Symbols and markings on FFP masks

Marks on the mask

The test information is printed directly on the mask. It decides what the mask is approved for.

• CE marking with identification number

  The CE mark shows that the mask complies with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 as personal protective equipment of category III. The four-digit number behind it names the notified body that monitors production. The instructions for use name BSI (2797) and APPLUS (0370). The product page shows which number is on your item.

  Where you find it: Mask, front of the inner box, top of the box

• UKCA marking

  UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) is the conformity mark for the Great Britain market. It appears next to the CE mark on masks whose inner box shows it.

  Where you find it: Front of the inner box, only on items with a UKCA print

• Standard EN 149:2001+A1:2009

  The standard sets the requirements for filtering half masks against particles: filter efficiency, total inward leakage, breathing resistance and marking. The number behind FFP is the class.

  Where you find it: Mask, front of the inner box

• NR: non-reusable

  NR stands for “non-reusable”. The mask is meant for one working shift, eight hours at most, and is disposed of afterwards, even if it looks undamaged. If it is damaged, breathing resistance is high or it is dirty, it is replaced sooner.

  Where you find it: Mask and front of the inner box, behind the class (e.g. FFP2 NR D)

• D: dolomite dust test passed

  The letter D shows that the mask passed the dolomite dust test. Under heavy dust loading breathing resistance stays within the permitted range. Masks without D have not been tested for this.

  Where you find it: Mask and front of the inner box, behind NR (e.g. FFP3 NR D)

Pictograms on the packaging

The side panels of the inner box show pictograms for use and storage. They are understood internationally; the text beside them is in German, English and French.

• Consult the instructions for use

  The open book with an “i” asks you to read the instructions for use before putting the mask on. They cover use, limits and storage. The warnings apply even if the mask has been worn many times.

  Where you find it: Side panel of the inner box, in the grey band

• Putting on in five pictures

  Five numbered pictures show how to put the mask on: take it in your hand, place it over nose and chin, position the straps, adjust the nose clip and check the seal. The text beside them gives the same steps in German, English and French.

  Where you find it: Side panel of the inner box, at the top

• Keep dry

  The umbrella with “<80 %” means: store dry, at a relative humidity below 80 %. A damp pack can impair the mask.

  Where you find it: Side panel of the inner box, in the grey band

• Storage temperature range

  The thermometer shows the temperature range for storing the mask. According to the instructions for use the masks are stored at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and in the closed, undamaged original packaging.

  Where you find it: Side panel of the inner box, in the grey band

• Date of manufacture, expiry date, lot number

  Three fields on the box give the date of manufacture, the expiry date (“use before”) and the lot number. If stored correctly the masks keep for five years according to the instructions for use. After the expiry date the mask is no longer used. You need the lot number for enquiries and complaints.

  Where you find it: Underside of the inner box

• Barcode (EAN)

  The barcode with the 13-digit number serves inventory management: it identifies the item at goods receipt, in the warehouse and at the till. It has nothing to do with the protection of the mask.

  Where you find it: Top of the inner box

The descriptions are based on the inner boxes and instructions for use of the AirGuard Pro disposable respirators 6100, 6201, 6203, 6311, 6311C and 6312. The instructions for use of the item in your hand are authoritative.

Sources: the standard editions correspond to the harmonised standards under Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1279 (EN 149:2001+A1:2009 for disposable respirators). Full texts of the standards are available from the DIN PPE standards portal, specialist information on the product groups from the DGUV PPE department (Germany). Graphical symbols are standardised in ISO 7000 and ISO 7010 and can be looked up in the ISO Online Browsing Platform. All links are listed below under Sources.

How to read a mask in thirty seconds

1. Class and suffix: FFP2 NR D or FFP3 NR is the protection level. It must match the concentration, see Workplace exposure limit (AGW).
2. CE with number: without the number the mask is not permitted. More in Recognising a genuine FFP mask.
3. Expiry date and lot: expired masks are no longer used.
4. Instructions for use and pictures 1 to 5: put the mask on accordingly, then check the seal, see Putting on an FFP mask.
5. Storage: dry, at room temperature, in the original packaging, see Wearing time and shelf life.