Determination of the UV protection factor (UPF) according to UV STANDARD 801 is based on maximum solar spectral irradiance and the solar spectrum in Melbourne/Australia on January 1st of a year (height of Australian summer) and the most sensitive skin type for the wearer.

Depending on the article group, the UPF value of the UV protective material is determined as follows:

Clothing

  • in new condition
  • in stretched state 
  • in wet state
  • after abrasion
  • after washing or cleaning
     

To The Testing Programme

Shading

  • in new condition
  • in stretched state
  • in wet state
  • after weathering
     

To THE Testing Programme

UV protective textiles are only certified in accordance with the UV STANDARD 801 if they have achieved the minimum requirement of UPF 10 for each of the test steps mentioned above. Furthermore, clothing certified in accordance with the UV STANDARD 801 must meet the basic requirements regarding the UV protection objective. For example, with UV protective clothing, areas of the skin exposed to solar radiation must be sufficiently covered.