What are the requirements on civil masks that are considered general consumer goods?
There are no harmonised European standards on civil masks that are considered general consumer goods, unlike masks intended as personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical devices.
General consumer goods must fulfil the requirements of the Consumer Safety Act and the Decree on information to be supplied.
The technical characteristics of the products and materials must be such that they are in fact suitable for the stated purpose. Among other things, the products must not make breathing too difficult or cause other hazards for special groups, for instance.
Standards targeted at other products, such as PPEs and medical devices, can also be used in the design and manufacturing of general consumer goods as applicable. Due to the coronavirus epidemic, European standardisation organisations are offering these standards for free for the use of the manufacturers.
NB! If the product information or marketing material has any reference, direct or indirect, to  standards regarding personal protective equipment or medical device:
- the product can no longer be considered general consumer goods
- the product must also fulfil the other requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or the legislation on medical devices.
With regard to the materials used, guidelines can be found, as applicable, from sources such as the commission’s interpretations, see the answer provided for the last question Q8.
Further information on making cloth masks can be found in the joint press release by Tukes, Fimea and Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL).