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, Dongguan Shingshun Electronics Plastic Company Limited, Guangdong Weisdin Science and Technology Co Ltd, Guangdong Kaidi Garments 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.

【Hong Kong，1 June 2020】Hong Kong Certification Centre (HKCC), a subsidiary of the Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre (STC), was officially accepted by the IEC System for Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE) CB Scheme as the sole China National Certification Body (NCB) in Hong Kong.

In accordance with the IECEE’s announcement, HKCC has been authorized to issue CB Test Certificates, which are recognized by around 60 IECEE Member Bodies under the IECEE CB Scheme, representing access to the global markets.

Operated by the IECEE, the IECEE CB Scheme is an international system for mutual acceptance of test reports and certificates dealing with the safety of electrical and electronic components, equipment and products.  It is a multilateral agreement among participating countries and certification organizations, which aims to facilitate trade by promoting harmonization of national standards with international standards and cooperation among accepted NCBs worldwide. As a result, a single CB Test Certificate allows worldwide market access. Its significance is it largely overcomes the international trade barriers caused by various standards and criteria in different countries.

The Hong Kong Certification Centre (HKCC) (formerly known as The Hong Kong Safety Institute or HKSI) was established in 1998 as a product certification body in Hong Kong. Through its one-stop product certification service, clients are able to obtain speedy approval for their products both in local and overseas, thus saving time and cost.HKCC is accredited by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) and Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) for particular scopes of product certification service, as well as a Recognized Certification Body (RCB) of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in Hong Kong.  HKCC is committed to providing high quality services, increasing public awareness of product quality, safety, and environmental protection, promoting consumer interests, as well as enhancing international recognition in the aspects of testing and certification services in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, HKCC will continue to provide professional, efficient, and reliable services to electrical product manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers alike to improve product quality and global competitiveness.

【Hong Kong，20 April 2020】The last few months have seen the novel coronavirus COVID-19 placing severe restrictions on everyday life in Hong Kong as it continues to wreak havoc around the globe. Governments around the world are clamoring to take measures to fight this pandemic. Sadly, the death toll iscontinuing to hit new highs. To counter this threat, every possible precaution and preventive measure should be adopted.

In response to such an imperative, STC is introducing a Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Surface Swab Test (“the Surface Swab Test”), which is aimed at providing an effective low-cost means to assess and monitor the potential risks of the COVID-19 virus in our daily living environment. Through the use of this new test service, invisible high-risk environments can be detected at an early stage so as to reduce the risk of outbreak in our community, including shopping malls, event venues, work places, apartments, homes and so on.

The Surface Swab Test Kit adopts reagents and test methods recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It uses the cutting-edge technology of PrimeStore® MTM extraction reagent in accordance with the safety guideline of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC. Only several simple steps are required to collect a sample of suspected contaminated surfaces, for instance, elevator buttons, handrails, door-handles, faucets, electrical switches, etc. The reagents packed with the Surface Swab Test Kit kill viruses and other pathogens in advance, and the whole process is safe and fast. Samples should be returned within five days after sampling. STC’s laboratory will test and extract RNA with a one-step real-time RT-qPCR testing procedure. The test result will become available in 72 hours.

As an independent third-party testing organization, our Research and Development team is dedicated to developing innovative testing services to serve our community.  As Hong Kong’s leading testing organization, STC is fully committed to our social responsibility. Through the introduction of this new service, STC aims to make available its expertise in testing to work together with all Hong Kong people to protect lives and maintain public hygiene during the global coronavirus pandemic.

You are invited to attend our webinar regarding the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) requirements and application procedures:

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