 801 is recognized as a technical specification and necessary proof for UV protective properties.

Hohenstein is also a notified body for compliance with the PPE Directive and CE Marking, which is a separate process from UV STANDARD 801 certification.

Shading

Shading products such as awnings, umbrellas, tents, window films, parasols and beach shelters

The initial UV protection factor can range from 5 to 80 depending on the material and color. Shading materials are also subject to prolonged use and weather conditions that can reduce the UPF. UV STANDARD 801 provides a UPF for both new and aged states.

In the new state: Material's UV transmittance measured at several points over 1 m² area
In both the stretched and wetted states: UV protection factor determined on random samples of the material
Weathered state: Remaining samples are weathered then measured
UPF rating for consumer protection: The lowest determined value in the worst-case scenario
Certification is granted to the lowest UPF ≥ 10

Testing Scope

New material
Stretched
Wetted
After weathering

Comparison of UV Protection Standards

Chart comparing AS/NZS 4399, DIN EN 13758-1, AATCC 183 and UV STANDARD 801 on obligations, applications, spectrum, what is measured and UPF classifications — Apparel and Shades get used, wet and worn out. Does the UPF rating consider this? It should!

UV STANDARD 801 Certification Process

1. Application
2. Testing
3. Certification
Renewal
Extension

1. Application

Application for Certification

Complete and sign:

Application form - Be sure to include precise product description and intended use

Submit forms:

Email to USA@Hohenstein.com
Print copies to ship with samples

2. Testing

Submit Samples for Testing

Testing Samples:

At least 1 m² of each material and color, taken across the entire (or at least half of) the product width
For clothing, one sketch of each finished product
Included printed copy of Application + Declaration of Conformity with shipment

Shipping address:

Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG
(ATTN: Silke Heidt)
Schlosssteige 1
74357 Bönnigheim
GERMANY
Phone: +49 7143 271-898

Testing:

The samples are tested according to the programs for clothing or shading textiles
Test report - including the UV protection factors for all test steps

Note - tested material in finished products:

Claims can only be made if the material use meets the UV protection objective for locations normally exposed to direct sunlight
This is a customer obligation and does not form part of the material testing

3. Certification

Certificate is granted if:

Application, declaration of conformity and testing are successfully completed
Product complies with basic requirements of UV protection objective
UPF ≥ 10

The certificate and product label are valid for one year.

Tested products can be labeled with UPF value of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 or 80 (test results are rounded down to the next level)
Certificate lists the lowest determined UV protection factor under all test conditions
Test report lists the exact UV protection factors for all test steps
Upon request, the product may listed in UV STANDARD 801 product database

Renewal

Annual Renewal

Annual renewal of the certificate and is required for continued use of the UV STANDARD 801 label. Renewal applicants must submit:

Representative sample material for testing
Completed application form

Significant changes to the product or testing failures require brand new certifications.

Extension

Certificate Extension

Certificates can be extended (during the one year validity period) to include additional colors within the same certified material. The new samples are subject to the complete testing program.

The certificate's original expiry date remains unchanged.