Understanding UPF Clothing and CE Marking: What You Need to Know

Understanding UPF Clothing and CE Marking: What You Need to Know

As public awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation continues to grow, so too does the demand for sun-protective clothing. However, many consumers may not realize that garments claiming UV protection must now comply with specific regulatory standards in the European Union.

According to SGS SafeGuardS 044/19, effective April 21, 2019, any clothing item—including hats, gloves, and swimwear—that claims to protect the skin from the sun must be CE marked as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

PPE Regulation - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 [ec.europa.eu]

PPE Guidelines - PPE Regulation Guidelines [ec.europa.eu]

What Does This Mean for Manufacturers and Retailers?

If your product makes a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) claim, it must:

• Be classified as Category I PPE
• Be tested according to EN 13758-1 and EN 13758-2
• Achieve a UPF rating of 40 or higher and UVA transmission below 5%
• Be labelled with the CE Mark
• Include mandatory warnings such as:
  • “Sun exposure causes skin damage”
  • “Only covered areas are protected”
  • “Protection may be reduced when stretched or wet”

Technical Documentation Requirements

Manufacturers must compile a Technical File that includes:

• A complete description of the PPE and its intended use
• A risk assessment outlining the hazards the PPE is designed to protect against
• A list of applicable essential health and safety requirements
• Design and manufacturing drawings, including components and sub-assemblies
• Explanations to support understanding of the design and operation
• References to harmonised standards applied in design and manufacture
• Details of any alternative technical specifications used if harmonised standards are not fully applied
• Results of design calculations, inspections, and examinations
• Test reports verifying conformity and protection class
• Description of quality control measures during production
• A copy of the manufacturer’s instructions and user information (Annex II, point 1.4)
• For custom PPE: instructions for manufacturing based on the approved model
• For series-produced PPE: procedures to ensure each item meets approved specifications

This documentation must be retained for 10 years and made available for inspection upon request.

Why Is This Important?

UV radiation is a leading cause of skin damage and skin cancer. While sunscreens offer chemical protection, clothing with verified UPF ratings provides a physical barrier against harmful rays. However, not all fabrics offer equal protection, and repeated washing can reduce effectiveness.

By enforcing CE marking and requiring comprehensive technical documentation, the EU ensures that consumers receive safe, effective, and trustworthy sun-protective apparel.

What About Sun Hats and Swimwear?

Even accessories like sun hats must comply. In the UK, BS 8466 is the applicable standard for hats with UPF claims. Swimwear may not offer full body coverage, but if it claims UV protection, it must still carry the CE mark.

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